Rock Squirrel in a Fragrant Sumac – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last week on the same day that I photographed a Warbling Vireo and fall colors and the Red-tailed Hawk with a snake I took images of a few other birds and one furry creature.
I had parked near a large Fragrant Sumac that is close to a creek at the edge of a forested area of the mountains. I could see the sumac leaves moving around but couldn’t tell what it was that was making them move. I glanced away to watch a Red-breasted Nuthatch fly into a Douglas Fir that was behind my Jeep and when I looked back at the sumac I had a Rock Squirrel looking right at me.
The Rock Squirrel was grasping a sumac branch and the shrub was so close to me I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to focus on it. The minimum focusing distance for my 500mm lens is 13.1 feet and I knew I was right on the edge of that limit. I locked my focus on the squirrel and took a few photos before it disappeared into the sumac.
I can see the ridge line of the canyon and a few trees in the squirrel’s eye. I wonder if the squirrel was sniffing the lemon scented leaves of the sumac when I photographed it.
About five minutes later I saw the Rock Squirrel leave the shelter of the sumac bush, cross the ground in front of my Jeep as it headed into the forested area near the creek. I wish I could have photographed it on the ground however I’m unable to focus through my windshield!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Rock Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful portrait. Love the detail and eye contact. Even Vermeer would be impressed. Thanks Mia.
Definitely a winner. And of course he was enjoying the sumac fragrance.
What a sweet portrait! You’ve made my day!
Lovely portrait, we all need those old jeeps the windshield would fold down on.
This is such a neat shot! I am still chuckling at this image!
I love this photo! The Rock Squirrel does seem to be sniffing something.