Yesterday, during a light rain, I looked out of my living room window, and to my surprise, I had a close-up view of a Rock Squirrel right next to the house.
For years, this neighborhood was squirrel-free, but several years ago, non-native Fox Squirrels moved in. It has been fun to watch them play in the trees, yards, and on the roads in the neighborhood. I’ve pointed out their nests, or dreys, to the neighbors and have had enjoyable conversations about them. I have grown used to having the Fox Squirrels around.
However, having a Rock Squirrel at my window was an unexpected delight. Seeing the squirrel reminded me of a photo I took earlier this spring at a city park close to home.
Rock Squirrel and Mia selfie – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yes, a Rock Squirrel and Mia selfie! Now, most of my friends & family know I don’t like being on the front side of a camera. That is just a fact. Another fact is that I suck at taking selfies. I’m fine on the working side of the camera, but trying to take selfies? That is usually a disaster.
A few weeks ago one of my high school classmates from Germany and I were able to meet and have dinner together for the first time in about 20 years. I took a selfie of Dianna and I after dinner and some how got the ceiling air vent at the restaurant instead of us.
Yeah, I am that bad at selfies.
But earlier this spring when I took this Rock Squirrel photo I unknowingly took a selfie. See that tiny white circle in the photo above? Inside that circle is my reflection in the squirrel’s eye standing on the grass with my tripod photographing the squirrel.
Hey, the selfie counts! And it is better by far than the few selfies I have tried to take.
Now, about the Rock Squirrel at home.
Earlier this year, when I started seeing the native ground squirrel species at a park close to home, I was excited.
Some of the people in this neighborhood have paid attention to our water crisis and have started to or have replaced their lawns with rocks, minimal grass, lots of wildflowers, and native shrubs. Basically, they have gone towards xeriscaping, which dramatically decreases the water needed to maintain a beautiful front or back yard.
Xeriscaped yards bring nature back and attract wildlife. I, for one, am delighted by that. And I love the way their yards look. These squirrels probably do too.
Native plantings sustain wildlife.
I thank you neighbors, the Great Salt Lake thanks you for reducing your water consumption, and Mother Nature thanks you too!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Rock Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Interesting. I knew gray squirrels, black squirrels, red squirrels and chipmunks but had never heard of a rock squirrels, (which are apparently longer, leaner lookalikes of GSs) or a fox squirrel.
I love that you have squirrels. I have had three kinds for a long time. We did not have any until the late 1980’s and the red tree squirrel was first to arrive. Next a few California rock squirrels followed by an explosion of eastern fox squirrels. Once the fox squirrels arrive the other two disappeared except for one red tree squirrel . I think neighbors have been killing the eastern fox squirrels or the coyote in the gully has been eating well. This spring I had 12 eastern fox squirrels at my bird feeders! I only have one or two now and I have two young red tree squirrels back at the feeder. I don’t do selfies, they annoy me. I don’t like photos of me and the only ones I have are usually ones friends took. I guess in my minds eye I don’t look like I do!
Smiling. I don’t do selfies. Mind you the one in the squirrel’s eye is probably one I could cope with (and I have to take your word for it because I cannot see it). Hooray for Xeriscaping.
That’s quite a selfie! But I understand how you feel about being in front of the camera. I’m more comfortable looking through the lens.
Xeriscaping is very popular here in Phoenix. You can design a beautiful yard with rocks and desert plants. It’s a logical choice in the middle of the desert.
Ceiling air vent? You must take selfies like I do. How the heck did you ever see yourself in the eye of that Rock Squirrel? Xeriscaping should be the norm for lots of towns & cities.