On my recent visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I had a pleasant surprise encounter with an Eastern Gray Squirrel. While I was packing up my camera equipment near the entrance, I noticed this charming creature making its way towards me. Though I do not usually photograph Gray Squirrels, as they tend to be more cautious around humans than Fox Squirrels, which are more commonly found in the areas I frequent, I couldn’t resist this opportunity.
Fortunately, this particular Gray Squirrel seemed more relaxed, and I was able to capture some lovely photos of it perched on a post. I used a Fujifilm X-T3 camera with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro. I didn’t have my beanbag with me, so I rested the lens on the open driver-side window frame of my pickup truck to stabilize it.
Gray Squirrels are fascinating animals, known for their striking gray fur, bushy tails, and charming personalities. They are native to North America and are one of the most common species of squirrels in the region. These squirrels are also renowned for their intelligence and adaptability, thriving in urban areas as well as forests.
In the wild, Gray Squirrels feed on a variety of foods, including nuts, fruits, insects, and seeds. They are also preyed upon by many animals, including hawks, owls, snakes, and domestic cats. While they may be cautious around humans, with patience and a bit of luck, it is possible to capture stunning photos of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture: f5.6
- ISO: 800
- Shutter speed: 1/480 of a second
- 0.7 exposure value
- Focal Length: 400 mm
Here are a couple of more of my photos of Gray Squirrels: A Busy Gray Squirrel and Two Eastern Gray Squirrels