I finally managed to photograph a Fox Squirrel in my Washington Hawthorn tree. On November 17, this squirrel decided to feast on the red berries while I was ready with my camera. I’ve watched these squirrels snack on the berries for a while, but this was the first time I got a clear shot of one.
A Favorite Spot for Fox Squirrels
Fox Squirrels are regular visitors to my yard, and they seem to love this particular tree as much as the birds do. The Washington Hawthorn is truly a magnet for wildlife. In a previous blog post, I wrote about how this tree attracts numerous bird species, like robins and cedar waxwings. The Fox Squirrels are just as enthusiastic about these bright red berries.
Abundance of Fall Berries
This photo shows the squirrel comfortably perched among the branches, munching on the berries. The Washington Hawthorn berries are a popular food source for many animals during the fall, and the Fox Squirrels waste no time taking advantage of this abundance.
Photo Details
I took this photo with my Canon R5 Mark 2, using the Canon RF 200-800mm lens at 800mm. The settings were ISO 2500, aperture f/9, and shutter speed 1/1000, with an exposure compensation of +0.7. Despite the cloudy conditions, the bright red berries and the squirrel’s rusty fur added a lot of color to the scene.
Why Plant a Washington Hawthorn?
This image captures the essence of what makes the Washington Hawthorn such a valuable tree for wildlife. Not only does it provide food for birds, but it’s also a favorite of Fox Squirrels. If you’re looking to add a tree to your yard that benefits a variety of species, consider the Washington Hawthorn.