Yesterday I shared an image of a magnificent Great Blue Heron I captured at Torraine Lake. Today I want to showcase another creature I spotted while walking the paved trail around the lake – an energetic fox squirrel foraging in the trees.
I came across this bushy-tailed critter nibbling on seeds attached to the stem of an unidentified plant. It was delightful to watch it perched on a low hanging dead branch, completely absorbed in extracting the tiny seeds. Fox squirrels are expert climbers, equally as comfortable scurrying along the ground as they are leaping effortlessly from branch to branch.
Native to North America, fox squirrels are prevalent throughout Arkansas and one of the most common species I photograph. I always enjoy observing them up close, appreciating their brown-grey coats and brownish-orange undersides. They get their name from their fox-like faces and super fluffy tails.
It’s fascinating to see the variety of foods these resourceful rodents will eat. While they certainly don’t shy away from bird feeders, they’re just as content foraging naturally. I’m not sure what type of plant the fox squirrel was eating from, so if anyone recognizes it from my photo please let me know in the comments!
I like to capture unique squirrel behaviors and moments when I photograph them. This felt like a special interaction, watching it nibble seeds on a plant rather than from a man-made feeder. Fox squirrels are abundant but also energetic and wildly entertaining. I appreciate moments like this that remind me how much wildlife is all around us, if we pause to notice.
Let me know if you’ve had any interesting fox squirrel encounters! I’d love to hear your stories.
Image Information:
- Date: 10/16/23
- Time: 8:57 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 2000
- Aperture: 8
- Shutter: 1/800
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Lens (mm): 500
- Program: Manual