Melanistic Red Squirrel

[redrew]

Canon 50D, Canon 600 + 1.4x, 1/160 @ f10

[JPS]

Hi Rollin,
a nice capture. I bet this little fellow didn't stay still and pose for you. I guess you were set-up and ready to catch him as he popped his head around the edge of the tree.

Thanks for sharing.

[jprzybyla]

Hi Rollin, nice image. Interesting color for the squirrel, increased melanin. Kind of like the opposite of an albino.

[redrew]

Thanks, yes John I had to wait about 30 minutes for a shot, typical Squirrel stayed on the other side of the tree trunk until he decided to check me out. Melanism in Squirrels is not uncommon, particularly Grey Squirrels. But things were slow that day for birds so I had to put something on my card.

[ggt]

Nice shot. I always think they have the cutest faces! I give you a lot of credit for waiting for him to pose for you. One question, my eye is drawn to what looks like (what I would call ) a starburst on the right side. Is it really there or is it weird effect from the computer? It is kinda hard to focus in on it. Although it seems to frame his head nicely!

ggt

[redrew]

Thank you Gretchen, I think the light behind the head of the squirrel is daylight coming through the blurred pine tree. It could be a little distracting and is easily removed in Photoshop.