It was cool and cloudy early yesterday morning at Huntley Meadows Park and there was not much activity. Perhaps the birds and animals stayed up to welcome the new year and were sleeping late.
This Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was a notable exception—he was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. In the midst of all of his activity, he paused for a few seconds to look in my direction and I was able to capture this modest little portrait of the squirrel.
I didn’t take any spectacular shots yesterday morning, none that are likely to make my list of favorites for 2016. I don’t feel disappointed, however, because I really enjoy taking photos of ordinary creatures and trying to capture a sense of their personalities. From that perspective, my new year of photography has already been a success.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I couldn’t think of a better shot of a squirrel because that is how I usually see them; peeking out from behind a tree, wanting to play hide and seek.
Well said.
Thanks, Allen. This is how I often see them, but usually the squirrels are faster than I am and are running off or climbing a tree before I can frame a shot.
That means I’m not the only one they do it to!
Very cute, such a great shot.
Thanks, Charlie. It’s “only” a squirrel, but they need love too.
We din’t have squirrels here do ut is always a treat to see an image of one. He us very alert!
So many typos – sorry about that! What I meant to say is we don’t get them in Australia so thank you for the treat!
I didn’t even think of the fact that squirrels aren’t present worldwide. That’s yet another reason to photograph the ordinary creatures that I see–they may not be ordinary elsewhere.
Oh those photogenic squirrels. I think the know when the camera is pointed their way. Cute.
They are so photogenic, but so active. It’s always a challenge for me to get them to pose.
I love this shot. It’s been a long time since I visited. I hope to rectify this by visiting more often!
Thanks, Nina. Squirrels are always fun to watch and Huntley Meadows Park is always worth a visit.