White Squirrel
One of the most familiar backyard creatures we have in the eastern part of the United States is the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). They are on our trees, robbing our bird feeders, “begging” for a snack in the park, but they are not always all the same. Some areas have local populations of melanistic, leucistic, or albino squirrels, and in some cases, these black or white appearances seem to possibly even be a color morph. I photographed this squirrel last week, and its dark (not red) eyes suggest it is not an albino even though it looked so very white. Such a...
Read MoreGray Squirrel
This Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was darting around like the summer had ended and fall was upon us again last week. After such a warm February and March, compared to long-term averages, the chilly start to April and freezing temperatures – not to mention snow – had plenty of animals scurrying back to cold mode. The squirrel was grabbing food and looking at me like, “Shouldn’t you be doing this, too?” as I walked past. Thankfully those days are over because hello, spring! This welcome change in the weather should keep us warm for a while and...
Read MoreBlack Squirrel (actually melanistic Eastern Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis)
The Black Squirrels (or actually melanistic Eastern Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis) of Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk, NY were doing quite well on November 11, 2013 grabbing all the food they could while they can. Despite that fact this one struck the classic, “Please sir I’m starving!” pose for me. It better fatten up soon as more snow and cold air is on the way with a frontal passage coming through our region tonight.
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