Opportunity!

                                                                        [ Shot Last Fall ]

This Red Squirrel, aka, Chickaree, Spruce Squirrel, Mountain Squirrel, Pine Squirrel, Boomer and Fairly-Diddle came running through the woods from nowhere and jumped up on this tree trunk giving me an instant opportunity. Just as I got my camera up and snapped this shot it tore off in another direction. Thankfully I was prepared and had this one in focus.

"It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared".

Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971): American Civil Rights Leader

Posing for a Handout

Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) also known as Pine Squirrel, North American Red Squirrel and Chickarees. They are very territorial and prefer a diet of seed from conifer cones but eat a variety of things.
On a recent hike up the Rainbow Falls Trail to Mt. LeConte Lodge, I happened upon this Red Squirrel who posed long enough for a few shots. It was obvious he was hoping for a handout of some morsel of food but by the plumpness of his body, I think he is getting well fed by all the hikers that come by his home in the woods.

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."
William Shakespheare (1564-1616):  English Playwright and Poet