After handling some needed banking today, I pointed my ride west and headed out of the city. My destination? That changed after arriving at my first usual stop in Calico Basin. After taking the landscapes, I drove into the basin and sat down in my usual area, hoping to find some Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels.
And sure enough, they came to me like I was momma or pappa! I was grinning from ear to ear as these delicate little animals roamed around at my feet, stopping to sniff my shoes and legs. So adorable! My next trip out there, I need to have some oats in a bag so they can have a proper snack. Gladly, there were very few people there.
Tomorrow, I plan to take a ride into the mountains complete with tripod and a bite to eat as there isn’t much to eat up there unless you are a squirrel! Or any of the other critters up there. Maybe I’ll find some wild horses, so rare but it’s happened just once. Maybe I can grab some photos of the recent fire area too, so sad.
About the photos, the landscape photos are OK, but the photos of the squirrels are not what I’d hoped for. The main reason being the lack of direct sunlight as I was setting on a steel picnic table, directly under the metal roofing or sunshade. A bummer, man! I seriously need the telephoto lens for this camera as they were in the sunshine, but too distant.
But, that’s a $2600.00 price tag… Ouch. Photo time!
My goodness, those squirrels are soooo cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alphe, I so love to watch them scurry about at my feet, next time I’ve got to have some good for them treats though. Like oats or bird seeds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
they are so lovely and funny. I loved the photographs especially number 9 is my favurite, his paws, amazing holding… Thank you, Love, nia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Nia!! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are cute little fellows! They have some long toenails!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sure do, they must be for climbing and holding on to things but boy can they run fast! Ziiippp!!! 😂🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always thought these are chipmunks. Well, I’m not and expert, but you sure to have had fun with them. Go for a used lens, John, you can get a great deal on those. I only by used anymore. Stay safe! Marcus
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Marcus, thanks! I don’t think I can find a used lens for the Nikon Z6 yet as they may not be released yet. If so, then there aren’t any used lenses available as yet. The lens issue is a bother, never had this with the old D3300 body. I can afford the lens, but don’t want to afford it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t think of the new Z6, supposedly a great cam. Don’t buy new extra gear! Just go out and shoot, you are always treating us with so many beautiful images! Marcus
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like this camera, Marcus, a bit too much camera to be honest. The 24/70mm lens works great, but I want the Nikkor telephoto for it, not yet available. Partly due to COVID according to my local camera shop. It’s around $1000 US. You don’t think I need another lens, Marcus? And thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Be brave and fight G.A.S. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What does that mean?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gear Acquisition Syndrome 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooohhhhh, OK! Duh. I really do miss the telephoto capability though…
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cute tiny squirrels! You were lucky to get these photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, thank you! The photo of them appearing to fight was a total bonus, a lucky click!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fun to watch them play. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! It was sooo much fun seeing them right next to my shoes! They are such precious little animals, made me grin from ear to ear. 🥰
LikeLike
That first photo is fabulous John. One has to be quick and skilled to get such an image. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I must admit that the photo was a complete bonus. A lucky click you can say. But I’ll take it! I was snapping away quickly on the shutter button and thought wow, how great!
LikeLike
Save your money. Those pictures are just fine. SO cute!! That must have been a thrill to have them so close to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again Anneli for your straight forward thoughts! I really was so thrilled to see these beautiful, gentle animals so close to me, even touching my shoes. This interaction was perhaps more frequent in Michigan, which seems a world away from today in terms of climate and basically zero trees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to have been there for that moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stop on down, I’ll point you guys the way there! 😂👍🏻🇨🇦
LikeLiked by 1 person
As soon as the border restrictions are lifted….
LikeLike
I love the critters and great photographs of them and the landscape!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!! 😊
LikeLike
What fun shots of those cute little critters! And that cattle guard looks brand new.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi guys! The squirrels made me feel so happy! The guard has not changed as far as I know, in my 7 years here. Get’s lots of traffic over it daily via the Red Rock FD, and people heading for the one parking area on that road for a hike. I used to fly my drone in this area…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos. It looks like those squirrels are into professional wrestling. I really like the first photo and the face off in the middle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, aren’t they just so darn cute!!! That ‘fight’ photo was a darn lucky click, Timothy. It’s so sweet to see them around your feet too! Sorry… 🤪
LikeLiked by 1 person