The Squirrel Queen, a photo from Sor-Trondelag, South

Photographer's Note

This is the boss of the squirrels in my neighbourhood!

She is a lady of a few years now, exactly how many I don’t know but the average life span for red squirrels is around seven years. There are two reasons why squirrels living close to humans get older – first the fact they seldom lack food during harsh winter months, and next they are less exposed to predators – I have never seen a fox in my backyard!

It is remarkable how patient she is with my intrusion in her life, as I have put the camera in her face more times than I can tell. Her behaviour with the other squirrels is quite different…

She has her nest in the best tree in the neighbourhood - a large pine with strong branches and a good supply of food. She seldom allows other squirrels to enter her tree, and she always finishes eating before the others dare come around.

The Squirrel Queen also is the most acrobatic of them all! She climbs the house – wooden or concrete wall no matter! I have included an action picture as workshop – she is climbing the wall with her mouth full of hazelnuts, but I have no idea where she is aiming.

Furthermore I’m pretty sure squirrels don’t like the winter! Not only because it is cold and hard to find food, but simply because the snow makes it difficult for them to move on the ground. The jumping technique doesn’t work at all in deep snow, and they look like miniature snow blowers when they speed up… see another workshop action!

macondo, JCG, vasilpro, Amaz, pierrefonds, Buin, Glint, asajernigan, belido, ellelloo, danos, Didi, Philippe, yedirenk, UlfE, PaulVDV, Longroute, didemay, s_lush, jhm, josepmarin, Kielia, papagolf21, ktanska, Cricri, mvdisco, carper, dip, jlbrthnn, emjleclercq, John_F_Kennedy, jafadabret, TravelerNL, gunbud, MLINES, pajaran, Uhu, paura, Angshu, AiresSantos, Bergensiana, Bluejeans, skippy007, maloutim, hemantbuch, paololg has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

macondo (17133) 2010-03-14 4:12

Hi Pablo.
A terrific nature shot, one that really works on TE because of the close-up view and the way you have cropped it. The little bits of ice on the squirrel's coat make this a delight. The shallow DOF achieved by your long lens only enhances the sharpness and clarity of the 'portrait'.
Regards,
Andrew

JCG (35129) 2010-03-14 4:23

Hello Pablo,

I believe that it adopted you this squirrel!!! Still 3 splendid photographs on this tenderizing small animal becoming very familiar. I like much this portrait and the quality of the image, the focus is superb. I appreciate too much the work of the animal in snow in complementary photograph. Thank you Pablo.

With all my friendships and very good Sunday,

Jean-Charles

wolf38 (24135) 2010-03-14 4:27

Hello Pablo. You seem to have a good relationship with squirrels. You have excellently photographed this beautiful motif. Truly masterful. Very nice. Regards, Wolfgang.

vasilpro (37442) 2010-03-14 4:29

Hello Pablo,
Beautiful photo, lovely squirrel, very nice POV with excellent details.
Have a nice Sunday, Vasilis.

eversmile (11624) 2010-03-14 5:08

Pablo

Impressive close-up with a lot of sharpened details. The colors are excellent and with the snow on her moustaches, the squirrel queen is too cute. The depth of field sweetens the frontal view; to my eyes, this is really a feat to get a so intimate portrait. Congratulations!
Regards
Marine

Hansaphotos (3892) 2010-03-14 5:11

Hello Pablo

Very nice close up of the squirrel. A quality shot with good sharpness. Very well presentated. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice sunday.

Best regards, Erling

Buin (41932) 2010-03-14 5:22

Hallo Pablo!
When I saw this - I at once thought of you! The squirrel nearly has become your "heraldic animal" ;-)
What a wonderful and impressive portrait! And it even seems to be a bit human: she is the boss! ;-)) A most worth-seeing photo - and a worth-reading note...
Have a nice Sunday!
Frank

pierrefonds (42620) 2010-03-14 5:24

Hi Pablo,

The close-up view is showing the details and colors of the red squirrel. The subject is well framed. It is clear and precise. The surrounding light is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

Glint (5046) 2010-03-14 5:25

hello Pablo,
what a delightful image!I like your close crop and the creative dof.The little touch of snow is icing on the cake!
Bev

npecanhuk (45285) 2010-03-14 6:20

Hi Pablo!
Squirrels are cute animals and they're not very easy for pictures for they move so quickly, always looking for some food (specially nuts)!
You did such a great photo job here, getting him so near, with so many details that are so beautiful!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Have a very good sunday!
Neyvan

belido (19934) 2010-03-14 7:17

Hi Pablo,

there your friend is again :)) Lovely portrait. I can see you are good friends, he's not afraid of you. A good play with the depth and focus. Great one!
Regards,
Carlos

asajernigan (19353) 2010-03-14 7:21

Pablo,
This is a fine closeup of your favorite squirrel. The details are crisp and clear allowing us to see the small specks of ice on here whiskers and the nut she is eating. The close cropping is nice giving the photo excellent sharpness and DOF.
TFS,
Asa

ellelloo (6544) 2010-03-14 8:39

Hello Pablo,
A wonderful nature portrait! It has amazing sharpness and clarity. The few snow crystals on her fur and whiskers are great details. Thanks for the WS photos and the good note too! Congratulations!
Greetings,
Lasse

ciakgiak (27890) 2010-03-14 9:09

Hello Pablo,
this is the best portrait of a squirrel that I've ever seen!!!
The sharpness permit us to enjoy about each detail of its lovely expression.
The light and the colors are really superb.
Friendly regards.
Giorgio

magalik (5957) 2010-03-14 9:13

But how did you taken this shot... You were behind a tinted window ? ;-)
Great shot ! Very impressive. Moreover your shot has a perfect quality.
Your framing is perfect, I like how this squirrel looks at me in the eyes.
A post very original and very welcome.
Congratulations.

Magali

danos (64263) 2010-03-14 9:25

Hi Pablo,
your hero and the boss of the squirrels is so close to your lens, so we can see a lot of details of him during his eating.Excellent pose with great clarity and sharpness.

Have a nice afternoon,Danos

Didi (44602) 2010-03-14 9:26

Hi Pablo
Still fascinating about your squirrel collection, the winter season helps you for approaching them, nice thight portrait.
Best regards

Philippe (11836) 2010-03-14 10:21

Hi, Pablo. This picture shows very nice details of the squirrel. I like the contrasts between the red and brown tones in its fur and its two paws holding the food to its mouth. Excellent sharpness.
Have a nice evening,
Philippe

plimrn (21314) 2010-03-14 10:35

Hi Pablo,
Your WS's are great, but here your friend is at her most queenly with superb detail!! I love that dusting of snow on her nose. We both got a huge laugh out of minature snow blowers and the WS illustrates the phrase well.\
HLJ, Pat

yedirenk (11240) 2010-03-14 11:28

Hi dear Pablo,
an another lovely squirrel portrait by you..a very beautiful and innocent face with superb sharpness and excellent framing..a funny moment from life..
well done.TFS
GREETİNGS

Cevdet

UlfE (12550) 2010-03-14 12:46

Hei Pablo,

An absolutely superb close up of this squirrell the detatails and sharpness are amazing. Perfect focus. TFS and have nice Sunday evening!

Hälsningar,

Ulf

PaulVDV (12410) 2010-03-14 12:49

Hello Pablo,
Fantastic close-up of this eating squirrel with a perfect sharpness and very beautiful in details: the paws with the nails, the hairs with the ice crystals on it, the shining eyes.
I wonder how you succeed in taking all these splendid pictures of these animals.
There are also squirrels in the street where I live but they are so shy !
Best regards, Paul

Budapestman (77077) 2010-03-14 13:49

Dear Pablo,
a charming portrait with superb composition and amazing details, excellent sharpness and POV, Tfs! Have a nice week! Kellemes hetet kívánok!
George (György)

Giorgio (11263) 2010-03-15 0:37

- Hello you, little squirrel, how are you since the last time, you're the boss now, congratulations! Bravo Pablo for this superb close-up, incredible quality, well done!
All the best.
giorgio

Graal (82166) 2010-03-15 0:37

Hi Pablo,
very nice portrait. Nice pose of squirrel. Fine DOF and colours. I like it.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

emka (49725) 2010-03-15 0:39

Hi Pablo, Very cute boss. It must be pleasure to observe these animals daily . Do you give them some food? We have many squirrels in parks, I saw even one near my house. My nuts in the garden disappeared - maybe they are responsible for the theft?

Regards

Malgorzata

Amaz (11475) 2010-03-15 2:18

Your classic, my dear Pablo!!

Very well taken!!!

TFS

Kind regards!!

Longroute (19350) 2010-03-15 3:21

You can really call it a close up! (:-)
quite impressive and pretty at the same time. Excellent sharpness and DOF and the colour of the fur is so nice.
A pleasant and first class portrait.
TFS,
Donato

didemay (2909) 2010-03-15 4:00

Hello Pablo,
This is really a "Beauty Queen", an exquisite close-up shot. The squirrel looks as if she is ready to interact with you.
Bravo.
Best Regards,
Didem

anducina (8407) 2010-03-15 4:30

Hi Pablo,
Very cute fellow, well captured and framed-she seems so close, so focused....almost menacing. Maybe you'd better not go too close :)
Have a nice day !
Andreea

jlynx (12563) 2010-03-15 5:59

Good day Pablo,
I knew that in the end I see this squirrel from quite close. If I see well, it keeps the pet paws remnant walnut. I think that you are friends, and a squirrel a very happy you visited. Otherwise, have to be very hungry to approach so close to this wonderful shot. Photo is sensationally sharp eyes are full of wonderful flash. Squirrel keeps a close eye you - whether that distrust? I think not, the pet is free. Very nice photo, great colors and great depth of field.
Have a nice day,
Jurek

s_lush (13908) 2010-03-15 8:37

Hello Pablo,
This close-up of so charming creature gives many details about its appearance and character. The photographic qualities are extremely high. Excellently captured and interestingly described in the note!
Best regards,
Sergiy

jhm (112100) 2010-03-15 9:55

Hello Pablo,

Splendid macro picture of these squirrel.
Sharpness and clarity are superb.
Great detailed image.
Excellent of color, nice composition and good presentation.
Good photo job.

Best regards,
John

josepmarin (50366) 2010-03-15 11:18

Hi Pablo,
this close-up on the nice squirrel while is having breakfast offers us all her details with a great clearness.
Her brilliant eyes look like mirrors, and her hair is very attractive.
She is an authentic lady.
A splendid work.
Best regards,
Josep

ktanska (20369) 2010-03-16 1:08

Hi Pablo,
Probably the tightest squirrel portrait I've ever seen! Perfect focus on the eyes, I wonder if she has any idae what you are doing. The fur has nice bright red tones.
Kari

Kielia (17649) 2010-03-16 1:39

Hi Pablo,
who could resist this charming creature?
You have captured the squirrel excellently with so many fine details. The colors are very beautiful too. Outstanding photo work accompanied by a very nice note. My compliments!
Warm regards
Harriet

papagolf21 (70574) 2010-03-16 1:55

Bonjour, cher ami Pablo,
Les écureuils, dit-on, amassent leur nourriture dans des cachettes qu'ensuite ils ne savent plus retrouver. Un tel oubli me semble lumineux et mystérieusement sage.
Excellent portrait de cet animal attendrissant.
Félicitations.
Amitiés.
Philippe

rodgerg (55729) 2010-03-16 3:45

Hello Pablo,

an excellent portrait of this sympatic animal. The excellent framing is very impressive. Colors, details, glance, attitudes of the suirrel are very well collected. i like too the little snow. Vey good photowork.
Best regards,
Roger

Cricri (74079) 2010-03-16 4:08

Hello Pablo
Un bel amour entre ce petit écureuil et vous, c'est attendrissant, magnifique tout comme la prise de ce moment adorable, très jolie
Friendship
cricri

mvdisco (15226) 2010-03-16 4:58

Hi Pablo, Bonjour,
Wanderful close-up of this red squirrel,
Excellent POV. and details,
picture very sharp and clear with great colors and contrast.
excellent light too and they are so funny to look.
all my compliments
Michel

carper (96) 2010-03-16 5:12

very good close up here Pablo,
a fine details and a good capture, good photo art here I like it, have a very good day.
regard jaap

Urs (11116) 2010-03-16 6:09

Congrats, that's a brilliant portrait of your best friend, Pablo that was a master shot, showing that your little friend has trust in you. The sharpness and color hues are extraordinary. Well done. Thanks for your critique. Yes we have summer and it feels like an oven --- 37 degree during the day.

Best regards
Urs

Nicou (83142) 2010-03-16 6:40

Hello,

Merveilleux portrait de cet écureuil, avec la neige sur son museua, le cadrage de face est fantastique, le pétillant dans ces yeux, ces deux pattes jointes, grandiose.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

AKITA (15125) 2010-03-16 17:27

dear Pablo,
wow...
a splendid portrait shot of the most lovely squirrel, surely she looks "Queen".
all her figure and especially her eyes are charming so much,
and she looks making up by partial snow,
a wonderful shot, thank you,
Akihisa

dip (20869) 2010-03-17 0:52

Hi Pablo,
Is this your intro photo?
anyway a lovely and wonderful image,excellent captured,great sharpness,
greetings,
Dimitris.

subhendu_bagchi (15829) 2010-03-17 1:36

Hi Pablo,
again another great squirrel shot which is one of your favorites. Great light and fine depth. Nice to see its posture- it seems that he or she do the 'namaskar'. Anyway great photography. Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice day.
Subhendu.

jmdias (39212) 2010-03-17 7:57

pablo

with this so close image it looks like a rabbit. amazing details, sharpness and light. the beauty of the animal is perfectly shown here. congratulations. TFS

hugs

jorge

jlbrthnn (71902) 2010-03-17 14:33

Good evening Pablo,
Your text is enthralling. This photograph is remarkable. this alive toy is very tenderizing. I like also both ws spectacular. Excellent quality of realization. Congratulations.
Have a good evening
Cordially
Joël

emjleclercq (15776) 2010-03-17 15:14

You seem to have suceedded in making friend with your lady squirrel, for this is a very close view, with excelemnt details. I like particularly the snowflake on the nose. A beautifull animal portrait.

All the best,

Emmanuel

mauro61 (47809) 2010-03-18 1:01

ciao Pablo,
uno spettacolo questo scoiattolo che mangia con la neve addosso...
ottimi i colori ,il taglio stretto e la grande resa,
complimenti
buona giornata
maurizio

John_F_Kennedy (40995) 2010-03-18 2:10

Hello Pablo,
Excellent macro shot and very good composition of this nice squirrel. Nice POV and background with splendid colours.
best wishes,
Achim

jafadabret (56497) 2010-03-18 6:24

Bonjour Pablo,
C'est un excellent portrait de cet aimable voisin. La qualité de la photo est très grande autant pour la netteté que pour l'expression et les couleurs.
Amicalement
Jacques

darek1978 (13341) 2010-03-18 12:46

Hi Pablo,
An another lovely shot! I really love the frontal POV and the fantastic pose by the squirrel with beautiful black eyes. This time you were really close and face-to-face with this little beauty. Fine sharpness and lovely colours too against the smooth background.
I'm very impressed!
Thanks for sharing,
DArek

TravelerNL (3011) 2010-03-18 15:04

Hi Pablo,
Nice to see the squirrel series continue even after several months :)
This is a very nice close up of the queen squirrel and very sharp.
Well done!
Harko

barrufeto_77 (28804) 2010-03-18 16:53

Hi Pablo.

Wowwwwwwwwwwww! Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Wowwwwwwwwwwwww! Excellent, amazing, brilliant, impressive...I have no words.

Excellent close up!

Rgs, Oscar

gunbud (33784) 2010-03-18 19:36

Hi Pablo,
She is beautiful and she knows it as she looks at us with thos dreamy eyes.
Splendid vertical presentation with clear focus and striking details to her lovely winter coat.
Her table manners are perfect she gentley chews her acorn treat.
Regards, Tom

MLINES (12422) 2010-03-18 20:13

Hi Pablo, An extremely good close up of this squirrel. The light reflected off the eyes and the sharpness of the whiskers is excellent to see. Your mascot i guess, and good choice of that. TFS. Murray.

pajaran (26912) 2010-03-19 1:06

Dobro jutro, poceo je lep dan sa suncem.
Pogled kao da kaze, ja se budim ide Prolece, dajte malo hrane, odlican trenutak, lepe boje i fotografija, cestitam.
Lep dan, Paja.

Google.

Good morning, started a nice day with the sun.
View as to say, I wake Spring goes, give a little food, a great moment, beautiful paintings and photos, congratulations.
Nice day, Paja.

Uhu (8301) 2010-03-19 14:14

Will this winter ever end?
I bemoan nice old days of Global Warming, now dead and gone.
Where are everything? Where are those melting glaciers and dandelions in April?
Ah, good old times!!!
Great photo you did, this squirrel indeed have to be quite patient, to let you photo her like that!

fabianoleite (8172) 2010-03-19 18:00

Your friend, again, now from a close perspective, showing very good details. What a nice face, congratulations!

paura (48148) 2010-03-20 5:27

Pablo,
Lindíssima macro aqui, amigo. Finos detalhes e excelente nitidez fazem-na uma belíssima fotografia.

Abraço

Paulo

TopGeo (34819) 2010-03-21 0:30

HiPablo! Pictures that impress the friend in combination with the presences I consider that it has artistic tendencies and is collaborative! They is unique moments
Regards
Geo..

Royaldevon (12698) 2010-03-21 3:34

Ha, ha, Pablo! I thought this was a self-portrait!

I really like the very close crop.
It gives a great intimacy with the subject; almost as if we are sharing her food.
Excellent sharpness on the details of the face.

Have a good Sunday,
Bev :-)

Angshu (47527) 2010-03-21 21:10

Hello Pablo
Great closeup with the long end of the zoom...those tiny bits of snow and her eyes makes this a beauty. Nice colours created, I presume, with the light falling on her. Well done!
Regards
Angshu

AiresSantos (55943) 2010-03-23 0:55

Hi dear Pablo
Amazing details in this wonderful 'portrait' of the squirrel
Perfect sharpness, focus and light management
have a nice day
Aires

Ricx (12780) 2010-03-26 0:37

Hi Pablo, a stunning close of this wonderful RED Squirrel.. I like the close up details. Good lighting and good focus.. Well done TFS Ricx

Bergensiana (355) 2010-03-26 11:46

Hello Pablo
Perfect close-up with good clarity and sharpness on the details.
Well done.
Regards Trond

Bluejeans (59394) 2010-03-28 16:30

Ola Pablo ,
Bela macro deste esquilo , ficou com uns lindos detalhes o pelo dele , fantástico os olhos , boa luz ,parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

skippy007 (12466) 2010-03-29 17:40

Hello Pablo, Beautiful portrait of this queen, there is much to like in this shot, colour, sharpness,snow flakes & the light reflection in her eyes, close crop works very well. Lovely nature shot, enhanced by your well written note. Thank you
Regards
Santo

clic (7986) 2010-05-02 6:29

Hello Pablo
Do I feel.....'seen' by those two fish-eye lenses!!
An anatomy lesson on face and paws!
Thanks for your visit.
Robert

jemaflor (59029) 2010-05-04 11:34

Hi Pablo,
Very nice result with this close up well managed, great sharpness, nice light and eyes, tfs.

danyy (94680) 2010-06-04 0:17

C'est ce qui s'appelle, "se rapprocher de l'animal", une quasi macro-photo d'une qualité renversante et très sympathique en plus.
J'adore.
Compliments.
Daniel.

maloutim (7136) 2010-07-14 10:04

Hi Pablo!
I never get tired of your wild (semi) life photographs and the explanations that go with them!
The squirrel Queen, fancy that! I wouldn't have thought!
Beautiful close-up of the Queen with snow pearls as royal jewelry!
Very interesting WS too!
I like the way you have founded a semi-wild managery around your house by feeding the animals, and the way they have become like semi-wild pets!
TFS.
Kindest regards.
Marie Louise.

macjake (28585) 2010-08-13 19:49

Hi Pablo
i can see why this photo is so popular!
great textrues, great sharp focus
and you represent Norway very well on here too.
Cheers
craig

hemantbuch (1647) 2010-09-19 0:19

Hi pablo,

Wonderful story to go with a great photo...beautiful expression and color and the little flecks of snow on her nose really make this a special picture.

Well done!

Hemant

speedymanu (2606) 2010-10-18 9:57

Hello Pablo

a fantastic close up. The light fluff of snow adds some sort of a magic touch. Beautiful piece of work, congrats.

Emmanuel

sacimar (23605) 2010-12-21 11:51

Hi Pablo,

this is a wonderful image, I like it! the portrait of this squirrel is perfect, excellent!

Best regards

Sergio

paololg (31388) 2011-12-26 3:01

Ciao dear Pablo,
what a beautiful picture! The portrait of this lovely squirrel is wonderful and the details are impressive, almost like a macro. Fantastic reflection on the blacks big eyes. Truly a masterpiece, congratulations!
Ciao, have a nice week and a good end of 2011!
Paolo