Critters

The complete name of this species is “White Tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel” (Ammospermophilus leucrus). I took this photo early today; the squirrel was going up the little hill on the west side of the property.

Several of the squirrels that hang around the yard have learned to approach us so they can get a reward — an almond (I carry several raw almonds in a pocket when outdoors). The squirrels will grab the nut and run off to their lair with it.

More squirrel stuff from NPS:

White tailed antelope ground squirrels Ammospermophilus leucrus are small in size and are sometimes confused with chipmunks. They are approximately 7.5 inches long from head to the tip of the tail and they weigh on average about 3.7 ounces. They also carry their food in pouches in the cheek. The female of this species has ten mammae, which is more than other antelope ground squirrel species, which have four to seven. Their range is the Great Basin to Baja California including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Oregon.

Click on the image to view enlarged.

Over the past week or so, I have been playing with the new camera I bought to replace my old SL1 Canon. These are some of the backyard critters we see on a regular basis. All photos taken with the new camera, a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 with a EF55-250 lens, usually set to 250mm focal length. The camera mode setting is “P” which is the Program Mode function that selects appropriate settings automatically. Click on any image to enlarge in the image viewer.

Here are a couple of sparrows at one of the feeders:

Next, an Antelope Ground Squirrel:

This is a Gila Woodpecker feeding at the seed block:

And, finally, A Harris’ Hawk – when these guys show up, all the above “prey” seem to disappear from the area:

UPDATE: January 19, 2025

Here are a couple more photos from today:

Cardinal visiting the seed block.

A goldfinch at the nyjer seed feeder.

And the Harris’ Hawk came back.