Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

The Red Squirrel: A Birthday Surprise in Nant-Y-Pandy, Anglesey.
Photographing Red Squirrels in Anglesey

To celebrate my 40th birthday, We set off for a trip to Nant-Y-Pandy, Anglesey, with a heart full of hope to spot and photograph Red Squirrels. We spent the morning in a tireless search for them, eyes scanning the lush canopy and forest floor, but they proved to be elusive creatures. We decided to break for lunch, the morning’s adventure leaving us with a hearty appetite.

As we enjoyed our meal on a bench, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, we received an unexpected visitor. A curious red squirrel, its bushy tail flicking, came to say hello. We sat there, captivated by its innocent charm, a reminder that sometimes, nature comes to you.

Further into the day, our patience paid off. We spotted another red squirrel. The setting was perfect, the light was right, and the squirrel seemed unperturbed by our presence. I grabbed my camera and began shooting, capturing the beauty of this vibrant creature amidst the verdant setting. That moment, etched in my memory and immortalized in my photographs, was undoubtedly the best birthday present I could have asked for.


5 Interesting Facts about Red Squirrels:

  1. Did you know red squirrels can be either right or left-handed? Their preference is usually apparent when they’re eating pinecones.
  2. Red squirrels are not just red. They can range in colour from red to almost black.
  3. Red squirrels are excellent swimmers. They often swim across lakes and rivers in search of food.
  4. Red squirrels are typically solitary animals, and each one has a territory it defends.
  5. Red squirrels are one of the oldest species of squirrel, being over 10,000 years old!

5 Tips on Photographing Red Squirrels:

  1. Patience is Key: Red squirrels can be elusive, so be prepared to wait for the perfect shot.
  2. Use a Telephoto Lens: A lens with a focal length of 200-600mm is ideal for photographing squirrels without disturbing them.
  3. Opt for High Shutter Speed: To capture their fast movements, use a high shutter speed (1/500s or faster).
  4. Manual Focus: To ensure the squirrel’s eyes are sharp in the photo, it’s sometimes better to use manual focus.
  5. Shoot at Eye Level: Try to position yourself at the squirrel’s eye level for more engaging shots.

Well, there you have it, my memorable 40th birthday adventure Photographing Red Squirrels in Anglesey. I hope my story and tips inspire you to venture into nature and create your own wildlife photography memories.

So until the next adventure, keep your camera handy, your eyes open, and don’t forget – the best moments often come when you least expect them.

Cheerio!

Twiggy the Hedgehog