One of the Locals

It has taken me many years to develop a relationship with some of the birds and squirrels where I live. When I first started putting up my bird feeders I could rarely get close to any of the critters in my backyard. Just opening the back door was cause for them to flee. With time I have been able to move much closer to many of them. Many of the smaller birds like Juncos and Chickadees are relatively unafraid when I'm in the yard. The ravens and Bandtail Pigeons are still all but impossible. I thought I had a break through last year when I had a chance with a first year Raven that was in pretty poor shape. He at least I think it's a he lets me at least be on the patio in the yard without flying away.But that's as close as I can get. The most approachable are the Douglas Tree Squirrels. I have reached the point with at least a few of them to where I can walk up to within about six or seven feet or so as long as I don't move too quickly or make any noise. Even with this familiarity I still use a photoblind when I am photographing them. They are more relaxed and not as tense when I am hidden from view.Here are a few images of a local Douglas Tree Squirrel from my photoblind yesterday morning. They are just the cutest little guys. For some reason they remind me of little teddy bears God's love and blessings to all, chris