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09 July 2017

SQUIRREL WATCHING

SQUIRREL WATCHING

Charlie has the patience of a saint, although I don’t think saints were ever into watching squirrels. Patience was on my side as well because I wanted to see the great catch but it was taking ages and I thought my patience would soon run out. Squirrel was frozen to the spot; not once did I see him move but neither did Charlie. I can’t count the number of photographs I took, every one identical. No movement, no twist of the head or twitching ears on either party. Holding the camera at the ready was making my arms ache. A couple of times I had to lower the camera purely for a rest, but quickly reverting back to position on a just-in-case basis.

It was Charlie who gave up first. He must have heard something in the flower bed to the left because he turned his head and then his body to get a better look. Squirrel seized the opportunity and jumped to freedom. I know squirrels can run fast but this time I think he broke all records.

Charlie took it all in good part but I didn’t. I had been stuck at the kitchen window, both arms aching, for half an hour waiting for a good shot and what did I get? Zilch. Nothing. It was an absolute waste of time. I shan’t bother again! The two creatures can go into a proper brawl if they like, I won’t turn a hair, and certainly won’t stand waiting for the final blow.

Well, I don’t think so………………….

29 comments:

  1. Valerie, I absolutely LOVE the photograph you captured and even enlarged it so that I could see up close. I love the way Charlie is looking up, while Mr. Squirrel is looking down. It's adorable! Charlie is sooooooooooo cute!

    "Charlie has the patience of a saint..."

    Doesn't it blow you away by how patient cats are? When I had my cats, they would sit and wait for HOURS to catch a water bug that had run under the kitchen sink until it came back out. And like Charlie, if they didn't catch the bug after all that waiting, it never seemed to bother them. They would simply walk away like, "Oh well...maybe next time." HA!

    Hope you're having a splendid Sunday, my friend!

    X to you and Charlie

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  2. Love this photo. It works at so many levels. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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  3. Excellent picture Valerie, I have a feeling if the chance comes again you just may be right there at the kitchen window waiting for the perfect shot, a tripod would come in handy for this.

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  4. Hi Ron, I just knew you would like the photo. I had a cat once before but I'm sure it didn't have the same patience as Charlie. I am impressed but I don't think the squirrel was heehee.

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  5. Cuban, yes, you are right.

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  6. Thanks, Jimmy. You are right, of course. Know anyone who would loan me a tripod>

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  7. I'm no good at filming wildlife, they zip off and I have an empty frame.

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  8. Hi Janet. Normally I wouldn't get a good shot but, no kidding, Charlie and the squirrel held their positions for half an hour.

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  9. I believe you, Valerie, when you said your arms ached from holding the camera. When we lived in VA, I had a view of the bird feeders from our kitchen windows and cant count the number of hours and days that I stood there watching the antics outside. I was wondering if Charlie or the squirrel gave up first.

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  10. I admire your patience Valerie for holding out that long. Waiting for that perfect photo of wildlife in action one has to have the patience of Job and I don't think I've got it :)

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  11. Yeah Charlie! Looks like the cat lost the stare contest. I just beat my cat, (He blinked first!) which is no easy task. Hiro has the patience of Job! (The biblical kind.)

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  12. I bet you will do it again! That one shot was worth the wait, it's great. So you weren't out there in the garden trying to distract Charlie from attacking the squirrel? :D

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  13. Hi Beatrice, Charlie gave up first, he was distracted by something and for an instant took his eyes off the squirrel.

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  14. Hi Joe, I think you're right about doing it again! If you knew how I loath the destructive squirrels you would understand why I don't try to stop Charlie from having a go. Actually, I've read that they don't attack, and neither do the squirrels.

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  15. Hi Denise, I guess I'm learning to be patient... it's taken long enough!

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  16. The shot you did get is priceless! I love it! I know what you mean about aching arms, they don't help our resolve to get that perfect shot. BUT, I think this one IS a perfect shot. Perfect for a magazine or calendar or puzzle!

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  17. That is a great shot! Perfectly lined up with a steady hand.

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  18. Thanks, SJQ, you have given my ego a wonderful boost.

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  19. kden, I had the window sill to steady the hand. I should lean over the kitchen sink more often - yes, that's the view from the kitchen.

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  20. I believe Charlie demonstrated he was a pacifist at heart and in these violent time that is no small accomplishment. Way to go Charlie!!! :)

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  21. TB, ah but his mood changes daily, if not more frequently... Lol.

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  22. We have issues with rabbits and I have to say the damage they do is very frustrating and I'm quite happy to see a fox chasing them away!

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  23. Joe, I'm glad I'm not the only one to get frustrated by squirrels. We have a fox who pays regular visits but I think the squirrel sees the fox before the fox sees the squirrel.

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  24. My dog will patiently sit on her chair and watch squirrels run by outside. But the second I let her out, she chases after them.

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  25. Hello Stephanie, and welcome. I remember, when my dogs were alive, the squirrels would play 'I dare you to catch me' games. It was always the squirrels who won!

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  26. Love the picture, Val. Charlies and Frizz would be best pals hunting squirrels together. Ms. Frizzle almost caught one today. She's turning into quite the hunter. I also wanted to let you know that I have comment moderation enabled on my blog so your comments will not show up until I approve them. Take care.

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  27. Hi Matt. Charlie said he would be delighted to be Ms Frizz's friend providing he got the major say in the capture. Re the comment situation, I did wonder!! It's something we should all do to avoid those unwanted callers.

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  28. Helloooo Valerie! I've wandered back to Blogville and am so enjoying the visits so far. I have much to catch up on, probably won't manage everything, but a few of everyone's more recent posts at least.
    Definitely not a waste of time .... great photo and a neat story to go with it!! Sorry for your aching arms though. :( I've waited with camera in hand for a quite a few things, so I understand. lol

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  29. CrystalChick, is that really you. Oooh Mary I thought I was seeing things when I saw your name on my blog. Blogville has missed you. I'll pop along and catch you soon.

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