How Not to Photograph a Squirrel

My family has fallen in love with a squirrel in our neighbourhood. Every sighting results in jumping out of chairs to get a closer look. His name is Nubbins, and he has no tail. This is the journal of my attempts to immortalize Nubbins through photography for the world to enjoy.

Day 1

Nubbins was spotted while we were taking an after-dinner family stroll around the neighbourhood. He paused near the base of a tree at the house next door. Nubbins ran partway up the tree and watched as we approached.

I tried getting closer, but two small dogs and a four-year-old who seems to be part terrier is not a squirrel-friendly combination. Nubbins was up and gone before I could capture the perfect posed shot. He watched me and chittered from high up in the branches.

Tip #1 - Don't bring your dogs, leashed or otherwise, to photograph wild animals.

Day 3

Nubbins was out front of the house! Leaving the family behind, I snapped a quick photo from the step. If you look closely, you can see the cute fluff of a mini tail!

While approaching slowly, Nubbins sensed my presence and took off around the house, over the gate and ran along the fence separating my home from the neighbours. I raised my camera high up over my head and caught a photo of a very distant squirrel bum.

Day 6

We haven't spotted Nubbins in the last few days, I'm hoping that I didn't make him feel like he was chased away. Now the big question - what happened to Nubbins' tail?

Tail Theory #1 - Nubbins is a rare genetic anomaly. Much like Manx cats, Nubbins was born tail-less and unique. He's overly cautious to avoid well-meaning biologists who seek to trap and study him for his genetic divergence.

Day 10

Nubbins was in the backyard today! He was playing and exploring in the grass. My daughter spotted him from the breakfast table. I managed to keep the dogs inside and tried to open the door as quietly as possible. I wasn't totally successful but captured Nubbins first in the grass and again on the fence. Yes, it was from a distance and used a lot of zoom. He was in a typical squirrel pose, at least!

It may be time to try some bait to entice Nubbins to the backyard.

Day 12

Bait was a terrible, terrible idea. Peanuts seemed like the logical choice. The neighbours sometimes feed the wildlife peanuts, we find shells all over the place. Unfortunately, (and not just for squirrel photography but in general) my son has a severe peanut allergy. My house is peanut and peanut butter free. Wowbutter, while an acceptable substitute for school lunches, is not acceptable for squirrels. Sunflower seeds seemed like a perfect compromise, but the birds seemed to really enjoy the feast they mistakenly believed was for them.

Tip #2 - Don't bait the wildlife. Any benefit of a good photo is not worth the potential risks. You may introduce food that is inappropriate or encourage familiarity with people, which can have very negative and dangerous consequences later on. Don't bait, sit and wait!

Day 14

Nubbins was on the deck today! Cheeky squirrel, he was right by the house. Amid much excitement of small children and animals, I popped up and managed to get a shot through the window.

He rounded the corner and I tried valiantly to catch up with him outside. Nubbins jumped the gate and continued to the neighbour's trees. I positioned myself and aimed through a gap. Success! I managed to capture him in glorious flight!

Tip #3 - If you're going to photograph the wildlife in your backyard, take a few minutes and wash your windows.

Tail Theory #2 - Nubbins possessed a tail that was unlike any tail seen before by Squirrel-kind. He flicked it proudly, too proudly, as luck would have it. Nubbins attracted the attention of the Squirrel Gods who grew jealous! He is now the living reminder to all squirrels who dare flick when they should not.

Day 19

Today was a perfect, sunny day. Nubbins was spotted frolicking in the backyard. He decided to run along the back fence. I moved as quickly and carefully as possible, like a ninja who has just laid down a sleeping baby. The resulting photos were captured with very little zoom, even though Nubbins was on the move.

Tail Theory #3 - A bird of prey, most likely an eagle, grabbed Nubbins by the tail as he was launching himself between trees. Nubbins, the toughest squirrel on the block, went 127 hours on his tail and saved his own life.

Day 25

Spotted during dinner, I ran out to catch a photo of Nubbins along the back fence in the yard. It didn't take long before he was up and over into the neighbour's trees. Nubbins is fast, but he didn't go too far!

I stood and watched him play in the trees just out of reach. Not willing to give up, I held my camera up high over my head to try and get the perfect photo of Nubbins in his happy place.

Tip #4 - When holding a camera over the fence to take photos of squirrels, make sure that your neighbours aren't sitting on their porch. Talking on their phones. About how they disagree with the government. They will not believe your stories about wanting to photograph a squirrel with no tail.

Day 28

Attracted by the abundance of dandelions, Nubbins came up close to the house today. My stealth skills have improved, I managed to get outside and nearby without startling him. By moving slowly and without making any sudden movements, I was able to snap a photo just before he bolted.

Day 30

A full month of Nubbins sightings! This is the last entry in my Nubbins journal. The family still shouts with excitement every time that little micro fluff is spotted. Nubbins has been a bright spot in our lives over the last year. The kids delight in spotting him first and laughing as I run barefoot to get the perfect photo. We love Nubbins!

Image Credits: All photos were taken by the author. The photos were not digitally enhanced or photoshopped. They were cropped, combined and the text was added using the free version of the app LiveCollage.

Hello! If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing or leaving a ❤️! Thanks! - Christina