The Simple Life

California Ground Squirrel

The squirrel's home, Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego, California

Linking to Camera Critters, a fun photography meme for images with animals.  Click here to see more critters.

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A little squirrel tail

In the Sonoran Desert, we have "Round-tailed" Ground Squirrels.  As you can see, their tails are smaller than those of tree squirrels.  There aren't many tall trees in the desert so these squirrels don't need big bushy tails for balancing.  They live underground and most of their food is found on or close to the ground.

Here's a squirrel in a creosote bush eating seeds.

See how he held onto the branch with his hind foot.

Notice the different ways they can use their tails for support while standing. 

This baby squirrel puffed up its tail.  It probably wanted me to go away, so I did. :)

If you like squirrels, check out the Plantain Squirrel in a Malaysian jungle at Rainfield's place.

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Shadows of Squirrels

Three types of ground squirrels live in the Sonoran Desert:

Round-tailed Ground Squirrel

Harris' Antelope Ground Squirrel

Rock Squirrel

These were all found in the Coronado National Forest.  I love squirrels, but I never see any in my yard, not even at the bird feeders.  Fortunately, I get to enjoy pictures of squirrels at friends' blogs regularly. :)

For more Shadow Shot Sunday images, visit Hey Harriet hosted by Tracy.

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My World Tuesday - Desert Birds

Greetings from the Sonoran Desert! These are some pictures from my walk in the desert yesterday morning.

Cactus wren on barbed wire


Cactus wren on fishhook or barrel cactus


Cactus wren building a nest in chainfruit cholla cactus


Yes, we're having cloudy weather this week with the possibility of some much needed rain! This image of a saguaro cactus is naturally monochromatic. A couple of woodpeckers are perched near the top.


Zooming in on one of the Gila woodpeckers makes it easier to see.


Western bluebird in a mesquite tree


Bluebird feeding on desert mistletoe in mesquite tree


Gambel's quail like mistletoe too. A female enjoys the berries


while a male is on the ground looking full.


Hiding behind the prickly pear cactus, this little rascal is not a bird, but fun to watch anyway.

Harris' Antelope ground squirrel

To see what the world looks like in other areas, click on the icon below:

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