"Backyard Antics Does IFC Photo Shoot" Behind the scenes

This is a play off of the original "Backyard Antics" saga. To read, follow this link - https://steemit.com/life/@youhavewings/backyard-antics-true-stories-from-the-peanut-gallery

When preparing for the IFC Finals Round One - we were given a list of items to find and photograph. Crystal and animal were two of those items on that list. There was no doubt that I had to include our little squirrlies. I had witnessed them resting on the giant crystal many times before but had no clue if I could pull this off as a non-spontaneous happening. Hmmmm

This is a peek into the events that led up to that perfect shot ;)

---

Waking up early, I prepared the scene. IFC sign in place, crystal in place. A couple morning peanuts placed strategically on the crystal. And I waited for my morning 'hello' which usually consisted of the sound of a squirrel jumping up and down, throwing itself against my door or tinkering the door knob (yeah, they've got me trained!)

I heard none of that, instead, I happened to see Mama Squirrel (she just had a litter early spring) carefully approaching the scene so I grabbed my camera in excitement.

Here you can actually see her noticing the 'new' addition as if she's reading it. Too cute!

Human Peanut-Feeder: "That's a sign. I left you some peanuts on the crystal. You have to get on the crystal to get them."

Getting my camera ready and determined to get this done in one shot....

As you can see, this would not happen. She was much too fast. I would have to be smarter. The next time (there is ALWAYS a next time), I placed them behind and under the crystal so it would be harder for her to access.

Obviously Mama Squirrel knew something was up. Clearly I'm being evaluated. As if intentionally playing with me she hung out with the wrong crystal and then proceeded to look everywhere but the place I put the peanuts.

Mama Squirrel: "Where? Where are the peanuts?!"

Mama Squirrel: Peanuts!!!!

Damn! I decide at this point, I needed to change my strategy. Sunflower seeds!

However, she stayed gone for a couple hours and I thought maybe she was done for the day. But then she
returned with .............

JACK!

Obviously, Jack was new - still very timid to human interaction.

Mama Squirrel now lounging and flicking her tail at me

It was clear that this was her new boyfriend. She chased Fabio off a few weeks ago - things just didn't work out.

You Can see why we named him Fabio with his blonde tail :)

Yep....she continued to 'lounge' around for a while with Jack.

And then it was back to the photo shoot.

Mama Squirrel: "Okay, I'm touching it!"

I motion to her to get on the crystal more.

Mama Squirrel: "Look, two hands!"

Is she messing with me or what?! Hmmmm

I finally get her on the crystal but she puts her back to me! LOL

FINALLY ! However, she kinda looked sad so I showed her the peanut I had waiting for her.

Just look at that perfect smile!

That's a wrap!

Mama Squirrel: "More peanuts please! It's for Jack....."

Mama Squirrel: "HEY JACK!!!!"

Mina (the naughty kitty): "Hey Jack, I'll bring you a peanut"

Jack appears to be very shy still preferring to keep his distance (I'm sure Mina was no help) but what a cute little guy he is!