"Backyard Antics Does IFC Photo Shoot" - A Behind the Scenes Look
"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!
LOL! I knew the final photo you submitted for IFC was too good to be a single shot!
You knew right! :) Still.....mission accomplished, right? Doesn't matter how you get there as long as you play nice ;) I had 5 squirrels hanging out yesterday - apparently word got around. Even Fabio showed up.
They know exactly how to get more peanuts out of you.... :D
They are clever models....
In the end they have given you beautiful shots !!!
They sure do, @lastravage They've been with us since our kids were very little. I enjoy them a lot.
very beautiful story and your squirrel is curious
Very cute and lovely little creatures...😀
They look so funny and entertaining...☕❤
Thank you @zaimrofiqui - Love them!!! :)
Absolutely loved both stories, I missed the one from 3 months ago, so many people so many stories, these were a nice saturday morning read. We have a couple of squirrels too. One of them loves to tease our Loki Cat. He will come up to the slider saunter around in front of her, knowing that she can't do anything at all about it. Then he will back off sit down and watch her as she runs around jumps at the door, and seem to laugh at her.
Ah....thank you, @bashadow. So happy you share the same interactions and love for them. That is so funny what they do to your kitty :) LOL Little stinkers they are (which is what I love about them). Thank you for sharing your experience with the squirrels - you should document and share ;) I want to see!
a very good story .., his squirrel is cute
this is great!!! I enjoyed your backyard antics...i loved the patience it took although I'm sure at times it was like mama squirrel knew you wanted that perfect shot!! She kept it ifc style and mooned the camera😎 @kryptocek must have sent mama the message☺
Thank you, @charisma777 I thought the IFC members might find it a little comical. And yes, mama squirrel played her part very well. Ha!
@kryptocek message was received ;)
Nice to see you out and about, @charisma777
thanks i am hoping to get back on the swing of things soon I'm missing my steemit time i have not gotten all items but I am going to share them anyway😄
I hope so, I would love to see what you've scavenged ;)
It's nice to have a little balance when going through difficult times. And some community love ;)
What's not to LOVE about this post!
Loving the photos... I mean they're working it!
❤❤❤❤❤
They are definitely working it! LOL
I have some mixed feelings on feeding wildlife, but.. You got some great shots! Such beautiful little creatures. :) Squirrels are one of my favorite. They kinda remind me of ferrets, except they're like ferrets that can climb trees! Lol.
I feel the same way, @apolymask. These squirrels have been with us for a very long time - it's kind of a cool feeling when you earn their trust and affection. I admit, I am a push over...but I do feed them a lot of fruit, too - they love strawberries, watermelon and apples. If you read the other Backyard Antics, you'll kind of get an idea of the history here - I almost vowed off of feeding them but a little baby squirrel changed that and 'here we are again'.
That's a good connection between ferrets and squirrels - similar personalities. Both make me laugh and both are nothing but trouble ;) Love them!
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