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Barking Squirrel

Eastern Gray squirrels are agile climbers of trees, and I often see them leaping from branch to branch.

Montgomery Township, New Jersey has two common squirrel species: the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger). The ones I see in my backyard are the Eastern Gray Squirrel. I don’t think I have seen any Eastern Fox Squirrel.

Eastern Gray squirrels are agile climbers of trees, and I often see them leaping from branch to branch. The Eastern Gray Squirrels have adapted to suburban and urban environments. This Eastern Gray was on the tree that holds the bird feeder, trying to get a meal. It must have been a frustrating and disappointing experience. The bird feeder is squirrel-proof.

No squirrels, chipmunks or raccoons are on the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where I lived in the Eastern Caribbean. The only animals I remembered scampering in the trees were indigenous birds and anole (Anolis trinitatis) lizards. The largest wild mammals are mongoose, small terrestrial carnivorous mammals from Asia introduced by the colonial powers to eradicate the native snakes. The Mongoose has harmed native bird populations. They are elusive, and I have never seen one.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel has fur with a white belly, although some individuals may have slight colour variations. The grey squirrel is an invasive species in the European Union and cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialised, or intentionally released into the environment.

Black squirrels are a melanistic variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. I have occasionally seen black squirrels in some parts of Montgomery Township (including my backyard) but more often in Princeton Township. Black squirrels are much more common in the Midwest, and I have even seen them in Niagara Falls, Canada. Black squirrels have an all-black fur coat.

Shaan noticed this individual in the tree outside the window while we talked at the kitchen table. The squirrel looked at us, making a barking noise as we watched. It seemed irritated. After a few minutes, I grabbed my camera and super-telephoto lens and stepped onto the deck in the backyard. Soon after I took this photograph, the squirrel scampered down the tree and ran off into the bushes in the backyard. Shaan noticed that it favoured one of its hind legs. That could explain the growling. We surmised that the squirrel was hurt and afraid.

Pocket Camera

I always take my pocket camera on my walks.

A few months ago, I started taking 30-minute walks around my neighbourhood. I always bring my pocket camera. I use the native photo app, Halide by Lux, or Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Mobile app on my iPhone 11 Pro.

Halide is a powerful photography tool for mobile devices with advanced manual controls to fine-tune settings like focus, exposure, and ISO. It has an elegant user interface and high-quality image processing.

I subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography suite for $10/month, giving me access to Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop on macOS or iPad, and 20GB of cloud storage. I also get the mobile applications Photoshop Express and Lightroom Mobile.

Salisbury Road, Backlit Trees
Salisbury Road · October 25, 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Mobile is a pocket-friendly tool that packs powerful editing tools, RAW support, and seamless cloud integration. It allows me to capture, edit, and share stunning photos on the go.

Blue Spring Road ,Maple Trees, Fall
Blue Spring Road · October 18, 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

MG MGB

The presence of the red MG MGB at the Neshanic Station flea market created a focal point for conversations and camaraderie among the attendees and other classic car owners. Strangers struck up conversations, bonding over their love for classic cars and exchanging stories of their own automotive discoveries.

As I strolled to the back of the Neshanic Station flea market, the vibrant hue of the red MG MGB immediately caught my eye. It stood proudly, parked amidst other classic cars, exuding a timeless charm. Like a woman in red, the car's red dress and sleek body pulled me in.

The MG MGB is a symbol of British automotive heritage. Its iconic chrome grille, smooth lines, and elegant curves harkened back to a time when automotive craftsmanship was an art form. The red MG MGB evoked nostalgia for my youth. Dad owned a Mini Cooper, then a more family-oriented Volkswagen Beatle. But my Uncle Clifford owned a Triumph sports convertible. Uncle Clifford would drive around with some of us boys crammed into the back seat.

Approaching the car, I stared at its exquisite details. The well-maintained leather seats exuded an air of luxury, and the polished wooden steering wheel exuded a gentlemanly sophistication. As I ran my fingers along the sleek exterior, I could almost sense the car's history.

MG MGB
MG MGB · Saturday 15 July 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

But it wasn't just the car that captured my attention; it was also the passionate owner who stood nearby. With a grinning smile, he eagerly shared anecdotes about the MG MGB's history, regaling curious car enthusiasts with tales of the car's adventures and the joy it had brought him. It was evident that he had poured his heart and soul into preserving this automotive gem, cherishing every moment spent behind the wheel. He told me about the roads he had travelled and his adventures.

MG MGB
MG MGB · Saturday 15 July 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

The presence of the red MG MGB at the Neshanic Station flea market created a focal point for conversations and camaraderie among the attendees and other classic car owners. Strangers struck up conversations, bonding over their love for classic cars and exchanging stories of their own automotive discoveries.

MG MGB
MG MGB · Saturday 15 July 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

I am a technologist, but in an ever-changing world of fast-paced advancements, there is a timeless appeal in the past's simplicity, elegance, and craftsmanship.