Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) 

Until the arrival of the grey squirrel into the UK, this species was the only European species. Sadly, it has now been out-competed by the grey and has been lost from much of its former range in the UK.

Red squirrels' fur ranges from a warm reddish-brown in summer, to deep chocolate brown with grey in winter, their colour can be very variable even in one locality, ranging from almost black to buff. All Reds have a bushy tail and ear tufts.

These images were taken in a south west extension of Keilder Forest, Northumberland. 

1 - The Red seemed totally unconcerned by my presence and I was able to take this hand held using a wide angled lens. I think the inclusion of the pines in the background make a very pleasing image.        Canon 30D Canon 17 - 85mm lens.

2 - The second image really shows of the Reds bushy tail. Canon 30D Canon 100-400mm lens.

3 - The bottom photograph was taken as the Red was preoccupied with a 'monkey nut' that I gave it. The image highlights its long Ear tufts and its mottled Red and Grey fur.

Canon 30D Canon 100-400mm lens.