I love this photo. Generally you don't want a lot going on in an image. However the reason I like this is there is soooo much going on. You have the 2 cubs on top looking like they are trying to fish or waiting for a fish to just happen their way. Two more bears, one is probably fierce mama (I named her that as she is feeding both the cubs to the left, she is excellent at fishing and gives other bears the what for it they try to take a cubs fish!) checking out the bigger bear behind eating his fish on a rock. Two bears below having a tiff over fishing positions. Another just sitting in the churning water watching the fight and another littler one just looking on like I'm not getting in the middle! Then of course all the gulls are waiting for scraps. Never a dull moment!

Because I am actually working on writing a book, I have learned a bit as I wondered that myself. Given I photographed a mating routine, I hoped to see the results.

Here's what I have learned so far. Mother squirrels are extremely protective and keep their young in the nest until they are about 2/3 to 3/4 grown. They say typically about 3 months. Lately, I have been hearing a lot of frustrated moms, and a few times I have tracked the sound and found a mom who seems pretty worn out. They build their nests, which are called a drey, in the trees. You probably have even seen one. Look for a well-formed bunch of leaves, and then they weave twigs to make it more secure. Other times, they may have a nest in a tree knot. I spotted a squirrel one day actually going into a tree hole.

Looking at pictures of babies, I think my little cutie was much younger. The mom, however, was with them, but sadly she was moving fast, and I lost those shots!

So that's what I've learned so far

First, I admittedly struggle with mastering the focal points on my 90 D camera and trying out a new lens, Sigma 100mm - 400mm. Consequently, they aren't up to standards.

I, however, wanted to share an extraordinary moment: seeing my first baby squirrel! Since I photographed a mating, I had hoped to see some babies, so I was thrilled when I saw this little guy. While checking out the area, I spotted what I thought was a small squirrel. I tossed it a peanut, and the next thing I knew, this tiny one was barreling straight for me. Since I’ve been working with this group, quite a few have come towards me, but this one was getting so close that I stepped back as I wasn’t sure where Mom was. Easily distracted, it went exploring. Mom did come on the scene, but shooting continuously missed that.

Quite adorable, I’d say, and the start of a beautiful tail!