CommonPlace Nature

Earlier today, I visited a public garden near my home.  I was there in the late afternoon on a Friday, and the grounds were nearly deserted.  Squirrels raced about, carrying bits of trash or snacking on the various garden plants.  I also heard — and saw — numerous cardinals.  The squirrels posed for me and the cardinals stayed put long enough to turn and look at me once or even twice.  By comparison, the Piney Woods Church Road wildlife is exceedingly skittish.  The other day, I glimpsed my first cardinal along the roadway, but it vanished long before I could bring it into focus with my camera.  I have seen a few squirrels, but always from a distance, and always racing away from me as rapidly as possible.  Their urban cousins are so much more affable with regard to being photographed.  I suspect this is, in good part, because of all the food (human litter and various plants) available in the gardens.  I suspect people try to feed the squirrels from time to time, too.  Whatever the cause(s), the result was some charming images.