The California Ground Squirrel, also known as the Beechy Ground Squirrel, is widespread in open areas at lower elevations from south-central Washington through California and west-central Nevada; active during daylight hours. Considered an agricultural pest, their diet includes fruit and grains as well as insects. Their fleas have been known to carry bubonic plague.

Photographic notes:

Leicaflex SL, 400mm f/6.8 Telyt-R, Kodak E100G. Combining a shoulder stock and monopod made following the squirrel much easier than if I had used a tripod, while providing good steadiness for sharp pictures. Photographed in 2003 in Yosemite Valley California.

Leicaflex SL, Leica 280mm f/4.0 APO-Telyt-R Combining a shoulder stock and monopod made following the squirrel much easier than if I had used a tripod, while providing good steadiness for sharp pictures. Photographed in 2004 in Sacramento County California.