Albino Squirrel on the National Mall

It wasn’t unusual to catch the white albino squirrel running around on the National Mall. In fact he was always near the National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden. We lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years and had plenty of opportunity. The squirrels are very tame in DC sand the tourists - and locals - love to take their photos. They approach just about anyone for a free hand out. So when we drove in to town last week for a morning walk and to look for photo options for my photo challenge, we parked in our old neighborhood. We then stopped at the US Botanic Garden, then headed past the newly reopened Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Gardens, then walled across to the other side of the mall on the way back to the Capitol. We saw a couple of people standing and taking photos at nothing - near the area where the squirrel is typically seen. And wouldn’t you know the albino squirrel was scurrying about. But this time we saw a second one. So we walked over to the action and there they were running back and forth until one of them climbed up the tree, plopped down on the branch like he was pooped and posed for photos. I’ve never gotten this close to the squirrel, nor have they ever stayed in one place long enough to get a decent shot. What was even more interesting was that when we lift that spot we ran in to a third albino squirrel. He ran straight up the tree before we got anywhere near. It’s always fun to see these creatures milling about. They are always entertaining and invariably catch the eye of whomever passes by. And now there are three! 

Squirrels and Birds

The squirrels in our northern Virginia neighborhood are quite skiddish. We are reminded of that every time we walk through the park for a morning walk. They don’t want to be seen by anyone. When we lived on Capitol Hill the squirrels were extremely friendly - especially on the national mall. We took a drive yesterday and parked by the sculpture garden. We walked around the mall starting at the Smithsonian castle, down by the Capitol, then towards the Washington monument and back up. Along the way I was hoping to get some photos with a “minimalist” theme but was not having much luck. Then I said to my husband wouldn’t it be nice if the albino squirrel showed up. And wouldn’t you know there he was - where he usually hangs out near the national gallery of art museum. We happened to bring some rice with us and started to sprinkle it around. He was curious, along with the other squirrels, but not very interested. So we watched him for a bit. These are the times I wish i had a telephoto lens. There was another squirrel on the garbage can in the sculpture garden - allowing a close up portrait. Then we walked a bit more and found some birds by the American history museum and threw some rice on the sidewalk. They were clamoring over the tiny morsels. Today in the neighborhood park we sprinkled a bit of rice along the trails. When we returned to the first place it looked like everything was picked up, although we didn’t see any feathered friends there. I always enjoy watching the animals - furry or feathered. It doesn’t matter.