Pretty much exactly three years ago, we were in Málaga, and yomping up the hill towards Castillo Gibralfro, the fortified castle which protected the city for centuries, and shown in the header photograph.
Part way up, we were charmed to be accosted by the local red squirrels, who very politely skirted round any visitors they met, asking for nuts.

This cheeky chap clearly stole the hearts of these two teenagers.
Let’s move in just a little closer ..

…. and closer still …

I thought of this little charmer when I was posting my Monday portrait of that irritated grey squirrel I met at Fountains Abbey. This was the ideal chance to compare the two squirrels who each lived on historic sites. They’re more different than I at first realised.


Those ears. Those eyes. They’re quite different, aren’t they?
And what about the tails?


Here they both are, back in their respective trees:


For Patti’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #190: Close and Closer
Fascinating, thanks for your excellent photographs.
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I hadn’t realised how very different they are, so it was fun exploring.
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Most informative.
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Oh, look at little red Nutkin!
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Very different. And irresistably charming!
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Especially the red one?
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Yes, especially the red one. But I do enjoy the greys as well. Even the angry ones.
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Great comparisons!
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Thanks!
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No wonder red squirrels are much more adorable, just look at those ears! Only seen one once.
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Really? I’ve been luckier than that – seen them in Scotland, France and Spain. Are they in Portugal at all?
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Apparently yes but only in last decade as they had been extinct here.
My one sighting was on Isle of Wight.
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Nice comparison of the two squirrels. 😀 😀
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I was quite surprised at the differences.
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As a little girl, I was confused that Tufty the Road Safety Squirrel did not look at all like the squirrels in our London garden — until my dad told me about the invasive grey squirrels!
It lovely to see a red squirrel in the wild. The first time I did was in the Black Forest. I was quite excited, and the locals though I was bonkers…….
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I know! Spotting a red squirrel is definitely a memorable moment. Simple pleasures …
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I love visiting your space Margaret! You give me so many great moments and great conversations. Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your moments with us. A reminder that we live in a world with amazing creatures.
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Oh, thanks Rebecca: a mutual admiration society then!
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Very interesting to see them compared like this! I’m not sure I’ve ever actually seen a red squirrel. (Well, certainly not in Australia where I live now!) Cute little devils.
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Maybe no red squirrels. But so many other unusual animals to charm and excite.
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Fascinating comparison, Margaret. Great details. I had no idea they were so different. Have you ever seen a black squirrel? We saw them in Michigan quite often.
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I’ve seen the odd black squirrel in France. So many different kinds!
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Surprisingly so.
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