Debra LaValley's Blog

Return of the Albino

On June 15th – I took my folks out to dinner to celebrate my father’s birthday. I was just going to drop them back home and leave. Luckily, my parents mentioned ice cream . . . so I decided to go in and have a small cone. While the ice cream was being served – my mom said – “A white squirrel!” I took a quick shot through the kitchen window with my cell phone and put my cone down. The adrenaline was surging through me as I put down the phone and went to get the point and shoot camera in my pocketbook. I couldn’t believe we were seeing another albino squirrel! Eight summers ago, my folks had another albino squirrel that paid almost daily visits through the summer. We all loved watching it. I took the chance of sneaking out the front of the house and then quietly go to the side of the house to see if I could get some better shots. The albino squirrel stayed for about 10 minutes. Though, I would have loved to have had my Nikon D90 and 500mm lens at the time – I was glad to have had the point and shoot at least (Nikon S8100 CoolPix). Folks often ask me how I get the photos I get. I reply that “I always have a camera with me.” I may not have the camera of choice with me or the lens I would have wanted – but I have a camera with me. You never know what may cross your path. ALWAYS have a camera with you because – the opportunity for the shot – may be gone in a flash!

PS: Since the 15th – I have spent many hours at my parents house with the D90 and 500mm lens – waiting for the albino squirrel to show itself again. It hasn’t! However, I know it is out there!