Patience is a virtue

Hi Folks.

It is true that being patient is a virtue and today it certainly paid off big time. Wednesday an Albino Squirrel was seen at Foxton Locks. I had not seen it, but saw a photo of it at the top lock cafe, so I was given the task of photographing it. Today was to be the day, I had planned to get up early and head out to see if I could get a picture of it, but I slept in till 8.30am, so an early start did not happen, but at 10am I went out with my camera in search of this white Squirrel. For two hours I sat where I had been told it would appear and nothing, Keith joined me and we even had a coffee, but still nothing so at 12 noon we went back to the boat and had some lunch, before I was off again. I went back to the same place and sat and waited, and waited and waited, then at 2pm I saw something move on the opposite bank, thinking it was a Grey Squirrel, I followed it and hey presto my patience was rewarded.

I am going to name it Snowy, I know not very original, but very apt, especially with winter coming. Albinism is due to gene mutations that affect the production of pigmentation. True albino animals lack melanin and are white with no markings and with unpigmented pink eyes. A couple of weeks ago they had an Albino Squirrel on Autumn Watch, so I am very excited to find one myself.

I am going out again tomorrow to see if I can get an even better photograph.