This is another "weather" shot for the paper, only in the winter. I went up to Morgan Park in Glen Cove just to look around, and maybe see if I could find a scenic photo if there were no people around, with the trees and the snow. I remember wandering around and then suddenly seeing this scene in the distance! I couldn't believe my eyes! I quickly put on a 200mm lens and waited and the woman kept feeding this squirrel that climbed up her cane. After I was sure I had the shot, I went up to the woman. I asked her about feeding the squirrels and she said they now know to climb up her cane when she arrives! I was blown away! So it may have been a slow news day, and I think this may have run on page one of the paper. What was wonderful was how this touched a number of people, who wrote to the paper. The letter I remember, and may still have around here somewhere, was the person who said how nice that a woman could take the time to feed the squirrels in the winter, AND that Newsday took the time to tell the story! Wow, talk about connecting with our readers!
This is a keeper! Amazing shot. I love that the squirrel is trusting and climbing her cane. It made me think of Mary Poppins movie and feeding the birds. :-)
ReplyDeleteJoan
Unique photo! Love the story. It warms my heart to know that Newsday readers wrote in to say they appreciated the story. It all starts with your perfect shot!! betsey
ReplyDeleteKen, you have to know that this one touches my heart most especially. My thanks to Ginger R. for pointing it out. That photo pretty much tells the story of my life - and one day I'll be that old lady with the cane (well I'm almost there, no? Retirement was the first step). The last 20 or so years of my life have been about caring for these wonderful critters but I think when it comes to sharing their intelligence, charm and capacity for friendship, it takes timing and a good lens and a good eye to get the message out. This photo truly is a gem. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis photo is a gem; and brings two thoughts to mind: 1) Timing is Everything, and 2) Definition of Photojournalism! What a wonderful moment seeing the squirrel at peace perched on the cane and being feed by the elderly lady! A wild animal and a human being enjoying a moment together!
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