Inside the 'Secret Life of Squirrels' with N.S. photographer Nancy Rose
As a wildlife and nature photographer, Nancy Rose has incredible patience.
Rose is the creator behind the "The Secret Life of Squirrels" – a series of children’s books and calendars capturing real-life squirrels engaging in human activities.
“I never knew there were so many people interested in squirrels,” said Rose. “However, the response has been incredible.”
(Source: Facebook/ The Secret Life of Squirrels - Nancy Rose)
From mailing a letter, to sewing or ordering pint-sized takeout – Rose, who is a retired home-economics teacher from Hubley, N.S., makes each tiny set by hand to photograph the wild creatures.
“You can't really go to the store and buy squirrel sized props so started making my own,” said Rose.
After years of experience, she has a few tricks up her sleeve to capture the perfect scene.
"I have to think how I arrange the props so the squirrel will be in a position that he might look at the camera for me to get the picture,” said Rose. “Then to get him in the scene, I hide sunflower seeds.”
(Source: Facebook/ The Secret Life of Squirrels - Nancy Rose)
After setting the perfect shot on a platform in her yard, she waits – sometimes for a long time.
"There might be eight squirrels running around and nobody shows up,” said Rose. “It’s a lot of waiting.”
(Source: Facebook/ The Secret Life of Squirrels - Nancy Rose)
Rose's sixth book is set to be released in May. Her images have also been made into a puzzle as well as fabric, which will soon be available in local stores.
"My first career was as a home-economics teacher and I sewed, so it's kind of come full circle,” said Rose.
At the end of the day, Rose hopes to bring a little joy to her readers.
“There's too much sadness in the world,” said Rose. “We've got to have something fun."
(Source: Facebook/ The Secret Life of Squirrels - Nancy Rose)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.