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
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.