Red Squirrels of the Lake District

[@craigswanson8026]

I live in the forested northern Michigan, and we can have several reds AND several greys at the feed piles at the same time. Along with the chipmunks, black-capped chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays, and the adorable tufted titmice. The chickadees fly millimeters from our bodies. We absolutely love the sound of their wings. I have thousands of photos of a particular 30 acre chunk of sugar and striped maple, hop hornbeam (locals call it ironwood), hemlock, balsam fir, basswood, and cedar with about a dozen other tree species. It’s a dune ecosystem. The red squirrels are our favorite friendly furry/feathered forest friends. ✌🏼💚

[@danwillis_photography]

Wow, that sounds like an incredible place to visit. Thank you for sharing it with me 👍🏻

[@StephenBrooks-e9m]

What a privilege to spend time with these wonderful animals

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen 👍🏻

[@heilandgunner]

Great video, Dan. Red Squirrels are one of my favourite subjects. I'm lucky enough to live in a stronghold for them and have them in my back garden regularly. Keep up the great work.

[@danwillis_photography]

What a fantastic experience it must be to have them in your back garden, you are very lucky indeed. Thanks very much, appreciate it 👍🏻

[@adelacour]

Hi Dan, Just watched the Red Squirrels of the Lake district, I love them, we don't have Greys here in Jersey, only Reds, but we also don't have that kind of environment with the flowing water as in the Lakes. Thank you for the video, not only was it lovely to see the Squirrels jumping etc, but the information and tuition aspect of the video is invaluable. Keep them coming. Thanks Andy

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Andy, always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@Kellysher]

We have red squirrel here in the USA (OH), but they are not as cute as those! Still, there are not as common as our fox squirrel. Years ago before I even knew what they were, one came to my bird feeders and from a distance, I thought that I was feeding a baby fox squirrel for a few days! I got up close one day and was like whoa! I love that I’m in my 60’s and can still learn and see new things so close to home!

[@danwillis_photography]

Wow that sounds amazing I would love to see that. Great to read comments from viewers over in the states so thanks very much for taking the time to drop me a message. All the best 👍🏻

[@robbrackimp]

Wonderful video Dan, great shots. I remember as a kid in the 1950s seeing red squirrels in Lincolnshire even. Great to see them thriving in pockets like this thanks to the various conservation projects.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rob. It’s crazy to think how much the species has declined in a very short space of time and predominantly down to squirrel pox carried by the invasive greys. I hope they continue to flourish in these areas 🤞🏻

[@paulrainford70]

Great video again Dan. Absolutely awful to hear the devastating news of Terry Abraham’s Reds in the last few days, that have been totally wiped out by the squirrel pox 😢😢

[@danwillis_photography]

It’s absolutely heartbreaking isn’t it and demonstrates just how fragile these little sanctuaries are. Fingers crossed that the work that the rangers of Penrith and District Red Squirrel group do keep the grays and squirrel pox away 🤞🏻

[@ktmmark]

Love the Red Squirrels

[@danwillis_photography]

Me too, such photogenic animals 👍🏻

[@markjarvis5465]

Another great video, the word you are after is perpendicular.

[@danwillis_photography]

That’s exactly the word I was after, thanks very much Mark I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@busterlynch5278]

Brilliant video, keep up the good work.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Great stuff! The squirrels are really entertaining. Thanks for sharing them with us!

[@danwillis_photography]

Many thanks Jon, always enjoy reading your comments 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Superb, what a wonderful location to spend a day photographing such iconic little creatures, even with lack of decent light the closeness made up for it . I think i mentioned in previous comments i used to have reds in the garden over 20 years ago and the local wood about 300 metres away had a good population, BC before camera, the greys put pay to it though. There are pockets throughout Northumberland so i could seek them out instead of just looking for birds. Well done for another great video,most enjoyable, looking forward for the next one, cheers Derek 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, hopefully we can protect the few we have left and help them recover into areas that were once strongholds. Enjoyed reading your comment, thanks very much 👍🏻

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Brilliant red squirrel’s photo we’re was pop should have been there with you

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. I have promised to take Pops in the not too distant future 👍🏻

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

another brilliant video Dan I really should get up there as i told u never seen a red squirrel

[@danwillis_photography]

You definitely need to get yourself up there, it’s fabulous 👍🏻

[@laurencearnold5822]

Fabulous video and images Dan, a fantastic location 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Laurence, always appreciated 👍🏻

[@johnrichardson1796]

As usual absolutely wonderful video again Dan , we had red squirrels in the back garden at our holiday cottage on Anglesey last year , they really are stunning 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Sounds like you had an incredible experience on Anglesey. Thanks very much John, appreciate it 👍🏻

[@jeanlouis83]

hello Dan, an excellent video despite a disgusting light in the first part, the still images are superb, as software for noise I useDXO and it's very good and not too expensive, have a great day

[@danwillis_photography]

I have looked at DXO and agree it looks a fantastic piece of software. Good to hear that you find it superb

[@howardjohnson3268]

Hi Dan, just been watching this video, great photos. Can you please advise whether or not you need to be stopping at the hotel (name not mentioned) to park up there? Thanks in advance.

[@danwillis_photography]

I have parked in the car park several times to visit the squirrels and not stayed in the hotel 👍🏻

[@andywilson3381]

Brilliant Dan, very entertaining looks a fantastic place 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Andy, always appreciated mate 👍🏻

[@hstein27]

Dan, fantastic shots! I love the backlit one. American red squirrels are frequent visitors to my house in the warmer months, but they don't have those cute ear tufts. We nickname them all "little red" 😃

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. The ear tufts only appear through the autumn to spring and moult in the summer. I would imagine they look very similar then to the American reds. All the best 👍🏻

[@DC74photography]

A very British video .. superb 👌🏼 📸🐿️

[@danwillis_photography]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you very much 👍🏻

[@Kevin-vg9lt]

Very nice and informative video Dan Red Squirrels are a great subject and yes they are rapid little buggers. I had a great 1-2-1 day with Paul Fowlie at his Red Squirrel woodland shoot in Yorkshire a few years back and have some great shots of them. That spot in Penrith looks a great spot might have to have a look.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

I’ve photographed at Paul’s hide myself, a cracking setup. Thanks very much for your kind words it’s really appreciated 👍🏻

[@desmondmaguire8955]

Always enjoy your videos Dan. You share great information and make it very natural. Cheers Des

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Desmond that’s a fantastic comment to read 👍🏻

[@TheBillbean]

Big follower Dan and you really sold the place except where it is, the Lake District is a huge place?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. I’ve been asked not to share the location I’m afraid but as others have mentioned it’s quite easy to find with a little research 👍🏻

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

Wonderful footage of all the squirrels. Really cool spot. Greets Stefan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stefan, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@KateWillis-t7p]

Amazing such great footage ❤️

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you very much 👍🏻

[@adamjuckesphoto]

Brilliant as always mate 👌🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Adam, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@johnflanagan44]

The red squirrel make some fantastic pictures. I think need to visit this place. Gorgeous image mate

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John, hope you have a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@LouisaLee63]

Lovely!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you ☺️

[@TimDowd-ez9os]

Hi Dan, I really enjoyed the video , but after telling us what a great location this is, and how lots of photographers come here, you never told us where it is in the Lake District.

[@danwillis_photography]

I’d been asked specifically not to share the location but what I can share with you is a website link that I used to find them 👍🏻 www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk/red-squirrels/red-squirrel-locations/

[@michaelgoodwin8839]

Another great video Dan I am getting more into photography now I am a pensioner I go to Scotland and photography red squirrel’s not up to your standards but enjoy myself thanks again Mike bye the way where’s PoPs

[@danwillis_photography]

That’s great to hear that you are getting more into photography Michael and most importantly that you are enjoying it. Pops is featuring in my next video due out this Sunday 👍🏻

[@keitharmitage7588]

What a fantastic video Dan, full of great footage and images. I will try and head up there next week. I have an idea where it could be. I hope I'm right.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Keith really appreciate it. Hope you have a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Brilliant Dan. Nice to see you managed to get there. Such a great spot for them.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Craig, it really is a fantastic location isn’t it? I will definitely be returning soon 👍🏻

[@denisegodsmark5154]

Fabulous Video footage Dan, great to meet again...

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Denise, twice in 2 weeks and both a pleasure. All the very best 👍🏻

[@geraldgill2416]

Thank you that was an amazing video.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you so much 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

That was just a fantastic video Dan, great location and really informative. Defo adding that location to my ever growing list of places! 😃👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, a gem of a place. I will certainly be returning time and time again 👍🏻

[@MrJaymark1]

Great video Dan top images well done.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@BrianWob-s4g]

Finally subscribed with a bit of help from my wife 😂 she had the birds eating out of her hand really awesome area

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Brian, appreciate your support. Sounds like you and your wife had a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@BrianWob-s4g]

The best thanks

[@unaitxo]

Congrats on a great video! That location is great and it looks like you had a lot of fun :) Thankfully, Eurasian red squirrels are very common all across Europe and Asia as the name suggests. In Spain we just call them "squirrels" and we even get them in many city parks.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, it’s great to hear that the reds are doing so well in Spain and other areas. They used to be like that in the UK until the invasive Grey Squirrels from the US were introduced. They carry squirrel pox which is fatal to the reds. I hope they don’t come across to the continent 🤞🏻

[@leemanton3169]

Another great vlog Dan, keep up the great work.

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Lee, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@WildscaperPhotography]

Great video Dan, lovely location too. I might have to have a look over, it's only an hour from mine

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, I certainly will be returning soon. It’s forecast snow for Thursday which could be interesting 👍🏻

[@derekflynnsnr]

Great video Dan, it’s probably one of the only hobbies that most are willing to share information to help others get the shot

[@TheBillbean]

All but the location. 😔

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, I’ve been very fortunate of late by people going out of their way to help me out. All the best 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Apologies I usually share locations but when I’ve been asked specifically not to on this occasion I hope you understand.

[@sheila4254]

Loved every minute Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Many thanks Sheila, always very much appreciated ☺️

[@stephendarlington]

Wonderful to see. Have heard about the reserve before but great to see a video of it. Am up that way at half term so will pop in and have a look

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen, roll on half term! Have a great trip 👍🏻

[@stephendarlington]

@@danwillis_photographyJust rewatched this after visiting last Monday. What a fantastic place for the squirrels; my daughter couldnt believe the number we saw and how close they came, sometimes within a couple of feet. Will definitely be back, with a few more compositions in mind after reviewing my photos and rewatching your video.

[@danwillis_photography]

@@stephendarlington cheers Stephen, glad you and your daughter had a great time there ☺️

[@zebeddy]

Lovely to see Dan and great video :) Have you ever seen Paul Fowlie's squirrel hide which is near the Lakes? It's not quite the same as where you are but there's a jump set up and a reflection pool next to a hide. So you can't fail to get amazing squirrel shots. It's sort of wildlife photography but more importantly, it's a great day and you can just watch these amazing little creatures in action. Best of all, there's a max of 2-3 people per session so you aren't jostling for position with other lenses

[@paulrainford70]

He visited there a while ago and has a video on here about it.

[@zebeddy]

@@paulrainford70 ahhh ok, thanks for letting me know

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. I can see someone has beaten me to replying with my video I made at Paul’s hide. It is a cracking setup there isn’t it 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Paul 👍🏻

[@alunlambert7456]

Fantastic Dan, great vlog, looks an amazing place, just wandering if you do talks to camera clubs, in flesh or zoom

[@danwillis_photography]

Pops and me have done a couple of talks now, where are you based?

[@alunlambert7456]

@@danwillis_photography our club is in Bebington, we have talks in the club and on Zoom on line

[@danwillis_photography]

Sounds interesting, we’ve not done a zoom before but could organise that. What night do you meet?

[@alunlambert7456]

@@danwillis_photography we do a Tuesday night, I just know we have some spare slots coming up, and have been asking to keep any eye open for someone, the club is called Bebington photographic society.

[@stephensmallwood9901]

good stuff as ever

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen 👍🏻

[@markrichardson4488]

Have been to snaizeholme red squirrel place, but wondering where this place is please. Great video.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. Snaizeholme is a fantastic location for the reds. I’ve been asked not to share the location I’m afraid but as others have mentioned it’s quite easy to find with a little research 👍🏻

[@duncanwilson5170]

Great video Dan, clearly its not a secret location as there are a number of people around, are you prepared to share where the location is please?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Duncan. I’ve been asked not to share the location I’m afraid but as others have mentioned it’s quite easy to find with a little research 👍🏻

[@duncanwilson5170]

@@danwillis_photography I appreciate where you are coming from, however as you mention there are rangers and feeding stations. Conservation is a privilege for everyone who is concerned about the natural British environment, not a secretive few.

[@chrismc2090]

Another good one Dan, we love SW, we actually went on Boxing Day the last time. I found going upstream and shooting down was best especially for leaping shots, also up in the woods to the right of the upper waterfall is great for atmospheric, mossy woodland shots near the Queens Monument. Its a fantastic place, they were eating out of my wife's hand last visit 😊 EDIT: I meant to ask Dan, is SW better than The Dingle on Anglesey in your opinion?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Chris really appreciate it and definitely share your thoughts on this location. In terms of which is better that’s a tough one as they each provide their own opportunities and I am going to return to the Dingle to have a session with Hugh and his setup. Once I’ve done that I will let you know my verdict 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

Any chance of sharing this location? I plan to be in the UK in July and would love to visit this spot. Thanks in advance.

[@danwillis_photography]

Drop me an email John at [e-mail] 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

@@danwillis_photography Done.

[@doyalikethat1]

i was there as you were filming lol

[@lrc500w]

Where is this is this shap Wells

[@danwillis_photography]

I do hope you came and said hello 👍🏻

[@doyalikethat1]

​@danwillis_photography No we didn't want disturb you whilst filming. It was my daughter putting the nuts on the rock trying to entice them to cross lol

[@SimpleSteBirds]

Another great video Dan. Do you use the same camera to video the animals and photograph them? I don't know photography yet but your videos of the animals look brilliant.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, appreciated. I do use the Nikon Z9 for both videos and stills and I’m still very much learning about videography so thanks for saying that 👍🏻

[@SimpleSteBirds]

@@danwillis_photography Il only need about 5 years to save for one of them haha. I'm enjoying your videos are one of the best channels in the UK I think mate.

[@danwillis_photography]

@@SimpleSteBirds that’s a fantastic compliment mate, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@MarinCTC]

Please where is this are you all to say as we’re off to lakes in few weeks

[@danwillis_photography]

Hi, thanks for your message. I’ve been asked not to share the location but can share the website I used to find it. Link below 👇🏻 www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk/red-squirrels/red-squirrel-locations/

[@steptoe128]

Where was this Dan ?

[@danwillis_photography]

I’ve been asked not to share the location I’m afraid but as others have mentioned it’s quite easy to find with a little research 👍🏻

[@ianbarnett]

Bit strange not being allowed to share. It’s a reserve. Surely reserves are for the benefit of people? People actually fund these reserves?

[@danwillis_photography]

@@ianbarnett I know what you mean Ian but I have been asked specifically not to share it, what I can share is a link to the website to help you out 👍🏻 www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk/red-squirrels/red-squirrel-locations/

[@ianbarnett]

@@danwillis_photography 👍

[@mikek601]

A great video Dan, brilliant footage of the reds. Fantastic to meet you it was a great day.

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Mike, the pleasure was all mine and thanks for the photos of me I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@AndrewBoothakb]

we're is it in the lake district Dan

[@danwillis_photography]

I’ve been asked not to share the location I’m afraid but as others have mentioned it’s quite easy to find with a little research 👍🏻

[@jamesgrove]

Please do not identify the area, photographers you can find this place with a little bit of research.

[@danwillis_photography]

I have promised I won’t and as you say with a little research it’s easy enough to find 👍🏻