In November 2024, my husband and I stayed with friends in Ottawa, where we had the unique opportunity to experience wildlife up close. Deb, a dedicated wildlife carer, has created a haven for local animals on her acreage. Every day, she puts out food, and in return, her property comes alive with activity—cheeky squirrels darting across branches, flocks of birds swooping in to feed, and the occasional surprise visitor from the surrounding forest.

For a wildlife photographer, it was paradise. I spent hours outside, camera in hand, watching and waiting for the perfect moments to capture. The squirrels were endlessly entertaining, their playful antics and bold personalities making for incredible shots. The birds, from tiny songbirds to striking woodpeckers, filled the air with movement and sound. With each click of the shutter, I felt immersed in the rhythms of the natural world, right in the heart of suburban Ottawa.

Log 1: The Woodpile Find

Wanting to create a more natural backdrop for my photos, I began searching for the perfect log. The first one I found was sitting neatly in a woodpile—a solid piece of wood that I thought would work well. However, I quickly realized that it was too tall and a little wobbly. To keep it upright, I had to prop it up at the bottom so it wouldn’t fall over. I added a bit of moss to the top to make it look more attractive, but I thought I could do better.

The other issue was its location. It wasn’t in the right spot for the type of shot I had in mind. I needed a cleared background to achieve that beautiful shallow depth of field. I was also worried that the log’s slight movement, especially when birds landed or squirrels ran up, might put the animals off. So, I continued my search for the perfect log in a better location.

But nature had other plans. The next morning, I awoke to find my perfect log had been completely destroyed. A group of mischievous raccoons, drawn to some hidden nuts inside, had rolled it over, wrestled with it, and ultimately broken it apart in their midnight feast. My carefully crafted scene was now nothing more than shattered bark and trampled moss!

Log 3: The Final, Perfect Choice

Not ready to give up, I set off once again to find the perfect log. This time, I explored the entire acreage, scanning the ground for fallen branches and hidden treasures. Eventually, I found it—but there was one small problem. Unlike the others, this log wasn’t just lying on the ground—it was still attached to the earth, its dead roots gripping the soil.

Enter my wonderful husband, who, seeing my determination, grabbed some tools and got to work. With careful effort, he cut through the tough, dried roots and pulled the log free. It was heavier than I expected, but it was absolutely perfect—aged, textured, and just the right size.

With renewed excitement, I set it up, decorating it once again with moss, vines, and scattered seeds. This time, my setup held strong, and before long, the wildlife returned. Squirrels dashed across the log, stopping to nibble on seeds, while birds flitted down to inspect the mossy surface.

I sometimes wonder how far a wildlife photographer will go to catch the perfect photo—especially as I sat there in the lightly falling snow, clutching a thermos of hot chocolate to keep warm.

I took lots of wonderful photos, but my favourite was of one grey squirrel. He kept running from the tree, where he was hiding, to the log. Eventually, he realized that instead of running up the log, he could hide himself and the nuts underneath. Every so often, he would pop his head up to check if anyone had noticed, and it was just the cutest thing.

Every moment became a new photographic opportunity—expressive faces, dynamic movement, and intimate glimpses into the lives of these wild creatures.

This experience was a reminder that nature always has the final say—but with patience, creativity, and a bit of teamwork, sometimes the results turn out even better than expected.

Explore More of Ottawa’s Wildlife

If you enjoyed this glimpse into Ottawa’s squirrels and natural beauty, don’t miss my Squirrels and Nature: An Ottawa Adventure portfolio, where I showcase more captivating moments from my time photographing the Ottawa wildlife.

And if you love animals, you’ll also enjoy my Brody portfolio—a heartwarming collection featuring Brody, the Bernese Mountain Dog I had the pleasure of house-sitting in Ottawa.

Click below to explore:
🔗 Squirrels and Nature: An Ottawa Adventure
🔗 Brody