Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 113 images found }

Loading ()...

  • Ron Leidich with unusually large nest made by a Micronesian megapode (Megapodius laperouse) pair in the Rock Islands of Palau. Also known as the Micronesian scrubfowl, this species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
    ron-leidich-endangered-micronesian-m...tif
  • Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) collecting nesting materials at night in the Artic summer of Iceland.
    atlantic-puffin-gathering-nesting-ma...tif
  • Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) with a mouthful of nesting material pulled from the ground near its burrow. Photographed in Iceland
    atlantic-puffin-mouthful-nesting-mat...tif
  • During reproductive season, male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels vie for females. This male repeatedly entered a nest with a female inside, only to be kicked out each time, as shown here. In the process of being squeezed out of the nest, the male has dragged some of the soft nesting material along with him.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Strix uralensis japonica owl well-camouflaged and protected in its nest.
    strix-uralensis-japonica-ural-owl-ez...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from its nest just after a major snowstorm. These animals prefer small and narrow entrances like this in order to prevent entry by potential predators.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel standing guard at the entrance to his nest. Inside is a female nearing estrus. This means frequent visits by rival males that he has to chase away.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • The two Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels pictured here had just emerged from their nest, taking a moment here prior to foraging. This pair mated 35 days after this photo was taken. One of the pair was taken by a northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) about a week after mating took place. The survivor left the nest, most likely joining other individuals in another nest.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel male perched at the top entrance to a nest. On this day, he was guarding a female inside the nest. She was in estrus, and the male was warding off other males. This pair mated several times throughout the day, but the female also mated with another male while this one was unaware. This photo is one in a series of three which illustrate the height of the nest.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel male perched at the top entrance to a nest. On this day, he was guarding a female inside the nest. She was in estrus, and the male was warding off other males. This pair mated several times throughout the day, but the female also mated with another male while this one was unaware. This photo is third in a series of three which illustrate the height of the nest.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel male perched at the top entrance to a nest. On this day, he was guarding a female inside the nest. She was in estrus, and the male was warding off other males. This pair mated several times throughout the day, but the female also mated with another male while this one was unaware. This photo is first in a series of three which illustrate the height of the nest.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) is just emerging from its nest in the trunk of a tree at dusk to prepare for a night of foraging. Found only in Hokkaido, Japan, these animals prefer small holes to their nests, as this provides a measure of protection from predators like owls and martens. This particular nest entrance is also partially covered by a large white fungus, which obscures it from view. This animal is a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel and is known locally as ezo-momonga.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-emerg...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating, having assumed a comfortable seated position at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. It is clear from the dark trail below the droppings that the residents of this nest also urinate here. This is unusual. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves outside, some distance from their nests.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating, having assumed a comfortable seated position at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. It is clear from the dark trail below the droppings that the residents of this nest also urinate here. This is unusual. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves outside, some distance from their nests.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) that has found a comfortable place to perch on an overcast day after emerging from its nest. These animals line the inside of their nests with soft materials for comfort and warmth. Some of this nest lining is visible on this squirrel’s head.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-20200...tif
  • This is a female Strix uralensis japonica owl perched at the entrance to her nest during snowfall. A smaller male was inside the nest.
    strix-uralensis-japonica-ural-owl-ez...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) peeking out from its nest in the trunk of a tree. Checking the surroundings in this manner prior to emerging at dusk for a night of foraging is common behaviour. Found only in Hokkaido, Japan, these animals prefer small holes to their nests, as this provides a measure of protection from predators like owls and martens. This particular nest entrance is also partially covered by a large white fungus, which obscures it from view. This animal is a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel and is known locally as ezo-momonga.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-at-du...tif
  • The Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male seen fleeing up the tree in this photograph had just been chased off by the male poking his head out of the nest. The reason for this conflict was a female inside the nest. She was approaching estrus.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel making its final approach back to the nest after foraging. The animal blends in perfectly with its environment, a snow-covered forest. The entrance to the nest is a narrow crack in the Erman's birch (Betula ermanii) tree.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel en route back to its nest after foraging at the top of 20m+ tall Japanese elm trees (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) for an extended period of time during snowfall. The squirrel is carrying a branch with fresh elm buds back to its nest—a takeaway meal to relish at home.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male grooming itself after emerging from his nest on an early winter morning. This male shared the nest with a female. The pair mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male grooming itself after emerging from his nest on an early winter morning. This male shared the nest with a female. The pair mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • Pictured here are two male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels. The one inside the tree has just peeked out from the nest which he has occupied with a female that has gone into estrus. Caught sneaking up to try to enter the nest to compete for the female, the male on the tree has just jumped away to avoid a confrontation.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is the moment when a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel inside the nest has heat-butted a potential rival male that was looking into the nest with the objective of gaining access to the female inside, which was approaching estrus. Even after being chased off, rival males like this often return to try again. Females sometimes choose to mate with multiple partners.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • The Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel inside the nest has brought a few sticks of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) back at the end of foraging to enjoy before going inside. Sensing opportunity, the other occupant of the nest has also returned, hoping to share in the bounty. A squabble ensued.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel perched in a safe location high up in the canopy. Behind this knot in the tree was the nest. The squirrel was positioned at the top entrance to the nest, which gave him the ideal vantage point from which to survey the surroundings and keep a lookout for two rival males that were attempting to get the attention of the female inside. Many battles ensued, with much chasing and lots of flying.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male grooming itself after emerging from his nest on an early winter morning. This male shared the nest with a female. The pair mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This series of six images shows a pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii) that have just emerged from a nest in the tree. The male pursues the female; the pair copulate; and the female returns to the nest. Over the course of a day or so, the male copulates as many times as possible. Rival males sometimes approach, which can result in a heated battle between males.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrels-copu...tif
  • This is a male and female pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii), with one inside the nest and the other above. This female (inside the nest) is in oestrus. The male is standing guard. Another male approached repeatedly, resulting in heated confrontation, with the males chasing one another, occasionally leaping and gliding among trees.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-matin...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range. This individual has just emerged shortly after sunset from its nest, a cavity in the tree pictured. After preening for a bit, the flying squirrel ascended into the canopy to forage for the night. While these squirrels are known to nest in a number of tree species, they appear to prefer Sakhalin fir trees (Abies sachalinensis).
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-at-du...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male grooming itself after emerging from his nest on an early winter morning. This male shared the nest with a female. The pair mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel on its final approach to the nest. The squirrel has dived down from high elevation and swooped upward in an arc, bringing it to this point, which is about 1.5m from the entrance to its nest. The animal's body is flared open in order to ascend and decelerate for the final approach. Its belly is full from foraging in the treetops.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel urinating, having braced itself at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. A stream of urine is visible flowing down the darkened trench beneath the pile of defecation. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves someplace removed from their nests. This behavior is unusual.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • Before emerging from their nests, Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels often do a visual check of their surroundings. In this instance, the entrance to the nest was so small that the squirrel's face appeared larger than the hole, resulting in an amusing peekaboo effect.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range. This individual has just emerged shortly after sunset from its nest, a cavity in the tree pictured. After preening for a bit, the flying squirrel ascended into the canopy to forage for the night. While these squirrels are known to nest in a number of tree species, they appear to prefer Sakhalin fir trees (Abies sachalinensis).
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-ptero...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel urinating, having braced itself at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. A stream of urine is visible flowing down the darkened trench beneath the pile of defecation. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves someplace removed from their nests. This behavior is unusual.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a juvenile endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) swimming into the water column after birth. Measuring about 7mm, this little crustacean and siblings burst forth from their nest in a frenzy of activity approximately two months after spawning by the adults.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a young Strix uralensis japonica owl resting in front of its nest.
    strix-uralensis-japonica-ural-owl-ez...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) holding a branch in its mouth. In the final days of winter, this squirrel was building a nest to prepare for the reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) carrying a branch it has collected for the purpose of constructing a nest.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel has carried a few sticks of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) back to its nest at the end of foraging to enjoy a takeaway meal before going inside.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel attempting to enter a nest with a female inside during reproductive season. This male made repeated attempts to enter, but was stopped mid-way each time as shown here, then rejected.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel perched on a small branch moments after it emerged from its nest after sunset to forage at night.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) has just emerged from its nest at dusk, before setting out for a night of a foraging in the tree tops.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a juvenile endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) setting forth into the world. Measuring about 7mm, this little crustacean and siblings burst forth from their nest in a frenzy of activity approximately two months after spawning by the adults.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels that have just emerged from their nest early in the morning during the winter reproductive season. The individual on the left is female, right male. After preening together, the pair ascended into the canopy to forage. They mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) perched at the juncture of a small branch and tree trunk. This species is normally nocturnal. This one appeared during briefly during the day, but soon returned to its nest.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-20200...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) dealing with a long branch it has collected. The branch was too big to carry, so the squirrel had to break it into two pieces. The squirrel was building a nest in preparation for reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) breaking off a branch for the purpose of constructing a nest to prepare for the upcoming reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel that has brought back a few small branches of an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii) to her nest as a takeaway meal.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel sitting at the entrance to his nest.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from the tiny entrance to its nest. These squirrels often do this to check their surroundings prior to emerging.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel is peeking out of the entrance to its nest prior to emerging to forage.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel carrying a small branch of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) back to its nest. This individual had spent over an hour in the early morning at the top of 20m tall elm trees feasting on fresh buds. This branch is a take-away meal for enjoyment back home.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Strix uralensis japonica owl in its nest, feathers being ruffled by a strong breeze.
    strix-uralensis-japonica-ural-owl-ez...tif
  • This is an Ezo red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) gathering materials for its nest in preparation for reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel standing guard at the entrance of a nest. Inside is a female that has entered estrus. This has attracted the attention of another male, which means that this male must maintain continual vigil. The two males faced off a number of times. Interlopers are sometimes successful in mating with females while the primary male is unaware or otherwise occupied.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • Depicted here is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels sharing a nest high up in the canopy. The larger individual on the left is female, the other male. During the peak of reproductive season, males and females often pair up like this. The bonds are not permanent though, and fidelity is not certain. It is not unusual for females to mate with more than one male.
    pteromys-volans-orii-pair-japan-2021...tif
  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels that have just emerged from their nest early in the morning during the winter reproductive season. The individual on the left is female, right male. After preening together, the pair ascended into the canopy to forage. They mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel returning to its nest at dawn after foraging high in the canopy during the night. It is carrying a small branch with leaf buds of a Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica), one of several prime food sources for this species.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) that has just emerged from its nest at dusk to set out for a night of foraging.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-20200...tif
  • This is a pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii) engaged in copulation. The crack in the middle of the tree is the entrance to their nest.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-copul...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) shaking itself off at the entrance of its nest.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-20200...tif
  • This is a male Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), looking out from his nest. This sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel, found only in Hokkaido, Japan and known locally as ezo-momonga, is primarily nocturnal. This male was active during the day because it was competing for the attention of a female in oestrous.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-male-...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. This indiividual has just emerged from its nest at dusk, and is taking a moment before heading out for a night of foraging. From this perspective, it is possible to see how the squirrel grasps and maintains a grip on delicate branches. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-at-du...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel. getting ready to leave its nest to set out for a night of foraging. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-at-du...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) leaping among the branches of a fir tree while collecting material for the construction of a nest in the final days of winter. The squirrel was preparing for the upcoming reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) losing its balance while wrangling a long branch it has collected for the purpose of constructing a nest.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) constructing a nest to prepare for the upcoming reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from its nest in the middle of the day.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel looking into the entrance of a nest with a female inside. During reproductive season, males often do this in hopes of find receptive females. In many instances, females approaching estrus are already accompanied by males. Conflicts between males often ensue.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels mating. Copulation occurs multiple times over an extended period of time. This can happen inside the nest or outside, as shown here. Mating can take place in the day time or at night.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel pausing in a favored spot after emerging from its nest, just prior to ascending to the treetops to forage. There is snow in the background. The soft, cool light is from the setting sun.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from the entrance to its nest just before a major snowstorm hit. The northwest side of the tree was already coated with snow, and the winds had picked up considerably. The squirrel decided not to emerge at the time.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel sitting at the entrance to her nest.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels that have emerged from the nest at dusk. The female seated above is entering estrus. The male is checking her readiness for mating.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel that has emerged from its nest during daylight hours. It was defending a female in estrus from the approach of another male.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel emerging from her nest in the early evening prior to departing for a night of foraging. These animals often pause like this before commencing nocturnal activity.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male pausing after grooming himself during an early winter morning. This male shared the nest with a female, which joined him shortly after this photo was taken. The pair mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels that have just emerged from their nest early in the morning during the winter reproductive season. The individual facing the camera is male. After preening together, the pair ascended into the canopy to forage. They mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a portrait of a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male illuminated by the light of an early winter morning. He had just emerged from his nest, followed shortly thereafter by a female. The pair mated 10 days after this photo was taken.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel foraging at dawn. It is high in the canopy, around 15-20m, not far from its nest. The tree is a Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica), one of several prime food sources for this species. As seen here, these flying squirrels consume the leaf buds of this tree.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii). The one in front is male. The one peeking out from behind is female. They are situated at the top entrance to their nest, caressed by warm light from the setting winter sun. This pair mated several times throughout the day. There was another male in the area, a challenger. The female mated with the other male as well, when this one was not looking.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii), photographed during breeding season. The individual higher up on the tree is a female in oestrus. In the first two images in this sequence of three, the male approaches the female from behind to attempt copulation. In the third image, the female spins around to indicate in no uncertain terms that she is not ready. The pair’s nest is in the crack in the tree.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrels-copu...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) that has just come out from its nest., entrance visible to left and above the animal’s head. These flying squirrels are nocturnal, but occasionally emerge during daylight hours.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-20200...tif
  • When a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) emerges from its nest at dusk, one of the first orders of business is often to relieve itself. The individual pictured here is defecating (pellets visible in the appropriate location) while grasping a small twig for stability. Flying squirrel droppings are used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for ailments related to blood circulation and abdominal pain. The droppings are known as Wu Ling Zhi.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-defec...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel, emerging from its nest at dusk to set out for a night of foraging. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-at-du...tif
  • Pictured here is a pair of a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), one peeking out from the nest, and another perched on a branch above. These squirrels are preparing for a night of foraging, having emerged shortly after sunset. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is a  sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel and is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrels-at-d...tif
  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), a sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel. that has just emerged from its nest before setting out for a night of foraging. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. It is primarily nocturnal. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range.
    japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-at-du...tif
  • This is a Japanese red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) wrangling small branches it has gathered for the purpose of constructing a nest in preparation for reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel looking out from the entrance to her nest.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This composite image shows a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating for a duration of about 20 seconds after it had emerged from its nest to forage.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • These four Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels emerged from a single nest at the same time, just before foraging. Simultaneous appearances like this are relatively uncommon.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from its nest, just before emerging for an evening of foraging in the treetops.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • Pictured here is a pair of Ural owls (Strix uralensis japonica) in their nest during late afternoon on a winter day. The smaller individual on the lower left is the male. This pair was preparing to have chicks.
    strix-uralensis-japonica-ural-owl-ez...tif
  • This is an Ezo red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) gathering materials for its nest in preparation for reproductive season.
    sciurus-vulgaris-orientis-ezo-red-sq...tif
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Tony Wu Underwater Photography

  • Search Image Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • View Portfolio
  • Read About Me
  • Send Me a Note
  • Portfolio