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First Crossing
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First Crossing

by Ken Watkins

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 11, 2014115 views4 comments
The Mawagusi River in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, had only recently reverted to a river, so this was probably this youngsters first crossing, Mum protected it by remaining on the upstream side.
EOS 1Dx
200-400 mm F4 with 1.4 EX at 560mm
F 6.3
ISO 800
1/3200

Comments

4 comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on March 11, 2014 at 7:51 AM
Really nice one Ken. The large image really shows the texture of the elephant's skin. I also like teh foota ction with teh water and mud coming off. Thyanks for sharing.

On a side note, I now am the proud owner of a Canon 200-400. I LOVE IT!!
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 11, 2014 at 10:14 AM
An excellent nature image with a strong story. You handled the lighting and exposure well keeping the detail in the shadows without letting anything get away. I'm curious about the behavior. I would have thought that the mother would protect by being on the down current side to keep the youngster from being pushed over or taken by a current (as shallow as it is). You noted she was on the upstream side. Was that an attempt to create a calm zone for it to cross in? Can you add any more about the behavior? Great image :toast:
Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on March 12, 2014 at 3:53 AM
Jerry,

I am certain you will enjoy your lens :toast:

Rick,
Elephant Mums always try to put themselves between what they perceive to be danger and their young ones.In this case she is on the side where the water is flowing from, very fast but not very deep. The youngster had got in a little bit of bother earlier in the crossing.
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 13, 2014 at 9:21 PM
The baby is adorable and I love his pose with uplifted trunk and tail. This is engaging on many levels. Ideally we would see a bit of angle to show more of mother's face.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments