Two Bachelors

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 19, 2015490 views6 comments

I was able to spend more time out looking for moose this weekend. We've been in a warm spell here - with temperatures between +5C to +10C (that's in the 40'sF). It's been phenomenally pleasant to be outdoors.

This image is two of the bulls that are hanging out between Turner Valley and Millarville. The lead guy is larger, but has lost his antlers already. The area is a mix of cattle ranches and rural acreages, and there are a lot of trees and bushes. Sometimes looking down a fence line is the cleanest line of sight. It worked out this time!

1/250 sec, f/8.0, ISO 800, Tamron 150-600 @600mm. Processed with LR, PS-CC 2014, NIK Define and Viveza.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on January 21, 2015 at 12:03 AM

Interesting image Karen, I like how you caught the second bull as it crossed the fence. Do wish there was more showing of the first moose. The dark areas on the moose look a bit odd, not sure what or why, but it looks like darker splotches on their coats. It looks just a bit soft to me, were you hand holding? How do you like that lens? Do like the photo, glad you caught this action. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing more.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on January 22, 2015 at 11:41 AM

Nice capture of these two. Looks like you were able to freeze the motion even with 1/250s. I was wondering how you like the Tamron 150-600?

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on January 23, 2015 at 9:13 AM

Hi Karen,

I think you did quite well here given the conditions (tough lighting, tough to get clear view of full moose, etc.). That blotchiness is so characteristic of moose I've seen in that region (I've seen it elsewhere, but often not as pronounced as it is in that area - no clue as to why). Good timing on catching the second moose in flight!

I've had a copy of that lens for several months now and its surprisingly competent (and obviously good value). I have found it softens up near the long end of the focal range, especially on subjects at moderate (say 50m) to long distances (100m or more).

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on January 23, 2015 at 2:26 PM

I like the angles present in this image and the uphill struggle that these bulls are faced with - especially with the element of the fence. The color scheme is a bit bland (though I'm reviewing this on a laptop) and as such I would maybe try and punch up the green trees a bit and add a touch more contrast

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on January 25, 2015 at 9:01 AM

Hello Karen

Well done to be patient and get some interaction here!

Cheers

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on January 25, 2015 at 9:24 PM

Good job of catching him jumping the fence. I think the colors in this are very realistic, including the color of their hair. Moose color and "slpotchiness" does vary by area for sure. Nice.

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments