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Proficient Predator
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Proficient Predator

by John Launstein

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted January 14, 201691 views6 comments
While not an image that depicts a predator ripping open a carcass, this one has sat in my files for too long waiting for some attention, so I finally got around to it to share it as part of this week's theme. 

I dearly wish I had had ANY warning that this fox vixen was returning to the den site I was at with the results of her hunting foray for her kits, but I was tucked against my truck and looking down the barrel of my 500mm at an adorable kit when I heard something beside me. I whipped the lens around and found and focused on this scene as she went past, but sadly she was already beyond an ideal angle so I counted it as a memory recorded more than anything else. Still, there's 5 rodents visible here and we thought we counted 6 on the ground after she deposited them for her kits, and that's a pretty remarkable feat IMO!

Techs to come. Thanks for looking!

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on January 14, 2016 at 5:23 PM
It's a mouthful.  Nice shot.
Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on January 14, 2016 at 6:34 PM
Hi John,

This is a record for a rodent fast food delivery-  Apparently they were out of frieslaugh.  I would not worry about the ideal angle--a little head turn would have been nice, but the scene works as is.  I like it as is and think that it is an awesome shotdevil..........Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on January 14, 2016 at 7:32 PM
The fox is really concentrating on it delivery.  Very nice colors on the fox and a perfect BG.
Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments
Comment posted by Yun Gao on January 14, 2016 at 9:22 PM

Impressive! Very nice image. Like this one.

Registered on September 11, 2012, 267 Posts, 1621 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 15, 2016 at 10:08 AM
John, that an amazing mouthful of food.  It sure would have been fun to watch her gather those.  This is a good look at her, with her whole body sharp and how you've framed her works well.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Minish on January 16, 2016 at 9:17 PM
Pretty darn nice for a reflex shot, John!  This mother is definitely a good provider for her kits!  Focus, DOF, exposure, color and composition are all great.  I really can't suggest anything that would improve the shot.  Nicely done!   devil
Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments