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Drama at the Hatchery
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Drama at the Hatchery

by Gary Minish

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted July 28, 2017147 views3 comments
Actual title: "High Drama at the Hatchery"  

Another Sea Lion conflict photo.  In this one, the Sea Lion made a ferocious pass through a large school of Pink Salmon and actually struck out.  It was obviously a close call for one salmon as it was thrown into the air by the attack, two others barely got out of it's path (middle right, under the water) and the bulk of the salmon had piled up in a frantic heap (on the left).  The Sea Lion's mouth was wide open but about all you can see is its bottom chin and if you look close in the large version you can see its long whiskers sticking out of the splash. 

Sony a6500, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM  w/1.4X TC @ 125 mm, ISO-100, f/4.0, 1/3200, hand held.

Comments

3 comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on July 28, 2017 at 12:14 PM
Lots of great water splashing, Gary, and the arching salmon clear out of the water is great as well.  You've also got good looks as a couple of the salmon on the left.  This looks like a prime spot for action that I'm guessing happens on a yearly basis.  Does it get a big collection of photographers?
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Minish on July 29, 2017 at 12:09 AM
Mark; Yes, it attracts quite a few photographers throughout out the season (late June -  Mid September).   Also a lot of tourists with cell phones. One or two families of bears occasionally show up also but my schedule doesn't seem to coincide with theirs.
Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on August 3, 2017 at 11:45 AM
Close call for the salmon this time Gary. Love the splash and thanks for description. I would have glossed over the sea lion thinking it was more salmon if you hadn't explained the scene.
Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments