Popped along to the British Wildlife Centre near gatwick on sunday (glorious weather, we walked around in a tshirts all day).
I didn't get any pictures to really write home about but one of my favourites was actually of this frog that had been put in the water snake enclosure as its dinner. He was sat very still, I expect trying his best to blend in with the surroundings and avoid detection.
I think this really shows how versatile the 200-400 VR can be with its close focussing. This frog was about the length of an AA battery yet I was able to get pretty close to him. This has had about %10-15 cropped from the frame, I like the full frmae as I like the colours and textures of his surroundings but went with this crop for the web to show a bit more detail. Not a stand out shot but my first frog photo at least!
D200, 200-400 VR at 400mm (VR on), 1/60 second at f8, ISO 200 and monopod.
Posted by Danny Green on November 1, 2006 at 9:32 AM
Hello Richard
Its a nice picture but I really don't agree with the actions by the Centre in their methods of feeding. I hope this wasn't for the chance to get images of a snake eating a frog if so shame on them.
Nice image of this frog, shame about the circumstances, the BWC are normally pretty good in this respect, but afraid I'm with Danny on the ethics, I suppose it is possible that this species of Water Snake needs live food, not sure as it has been a long long time since I visited there (or anywhere similar)....
All the best
Posted by Danny Green on November 1, 2006 at 10:29 AM
Hello Phil
I have never been to the British wildlife centre so I can't comment on their policies but if the name is British Wildlife Centre do they not just keep British Subjects if so then grass snake is our only snake that lives and hunts in water and one kept in captivety will feed on dead young chicks or mice. Sorry to add this to your thread Richard maybe you can help out with the ID of the snake.
Thanks
Danny
Posted by Pete Etheridge on November 1, 2006 at 10:38 AM
I was told by a keeper at Blackpool Zoo, that it's illegal to feed live prey to a captive animal. Not sure whether that's true though. Vince might be able to clarify?
Wow this certainly seems to have sparked off a debate! I assume the two frogs were there as food as there was no 'animal info' up other than that of the snakes. I just assumed they were trying to keep the snakes habbitat as 'natural' as possible.
I don't have any pictures of the snake as he was right in the corner hiding away.
Discussion
5 repliesI didn't get any pictures to really write home about but one of my favourites was actually of this frog that had been put in the water snake enclosure as its dinner. He was sat very still, I expect trying his best to blend in with the surroundings and avoid detection.
I think this really shows how versatile the 200-400 VR can be with its close focussing. This frog was about the length of an AA battery yet I was able to get pretty close to him. This has had about %10-15 cropped from the frame, I like the full frmae as I like the colours and textures of his surroundings but went with this crop for the web to show a bit more detail. Not a stand out shot but my first frog photo at least!
D200, 200-400 VR at 400mm (VR on), 1/60 second at f8, ISO 200 and monopod.
Its a nice picture but I really don't agree with the actions by the Centre in their methods of feeding. I hope this wasn't for the chance to get images of a snake eating a frog if so shame on them.
Danny
All the best
I have never been to the British wildlife centre so I can't comment on their policies but if the name is British Wildlife Centre do they not just keep British Subjects if so then grass snake is our only snake that lives and hunts in water and one kept in captivety will feed on dead young chicks or mice. Sorry to add this to your thread Richard maybe you can help out with the ID of the snake.
Thanks
Danny
I don't have any pictures of the snake as he was right in the corner hiding away.