Eeeeee!

Well here I am in my one and only wildlife post for some time, my dedication to wildlife is extraordinary. I have one more to post and then thats me done for another three years!

This is a Pika, a common sight on the slopes of the Rocky mountains. Whilst in Canada in September I was utterly fascinated with these little friends. My friend Royce can testify that in my short visit I learned how to communicate with these little fur balls, with my calls often being returned during our early morning climbs up to mountain vantage points, much to my amusement.

For those who dont know, they are rather closer to the rabbit than any mouse. Spending the winter underground, but not hibernating. They work the late summer days collecting greenery to eat over winter and occasionally assert their dominance with the cutest 'eeek' you will ever hear from the top of a rocky outcrop.

This shot is something I am very happy with as I am crap at wildlife photography. I cant believe my luck getting one calling as it may only happen once every five minutes and it's one quick burst.

EOS 5D, 300mm 2.8L + 2xII, ISO 400 at f8 1/1250 handheld

Well, you're obviously a natural David!!! Can't fault at all, except for me, it's begging for a horizontal crop as it's slightly tight on the left. That's some lens quality with a 2x on. Nice work

That's a great shot - I spent a lot of time freezing various bits of my anatomy off just trying to get a decent shot of these in Colorado and failed completely. Lovely and sharp, great BG and you can hear it from here Out of curiosity, was there a reason for the portrait rather than landscape presentation?



Mark

Hi David

I wish I could take landscapes as well as you take wildlife - very nice an image that would have worked well in both formats!

David

It just seemed appropriate for some reason, perhaps the front cover of Pika World? Mark I have absolutely no idea why I shot this in portrait. I have some landscape ones too, its just that this one has him calling and is orientated this way for some strange reason, but looking at it now I wish it was landscape. I could crop it to a square I guess?

Graeme the 300mm 2.8L(non IS) + 2xII is a super sharp combo, only ruined by my long lens technique! In strong sunshine with a fast shutter speed I am amazed at the sharpness at 100%

I think this makes for a very appealing image. Great all round

Major.

Great image David

I'd have to agree with Graeme and go for a landscape format - but it works well this way too

What a cute looking animal, good job on catching him calling.

Hello David

Hey slow down you can't do everything Great shot love the setting.



Danny

Thats unusual... first time I have seen a Pika on here. The diagional works very well.

T

Hi David,

A very nice shot of one of my favourite creatures , only ever seen them on tv so I'm very envious indeed.

Regards

Andy...

Hi David I like this a lot. I was pondering why you chose portrait format. I think my immediate reaction would be to do it landscape, but doing it this way you have put the Pika on top of a mini mountain! May be unconciously you were trying to convey the idea that this is a mountain dweller. Very effective at any rate.

At least you know you were right when you thought wildlife was easy and landscapes were the really hard work now

Nice stuff - and look forward to your only other picture!



Mark

Just love Picas. They have to be one of the cutest mammals out there. I think this is an absolute cracker. The mouth open and calling just gives that 'alive' quality.

Fan-tastic, i love Pikas and this is a great shot of one! No nits from me and i like the portrait format myself.