Posted by Lon Sharp on September 29, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Yesterday at Wind Cave I found this badger happily digging for prairie dogs. If you look closely you can see a tiny bit of red staining on his face and nose, apparently from a recent snack.
I liked his casual pose and "hand position" which led me to create a rather unconventional crop. I appreciate your reaction.
Posted by Tim Mulholland on September 29, 2008 at 7:40 AM
Well, I just saw a badger yesterday, too - but it was in the zoo. Yes, I'm jealous, as this is one of those critters that I've always wanted to see in the wild. You did a good job with the capture - sharp where it should be, narrow DoF, and you're right - he is posing really great, almost like he's calling to the prairie dogs - "come here li'l doggy"
Tim!
Posted by Daniel Loomis on September 29, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Great shot. Like Tim, I have never seen a live badger in the wild. Your photo is the next best thing.
Posted by Brad Mangas on September 29, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Very nice Lon. It's almost as if the little fella is posing for you. The only little nit I might mention would be if the background were even more oof I think the subject would stand out even more. But the badger itself is nice a sharp.
I don't believe there are many badgers around these parts, some I'm sure. I spent a lot of time this pass spring in the flint hills and was told by a biologist she knows of at least one living in the area I visit, but this is around a 8,000 acre area so I probably won't run in to him or her anytime soon. I think they are amazing animals not all the often seen. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Rob Graham on September 29, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Well done, Lon. I really like the pose. I found a badger a couple years ago, but haven't been back to see if he was still using the same field or not.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on September 29, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Lon, I think this is a fine image technically and one with some character too. The badger's pose gives this a unique quality and provides the viewer a chance to connect on a different level.
You captured a GREAT pose here! His tummy is full and he's just chillin'. It is very crisp and sharp.
I hope you shot him with a big lens and didn't venture too close. I've seen a few of these, running across dirt roads out in the country. My husband had a run in with one about 10 yrs. ago while out hunting with his lab. It started charging toward our dog - who was totally oblivious to the fact a critter that is nothing but teeth & claws was running full tilt at him. I won't go into details about the outcome, but let's just say the badger lost. They definitely should be given a wide path!
Discussion
6 repliesI liked his casual pose and "hand position" which led me to create a rather unconventional crop. I appreciate your reaction.
Tim!
I don't believe there are many badgers around these parts, some I'm sure. I spent a lot of time this pass spring in the flint hills and was told by a biologist she knows of at least one living in the area I visit, but this is around a 8,000 acre area so I probably won't run in to him or her anytime soon. I think they are amazing animals not all the often seen. Thanks for sharing.
Well done in my book.
I hope you shot him with a big lens and didn't venture too close. I've seen a few of these, running across dirt roads out in the country. My husband had a run in with one about 10 yrs. ago while out hunting with his lab. It started charging toward our dog - who was totally oblivious to the fact a critter that is nothing but teeth & claws was running full tilt at him. I won't go into details about the outcome, but let's just say the badger lost. They definitely should be given a wide path!