One from yesterday morning. Difficult conditions again and getting anything through the undergrowth is a nightmare so I managed three images that whilst nowhere near perfect are pretty satisfying for me. This youngster was eating a fish it had just caught and gave me the chance to change to a longer lens.
1/15th @ F4 iso 1600
300mm
Posted by Nick Mckeown on January 23, 2012 at 2:55 PM
You are certainly getting a high hit rate with these otters Robert. Don't know what the crop is on the image, if any, but from my experience you must have been pretty close to get that image with a 300mm lens. All you need know is to persuade them to sit out in the open!
Really enjoying this series... conditions may be difficult but the images are glimpses into their world and how you would probably normally catch a fleeting look before they disappear... looking forward to more ...
Thanks for the comments. Nick, this is nearly full frame. Just a little bit off the bottom and the LHS to help the composition. Yes, they are close and in fact that is what has been so exciting about it for me. There are three on a very small stretch of a small stream which feeds into a big lake. They have been showing extremely well (and often at any time of day) on what is essentially a tiny area of water and don't seemed to be phased by people being around as long as those people are quiet and careful to remain still. The only problem now is that they are becoming a bit of a celebrity and more photographers and onlookers are looking for them. Some of those are not as careful as they should be and I suspect the otters will vacate the area in the near future especially if, as supected, the bitch otter is pregnant. I have been photographing the wildlife on this lake for many years now but this is the most exciting thing to have happened to me here and I will be very much the poorer if and when they leave.
Posted by John Robinson on January 23, 2012 at 3:12 PM
I actually like these shots with all the other stuff included. I know what you are after Robert but don't undervalue these early ones. Great stuff!
John
Posted by Nick Mckeown on January 23, 2012 at 3:37 PM
I know how you feel about otters. They are my favourite animal and I love watching them and if I spot one when on my work travels if I have time I will always stop and watch them. Over the years I have had some very close views but I think what you have here is pretty unique paricularly as they are river otters and are notoriously difficult to see. In fact some otter surveyors on rivers have spent years without ever seeing one. Enjoy it while it lasts my friend for you will have many happy memories.
Nick
Posted by David Sewell on January 23, 2012 at 3:55 PM
This is a special series as it is. Keep at it and I am sure you will get what you want in the end.
David
Posted by Ian Mason on January 23, 2012 at 4:07 PM
Robert i know where your coming from but you have still got a good shot of this animal in it's habitat,good look with getting what your after.
Keith.
Posted by Bob Johnson on January 24, 2012 at 3:06 AM
Stick at it Robert and you will nail one for sure
Bob
Posted by Craig Jones on January 24, 2012 at 4:12 AM
Works really well as an image,wildlife most of the time won't perch or pose for you in for your image. This is wildlife photography at the heart within this image shot "as seen" as I say alot a true reflection of what you saw on the ground. So for me this and all the Otter shots are real and very nice Robert
Discussion
12 replies1/15th @ F4 iso 1600
300mm
Oscar
Nick.
John
Nick
David
Keith.
Bob