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Little Annoyances


Little Annoyances
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1252 W: 0 N: 4842] (14380)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-28
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 1Ds MkII, Canon 400mm 2.8 IS
Exposure: f/4, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): CeltickRanger's favorite Bear photos [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-03 7:28
Viewed: 604
Points: 70
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
First, I would like to thank everyone who wrote such nice comments and for the many emails I have had about my last posting. I have been very, very touched by what people have written. As I was writing a reply to Silpa (Irishues) it dawned on me that it would be rather stupid of me to leave – posting an account like that and then disappearing just wasn’t on – it would be rather cowardly in fact - so I am still here.

In case anyone had dreadful ideas about what I did - I tend to jump in and help if someone is in trouble (no-one was there for me and I was frightened and lonely for a long time, so it is sort of a gut reaction). However, sometimes it is best not to interfere.

I selected this shot of a black bear taken from the car window along the Icefields Parkway about 40km south of Jasper. The bear was rather scrawny and grazing on the newly sprouting grass. He was covered with large mosquitos but he didn't seem bothered by them - or us. He or she was just getting on with life.

In all we saw 9 Black and 3 Grizzly Bears, as well as Big Horn Sheep, Bald Eagles, Orcas, Grey Whales, Stellars Sealions, California Sealions and much more.

The American Black Bear usually ranges in length from 150 to 180 cm (60 to 72 inches) and typically stands about 80 to 95 cm (34 to 48 inches) at the shoulder. Standing up on its hind feet, a black bear can be up to 7 feet tall. Males are 33% larger than females. Females weigh between 40 and 180 kg (90 and 400 pounds); males weigh between 115 and 275 kg (250 and 600 pounds). Adult black bears seldom exceed 300 kg (660 pounds) but exceptionally large males have been recorded from the wild at up to 240 cm (95 inches) long and at least 365 kg (800 pounds). The biggest American black bear ever recorded was a male from North Carolina that weighed 880 lbs (400 kilograms). Cubs usually weigh 200 to 450 g (between 7 ounces and 1 pound) at birth. The adult has small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a large body, and a short tail. It has an excellent sense of smell. Though they generally have shaggy black hair, the coat can vary in color from white through chocolate-brown, cinnamon-brown and blonde (found mostly west of the Mississippi River), to black in the east (the same is generally true in Canada, the border being between Manitoba and Ontario). They occasionally have a slight V-shaped white chest blaze. The tail is 4.8 inches long.

Although black bears can stand and walk on their hind legs it is more normal for them to walk on all fours. When they do stand, it is usually to get a better scent or to look at something. Their characteristic shuffling gait results from their plantigrade (flat-footed) walk, with the hind legs slightly longer than the forelegs. Another reason for the apparent shuffle is that they commonly walk with a pacing gait. Unlike many quadrupeds, the legs on one side move together instead of alternating, much like a pacer horse.[citation needed] Each paw has five long, strong claws used for tearing, digging, and climbing.
boreocypriensis, Amadeo, PaulH, eqshannon, loot, Gert-Paassen, jaycee, CeltickRanger, vanderschelden, gracious, nglen, MMM, goldyrs, maurydv, NinaM, JPlumb, Luis52, rcrick, ramthakur, anel, rousettus, horia, uleko, fartash, wuta, Adanac, hester, iris has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Welcome back James:) We longed for you. An excellent capture of this black bear seem like me:) Lovely guy indeed. Great composition with its natural cute posture. TFS. My friend.
Cheers,
Take care!
Bayram

Hola James, me alegro de ver una fotografia tuya de nuevo, una toma con buen color y bien iluminada. Un saludo

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  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1033 W: 26 N: 2998] (10820)
  • [2008-06-03 7:39]

Hi James,
excellent to have you back my friend, pleased you decided to join us again, it would not be the same with you. Sounds like you've had a great time in Vancouver though. Great pose you caught here, although i feel sorry for this Bear, i know how it feels, i've been to Scotland in the summer ;o)
Very good detailin the dark coat and spot on DOF too, well done.
Paul

I've been as close as 20 feet from a mother and her two cubs...all on my property in the wilderness..and one broke into my kitchen three nights in a row..nothing we could do except listen...and then clean up the day after...a bit tamer than the brown and the grizzly of course but still..quite impressive and will attack a person if intimidated or it if feels it has to protect the cubs...now you're lucky here...You had a camera with you...I did not have any with me at the times I have seen them,....VERY nice image James. Wish you could have stopped in and said Hi! You're or you were not far away from Jane and I...maybe a couple hours drive. Make sure to stop next time!
bob

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  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1148 W: 254 N: 2555] (11565)
  • [2008-06-03 8:28]

Hi James,

A nice capture of this black bear,I suppose you are enjoying your present trip in Canada,to see your list of sightings,a nice shot,well done and hope to see more of this trip,

Regards,
Paul

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  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2611 W: 133 N: 7494] (23373)
  • [2008-06-03 8:41]

Hello James,
It would have been very sad if you, the most travelled person on this site with fine photographs, left TN. I'm glad you're still with us!
This capture of a Black Bear bothered by flies is great. They look like they might be some species of horse fly. Great low POV and pose.
TFS this fine image,
Ivan

Hello James,

Good pov ad nice pose of the bear, nice blurred BG.

Gert

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  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5726 W: 605 N: 3416] (9137)
  • [2008-06-03 8:58]
  • [3]

James, James, James.

You are most welcome – happy to still have you around.

I have missed your previous posting and unfortunately did not see your note at the time, but reading this note and going back to the previous one ripped my heart apart. A host of mixed emotions ran through me; I don't know if I must be sorry or thankful that I missed it, happy that you are dealing with it, relieved for incremental and finally ultimate victory, and really I am PISSED-OFF for the cruelty of mankind. My friend, I'm sitting here, crying for you, while feelings of disgust and anger want to overwhelm me. This is heavy man.

Maybe this is not the place to converse this matter, but you were honest and openheartedly shared this very personal and heart-wrenching experience with us so I hope you would be OK with me writing about it. I don't want to drag this out or over emphasize it (not that, that is possible I suppose) and I don't have the necessary skill or experience to properly deal with it, but know one thing for certain my friend, you are a WINNER. It seems to me you have made great strides in your healing process with this "public announcement" and it is in your power now to break down the walls that this barbaric incident has caused you to build around you. Go and tackle your broken friendship with the same openness and resolute determinedness to succeed and rebuild the fallen bridges. James Parker, when you are done, you come and give us the good news and we (your TrekNature friends, brothers, & sisters) will be happy and rejoice with you.

...and yes, the bear is great too...

Well done MF and TFS.
Best regards & God bless.
Loot

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  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1786 W: 8 N: 4638] (14987)
  • [2008-06-03 9:07]

Hi James,

I was eagerly awaiting your first post after returning from what must have been a fantastic trip. It's so good to see you home safe and sound. A wonderful shot of this black bear - poor thing covered with mosquitoes. His posture looks like he might be a bit annoyed. Good colors of his coat and wonderful details of the face and coat. I love the eye and nose!

Jane

hello James

first i am happy to see you again among us, then the first thing
i did is to create a new theme, my favorite photos of Bears,
and your image will be the first one of that theme

great shot of this great wild animal, James, with fine POV,
excellent sharpness and details of his wonderful fur,
i love his look, what great sensation you had, TFS alot

Asbed

Hello James,
I am proud and delighted to see your wonderful posting that sharing with us once again! welcome back, James!
Good close up of the Black Bear with very fine details and nice colouration!
many thanks once again
cheers
Tony

Hello James,
Wonderful image. Great title:-).
Beautiful Black bear.
I enjoyed your photo.
TFS
Annick

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  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1991 W: 5 N: 5557] (20998)
  • [2008-06-03 11:13]

Hi James . Good to see you back safe and sound from your last trip. Also so pleased that you have decided to keep on posting i and others are so pleased. Well you have come back with a close up of the Black beer . i am surprised how long his coat is may be its still the winter fur. good detail and natural colours. I shal look foward to some more from America.
Well done tFs.
Nick..

Ps let me know if you are going down to Westbourne .

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  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 755 W: 0 N: 1515] (6928)
  • [2008-06-03 11:24]

Hi James
Excellent presentation.Great POV and sharp image.You had managed details from the black fur perfectely.
TFS Michel

Hello James
I shall be short and sweet and say a very fine capture indeed...Its one of the many pictures from this wonderful world that most of us will never see but you share with us in perfect photographic detail.
My very best to you James and in all honesty you could have lost a lot more friends that you didnt realise you had by not posting anymore.
Paul

Hi James, great post, I missed a few weeks of late, been busy, so I have some catching up to do, but I am glad you have posted this ....

Lovely capture, framed very well, James!
Cheers!
Goldy

Bentornato con un'altra splendida immagine, bellissimo momento catturato con il grosso orso che si deve difendere dai piccoli "mosquitos", ottimi POV e composizione, buona nitidezza, molto belli e n aturali i colori. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

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  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 566 W: 0 N: 1388] (4593)
  • [2008-06-03 14:38]

Hé James, glad you are staying with us to share those amazing pictures you take. I read your notes carefully and you reminded me my own reflection when things are real bad and you feel really low, we are always alone in these moments. I think the soul needs the time and reflection, be alone, in such important moments. Anyway, you are courageous. And this picture of a bear is just like those bears Rick brings us back, you lucky! Even though you are in my country, Canada, I have never been west and wish I would have. Thanks a lot!

Francine

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  • JPlumb Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 643 W: 160 N: 894] (2837)
  • [2008-06-03 15:52]

Hi James, looks like you had a good trip to Canada. I've lived in Canada most of my life and have never seen a wild bear. I obviously drive the wrong roads. This guy is good, but it's not just the bear you're showing here, you caught a piece of Canadian wildlife that we don't show off a lot, and that's the spring bugs. Mosquitoes, blackflies, horse and deer flies in the springtime can drive you crazy. Obviously the bears are immune to them. You caught this guy in a great pose. Light is good with very good detail of and around the bear, and great natural colour. Welcome back!

Thanks, John

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  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1022 W: 5 N: 2802] (10144)
  • [2008-06-03 17:53]

Hi James.
I am very happy, becouse You decided to stay here with Us and share your work, and becouse You have a great talent in phography and the notes You write teach me a lot.
Great image My friend, fine work
Saludos
Luis52.

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  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 627 W: 42 N: 1153] (3730)
  • [2008-06-03 21:49]

Hey James,

So glad your back mate, I think you've put a smile on a lot of peoples faces, and hopefully we can do the same for you because it wouldn’t be the same without you, and not to draw on comparisons but you have shown great strength and courage and this posting is just perfect, all the best,

Cheers Rick :)

Hi James,
Very happy to see your first picture from Canada.
Happier still to see you back and active on TN.
That's a good boy!

The Black Bear in your picture is scrawny but handsome.
It is a wonderful shot of this animal of the wild you shot in Jasper National Park.
Thanks for sharing it and best regards.
Ram

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  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1173 W: 0 N: 1968] (8357)
  • [2008-06-04 5:15]

Hello James,
Happy to see a picture from your Canadian trip. Looking at this Black Bear I have the feeling that I have to scratch myself,even if the bear doesn't bother, normal with its thick fur. Very natural and somehow touching picture.
Thanks and best regards
Anne

Nice to see you again, James. Welcome back. This is really great capture black bear and insects. There are many flies and I think the bear spent not good time. You presented this scene with a great post. thanks for sharing. Looking forward to see more posts from you. best wishes my friend
Ahmet

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  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2082 W: 216 N: 3759] (12474)
  • [2008-06-04 6:53]

Hi James and very nice to see you back!

I'm VERY HAPPY to see you've changed your mind and come back to us :)
I know you really helped me a lot with the gesture you did and i'm not going to forget that...i will pass on a favor such as this when i will be in the position to do it :)

This is a lovely shot of this poor fellow. I'm a bit amazed he's not going crazy with all those big mosquitos around him...
Anyway, your shot is excellent - very sharp and with a spot-on DOF - and it also seems like you had quite a day then...having seen so many beautiful animals and places.
Splendid shot and great post, my firend!

BRAVO, TFS and a warm welcome back!
Horia

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  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2466 W: 168 N: 7458] (23564)
  • [2008-06-04 7:33]

Hello James,
I'm really glad to see you back, and with a freshly taken capture too! This is a great close-up of this Bear in a fine pose. Excellent sharpness and colours and I love his thick black coat!
Best wishes and take care, Ulla

Dear James
Wonderful shot of this Black Bear.
Perfect focusing,pose and exposure.Superb shot my friend.

Regards
Fartash

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  • viv Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 302 W: 3 N: 621] (3122)
  • [2008-06-04 7:53]

Hello James,

Great capture of this bear, great on details and a nice POV.
TFS
Vivian

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  • wuta Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 871 W: 2 N: 606] (2034)
  • [2008-06-04 8:08]

Hello James ,Nice to see you back , and you have a beauty shot from this beer , great details pov compositie and bg ,tfs Greetings ,teunie .

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  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1692 W: 242 N: 5589] (19849)
  • [2008-06-04 10:19]

Wow! That must be irritating!
I can't stand one mozzy let alone dozens of them :-)
Excellent capture.
I like the pose.
Great composition.
Nice light.
Really good to see another photo from you and I'm very glad you're not leaving for good.

All the best!

Joe

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  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1048 W: 1 N: 4156] (13964)
  • [2008-06-04 20:06]

Hello James,
All our combined prayers have been answered, you have reconsidered and returned to posting your marvelous work. Thank you James from the bottom of my heart and you return with a black bear, although he looks extremely thin after the winter sleep. You have captured superbly thank you.
Rick

Hello James,
Wonderful photo of this black bear. Great low POV. It looks very impressive. Excellent sharpness, details and natural colours. Good composition.
Regards,
Peter

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  • hester Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1471 W: 18 N: 2981] (10944)
  • [2008-06-10 13:33]

Hi James

Nice to see that you stayed with us...all the best for me as I get to see your wonderful bear shots. Beautifully composed, sharp and a great pose captured

TFS

Karan

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  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 392 W: 41 N: 735] (2314)
  • [2008-07-10 10:18]

Hi James,
I wonder how did i miss this one.I am glad we were able to prod you enough to think and return:)

I love the title so much...apt for occasion and for the shot....the little annoyances that keep bothering us need to be side stepped and we should go ahead boldly with our plans for life.

This bear that you show to us is clearly bothered by the flies around him, but he is ready to face the scenario.The bear is clearly caught in an awkward situation wherein it has to chase these flies away to continue with its paws.

Very original and natural pose captured with good PoV and DoF.
TFS and Cheers

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