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Life in a Tree


Life in a Tree
Photo Information
Copyright: Howard Cheek (marhowie) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5716 W: 1221 N: 10549] (34439)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-06-17
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Canon EOS 1D Mark III, Sigma 150mm F2.8 APO Macro DG HSM, Digital ISO-500, Hoya Skylight UV 72mm
Exposure: f/22, 1/50 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Bayram's Favorites-1, annick vanderschelden's favourites [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-18 19:26
Viewed: 654
Points: 68
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
THERE ARE THREE ANIMALS IN THIS POST. A TREE FROG, LIZARD, AND MATING SQUIRRELS..

ALL CALL THE MIGHTY OAK HOME.
The squirrel shot as well as the lizard have been heavily cropped, and shot from a distance..
Hope you find them of interest.

YOU CAN SEE THEM IN WORKSHOP ADDITIONS.

The Gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) is a species of small arboreal frog native to much of the United States and into Canada. It is sometimes referred to as the North American tree frog.

Physical description:
Gray tree frogs are, as their common name implies, predominately gray in color. They can be light or dark gray, or light gray with darker gray, black, yellow or green mottling. They are relatively small compared to other North American frog species, typically attaining no more than 1.5 to 2 inches (4cm to 5cm) in length. Their skin has a lumpy texture to it, giving them a warty appearance. They are virtually indistinguishable from the Cope's Gray Tree Frog, Hyla chrysoscelis, the only readily noticeable difference being their call.

Both Hyla chrysoscelis and Hyla versicolor have bright orange patches on the hind legs, which distinguishes them from other tree frogs, such as Hyla avivoca.

Geographic Range:
Gray tree frogs inhabit a wide range, and can be found in most of the eastern half of the United States, as far west as central Texas. They also range into Canada in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, with an isolated population in New Brunswick.

Behavior
Gray tree frogs are primarily arboreal, spending time in wooded areas, usually not far from a permanent water source. On rainy evenings they can often be found calling in or near shallow, temporary pools of water. They are nocturnal and insectivorous, consuming most any small arthropod they can catch. Mating occurs throughout the spring and summer months.They also will change colors, as in a light green to a gray, to match their habitat.
Info courtesy of wikipedia.com

I used stacked ext rings @ 48 mm for this one.

Thanx for lookin'
boreocypriensis, CeltickRanger, Luis52, ramthakur, MartinL, loot, rcrick, vanderschelden, Jamesp, Argus, eng55, maurydv, zulfu, bahadir, MMM, haraprasan, jaycee, bobcat08, nglen, tuslaw, Alex99, NinaM has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To bahadir: Thank youmarhowie 1 06-19 18:19
To ramthakur: Like a Fool..marhowie 1 06-18 20:34
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1015 W: 5 N: 2758] (10010)
  • [2008-06-18 20:14]

Hola Howard.
Nice trio. But I love this one, becouse she has a beautiful eyes, and most of all the way she is looking to You.
Beautiful Howard.
Luis52.

Like a fool, I started looking for a lizard and a pair of mating squirrels within the frame of this picture, Howard, until I figured out they were posted as workshops!
That a tree is a cosmos unto itself in terms of nurturing life forms comes out strongly in this theme you have conveyed through three wonderful images.
The picture of the frog in the tree is a great capture, indeed, with immaculate details and natural colors.
Thanks and regards.
Ram

Howard,

LOL, I love the workshop! So he was a bit evil-like eh ? lol ... that made my evening.
Excellent presentation as usual I shall add. All pictures have something unique in them, some more than others :) I love the pose of the frog in the main one. Eye contact is just great. Outstanding work.

Best Regards,

Martin

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 581 W: 40 N: 1057] (3424)
  • [2008-06-18 21:06]

Hi Howard,

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one, I see Ram did exactly the same thing as I just did, perhaps its an age thing (sorry Ram) anyway a wonderful image of this Gray tree frog, the markings and colours are beautiful, and as for the eye contact that is just stunning, really well framed and composed, t.f.s

Cheers Rick :)

Hello Howard,
Excellent depth of field. Well composed photo.
Well...everything is very good actually. I'm happy:-).
Good workshops, mate:-)
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1210 W: 0 N: 4626] (13756)
  • [2008-06-18 23:14]

Hi Howard

Great shot (including the W/S). Excellent detail and exposure. Stirling work - as usual:)

James

Very good photo with interesting notes Howard.
Regards
Betsie

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2492 W: 132 N: 7090] (22145)
  • [2008-06-19 0:36]

Hello Howard,
Great frontal presentation of the Gray Tree frog, the sharpness and DOF extending deep enough to get a fine 3-D impression on the bark with enough OOF Bg to emphasise it.
The light management with flash is top grade.
A great portrait of the species and fine WS bonuses!
Thanks for sharing this delightful contribution,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 351 W: 3 N: 375] (1121)
  • [2008-06-19 0:47]

Hi Howard,
Beautiful capture of this frog.Eye contact is excellent.POV,details,expression on face and composition are wonderful.
Thanks for posting.

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3410 W: 144 N: 5798] (17183)
  • [2008-06-19 0:58]

So you can't have kissed him Howard? If you had we'd have seen a very handsome prince in your post, along with the lizard and squirrels. (BTW, the squirrel has your eyes?)

Super sharp picture of the frog - I do like how he is lounging on the tree - well captured MF
Janice

Splendido ritratto, eccellenti POV, DOF e composizione con primo piano ravvicinato e a contatto diretto con gli occhi, buona nitidezza, magnifici i colori. Molto belle anche le immagini in WS, ma condivido pienamente la scelta per questa immagine. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

Hi Howard,
A perfect macro shot -as usual:)- of this cute female Gray tree frog with lovely posture! I am sure she noticed you and her eyes looking to you:) Lovely shot. Great trio indeed. The captures in WS are also perfect my friend. TFS these perfect shots (arboreal frog and lizard plus squirel)
Cheers,

Bayram

Hi Howard,
Good close shot, nice colours and light, great details. Interesting workshops and note.
cheers
Adrian

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2375 W: 164 N: 7131] (22536)
  • [2008-06-19 1:57]

Hello Howard,
It must have been a lovely tree harbouring all these animals but you forgot to check for insects too!! I really like the Tree frog and would love to see more of it although you show the front of it very clearly here and also the beautiful markings. The Lizard is fine too even though he was trying to hide from you! Clever capture of the Squirrels - I bet they didn't know you were watching them! :-) Well done!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 476 W: 0 N: 70] (491)
  • [2008-06-19 2:40]

Perfect trio Howard. All are great. TFS. Regards,
Mehmet

Hi,
nice shot with great pov, colours and detail!
tfs
Ilias

Hello Howard, perfect trio in all aspects. TFS. Regards,
Bahadır

Hello Howard,

Superb portrait of this frog. Excellent composition, sharpness. Very good light and colours. All the three pictures are very good. I like very much the one of the squirrels with the leaves just well positionned to hide the delict :-).
Cheers,
Mariki

Hi Howard

Great shot of the frog and the other critters.
Good front-on POV and sharpness.

Chris

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5682 W: 603 N: 3356] (8935)
  • [2008-06-19 6:00]

Hi Howard

It is another great capture of a cute little frog, once again with the most fascinating eyes and clearly seen due to the sharp details of the shot. This little froggy just need to be ever on the lookout for Mr. Tree Lizard. I am sure the lizard would love to try out some frog steaks for supper.

The workshop photos are excellent supplements to the posting, documenting "Life in a Tree" of the specific Oak. I have full sympathy concerning the "hide around the tree" behaviour of the lizard. The agama's here in my garden pull the same trick on me.

I am just curious about the squirrels though. You mention the males competing for the female, but then you also talk about mating behaviour, etc. I am just not sure what action is depicted on your photo. If it is an authentic mating scene then I suppose I still understand the way the clock ticks, but if the photo shows the competing males…then I think that female better start running, because old "Red-eye" is a demon.

Well done MF and TFS.
Regards
Loot

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 737 W: 0 N: 1497] (6754)
  • [2008-06-19 7:19]

Hi Howard
What a beautiful portrait.Excellent closed up image with perfect POV.Very sharp image with nice light .Good text to.
TFS Michel

Hi Howard,
A nice capture of this beautiful frog and also the two other life forms who are dwellers of that tree. All the images are well composed with very nice details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1684 W: 8 N: 4321] (14053)
  • [2008-06-19 9:27]

Hi Howard,

A mini-series in one post!! I think you picked the best of the three to highlight. This frog is wonderful - and I have never seen one in a tree (nor have I seen squirrels mating). The eyes are superb - natural colors and superb details and he looks so comfy in that position.

Jane

Hello Howard,

Spectacular images, especially those of the mating squirrels. I have a feeling that this is a fairly unique recording is. But my favorite is this big gray tree frog. Very nice close-up. Nice natural colors. I like the texture of his skin. Razorsharp and a good compo so is this tree. Thanks for sharing this 3 beautiful shot in 1 OAK.

Regards and TFS BOB

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1898 W: 4 N: 5163] (19674)
  • [2008-06-19 13:44]

Hi Howard . All Great shots but i go for this one. Just love the way he looking out at you. he blends in so well. you have done a good job with the detail and colours. well done TFs.
Nick..

Thanks for all the kind comments.

Hi Howard
You have captured here really cool looking guy. Quality one as usually.
TFS
Ralf

p.s. Froggy's expression is really good :)
p.p.s #3 is rock'n roll one :)

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1583 W: 242 N: 5286] (18629)
  • [2008-06-19 13:49]

Great shot, Howard :-D
The POV is fantastic!
Superb composition.
Excellent sharpness.
I like the WS shots too :-)

Well done!

Joe

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1109 W: 59 N: 2247] (7449)
  • [2008-06-19 13:51]

Hello Howard,
Great photo from this low POV. Excellent sharpness, details and natural colours. The DOF is amazing. The WS photos are also very beautiful.
Regards,
Peter

hello Howard

if i go by preference, in the first place i would choose
the Tree Lizard because i love the way he is very very well
camouflaged with the tree, also fine vertical framing,

in the second place i would choose the Gray tree frog
for your very fine POV that is at the level of the subject
and for his great eye-contact with you, also wonderful
warm luminosity and excellent sharpness and details,

and in the 3 place (of my prefernces of these 3 shots)
i would place the mating Squirrels, i love the photo
showing of the life of squirrels but it is not a superb shot
as the 2 others ones of your today's posting,

TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 200 W: 7 N: 494] (1569)
  • [2008-06-19 19:21]

Excellent image Howard,
I spent about five minutes looking for a squirrel and lizard in your shot, before I read the rest of your note, and found out they were in the workshop. DAH!! I suppose I'm not the brightest light on the tree!!
Anyhow, very sharp and detailed image of the tree frog. Wonderful color and perfect exposure.
Ron

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2991 W: 148 N: 4435] (14369)
  • [2008-06-20 10:03]

Hi Howard.
I welcome your skill use of macro lens and ext. tube. Result is impressive at high level. DOF is fantastic. Despite a ling exposure time shot is crisp sharp. Flash work is great as well as the framing of the image. Bravo. Excellent job.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-06-25 22:30]

Hello Howard

Just marking the post for now

Rob

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1676 W: 24 N: 4885] (15930)
  • [2008-06-27 8:24]

Hi Howard,
All the three shots are outstanding and all show fine perspectives. That really seems a mighty and proud oak. This shot is the best and the close-up of the frog is very skillfully done. Very neat and sharp image with fine details. Excellent POV and composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 544 W: 0 N: 1338] (4443)
  • [2008-06-30 17:59]

This picture is stunning and perfect. I love the way you show us three different animals living or doing it on the same tree. The life of a tree is more than meets the eyes and this is so true in this case. Thanks a lot Howard, it is filled with life!

Francine

pts tomorrow

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