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Scouting Danger


Scouting Danger
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathy Meader (writerscrawlz) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 250 W: 2 N: 695] (2269)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-06-15
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS digital rebel XT, 70-200 f2.8
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/200 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-06-20 15:42
Viewed: 314
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This Olympic Marmot crept out of his den, scouting, I think, for danger. He was not bothered by me; however, he seemed reluctant to move when he spotted my dog. Then again, I might've been reluctant as well, given his size, deep bark, and his love of playing. Although I can say that most of the time, he will stay exactly where I put him, not argue about it, and I've seen squirrels walk right past him - and yes, he wanted to give chase. Fortunately for me, he always looks for approval. I think he's disobeyed me twice.

There's lake beyond this area and I suspect this marmot wanted a drink. What can't be seen at the time this photo was taken was the red tail hawk flying above. He gave himself away with his cries though, and once heard, this marmot ducked back into his den.

Notice, if you will, how his fur is getting lighter, being bleached by the sun. Had he beeen lying flat, I would've missed him because the top of his coat is the color of the rocks - nature's great design for protection.

I also noticed for the first time that his teeth remind me of a beaver. I don't think I got close enough with previous shots, either that, or his teeth weren't showing.

I hope you enjoy this fellow as much as I did. I didn't wait around to see if he'd come back out due to the hawk flying overhead - but I did hunker down by some other rocks hoping to catch the hawk swooping in and grabbing prey. I suppose it was a sad day for both of us; he went away hungry, and I didn't have him with food...
marhowie, uleko has marked this note useful
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To eliz: thankswriterscrawlz 1 07-06 19:21
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Critiques [Translate]

Kathy,
Nice capture of your friend the Marmot.
He really does look like a beaver in this shot.
I like the way the sun seems to illuminate his fur on the ends.
I can also tell there are some pines nearby, from all the needles that have collected around the boulder. Well done!
Ron

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2375 W: 164 N: 7131] (22536)
  • [2008-06-21 1:07]

Hello Kathy,
Very nice capture of this Marmot popping up among the rocks. In spite of the harsh light you've got him nicely back lit. Great focus and I like its pose. You've done some nice observations in your note too which I enjoyed reading.
Many thanks and regards, Ulla

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-06-21 21:37]

Hello Kathy

Great capture of this fellow,lovely lighting.
His teeth show well.
Nicely composed,the setting is lovely.
I like the way the light enters the shot.
Good focus and details.
Very good pov.
TFS

Rob

Buena composición y desde luego trabajo con la luz.
Abrazo Kathy

  • Great 
  • eliz Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 21 W: 0 N: 38] (235)
  • [2008-07-05 20:41]
  • [+]

hey ! nice little guy. i like the way he looks.

you have some purple fringing around highlights areas. you can remove easily using this tutorial:
http://www.great-landscape-photography.com/remove-purple-fringing.html

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