|
 |
|
|
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This is another photo of the marmot I posted a couple of days ago. He (or she) was half way up a cliff. As you can see, he'd be very easy to miss which is why I cropped way down. He's easier to spot on paper, so I cropped down a little extra so he's more visible here.
I think we watched each other for at least 20 minutes when he began to creep down - as if I wouldn't notice. It's possible he was just as curious about me as I was about him; however, my 90 pound collie may have caused some hesitation on his part. In order to creep down to a point where I could get a good macro at the rate he was going would've taken until next month.
Still, note how his fur blends in with the rocks. I watched people walk right by completely unaware he was there. The only indication that there was something very interesting on the trail was the fact I had my camera out and pointed. Even then, the few folks didn't look up, more intent on the walk than what was around them. (What's the point of taking the trail then?)
The boulder he's peering over is above a pond. From his vantage point not only can he see other marmots, but predators are highly visible, especially if he's contemplating a drink.
As he watched the pond, I noticed that he looked up; I mimicked his action and spotted a Red Tail hovering overhead. The hawks intentions seemed to be on the goslings rather than on larger prey.
That's when Buttercup (my name for him and you'll see in a future photo that he's sitting next to a yellow buttercup) became so still that when I turned back to watch him, it took several moments to locate him.
Nature really has given these creatures a hand at being invisible. I don't know how many people have seen the show on Animal Planet 'Fooled By Nature' but the marmot certainly can join in the list of being able to completely camouflage itself in the environment.
I'm open to workshops in being able to better bring him out because he does fit so well into the background. I didn't use any filters or a tripod. I did add some contrast, did a tight crop, and unsharped a bit. That helped a little. As I mentioned earlier, when I printed him out he was much easier to see - I'm not sure why. I hope you enjoy Buttercup. |
eqshannon, tuslaw, CeltickRanger, oscarromulus has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
Hello Kathy
I dont know a lot about Marmots but I do now from your superb picture and notes detailing thier behaviour....Perfect focus on this stealthy chap!!
Your patience paid off..Tfs for sharing this most informative post.
All the Best
Paul
'Tis a standout image Kathy. I liked it as soon as I first saw it...and I know how much you go through to get these...perhaps much more than anyone outside of Angelina, who is still an apparition....for now...I am putting her on my prayer list, while meanwhile I shall keep on watching and posting your fine images...they give me hope!
Bob
hello Kathy
you did a wonderful shot of this Marmot that is almost
very well camouflaged with his habitat, very fine POV and DOF,
i love the warm colour tones of the composition,
excellent sharpness and details and great eye-contact
of the marmot with you, TFS
Asbed
- tuslaw
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 149 W: 7 N: 350]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(1142) - [2008-05-08 18:54]
-
Now this is the way to relax after a hard day at work!! Great capture Kathy, the marmot seems not to have a care in the world in this pose.
How right you are, the animals and birds at times seem to be able to vanish right before our eyes. Nice job!
Ron
Kathy,
OUTSTANDING PHOTO.!!!
Mario.
![Gold Star Critiquer [C: 350 W: 0 N: 0]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-n.gif)
(0)![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1665 W: 156 N: 5708]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(17144)