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Action and Repose


Action and Repose
Photo Information
Copyright: Evelynn Smith (Evelynn) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2126 W: 756 N: 3277] (14396)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-12-24
Categories: Mammals, Birds
Camera: Canon 30D, Sigma 80-400 OS
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/200 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-04-04 14:16
Viewed: 712
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
We were surprised to discover quite large rafts of sea otters floating around in this estuary. It was early evening and not much light. I used a beanbag on the hood of the vehicle. I had a hard time getting a fast shutter speed at f5.6. I really like the juxtaposition of action and non action in this scene.
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The California sea otter is one of the most interesting yet maligned species on the planet. It is the smallest marine mammal in North America yet has a huge affect on its ecosystem, enhancing both diversity and primary productivity. From a remnant population of less than 1000 animals worldwide—and only 20 in California—the sea otter has struggled back. The California population increased to 2,400 in 1995 before mysteriously beginning to decline.

http://www.otterproject.org/site/pp.asp?c=8pIKIYMIG&b=28115

Although the demographic patterns of mortality in California sea otters are becoming clear, the causes of deaths remain uncertain. There is growing evidence for the importance of predation by great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Contaminants may also be having a detrimental effect on California sea otters, although as yet there is no direct evidence for this.

http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/noframe/c262.htm

We are off for a week of photography...so will catch up with your posts when we return. : )
scottevers7, Adanac, MMM, manyee, Silvio2006 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 1 N: 5208] (17609)
  • [2007-04-04 20:19]

Hello Evelynn,
Beautiful composition, my wife LOVES sea otters, so it goes without saying she was very envious of you. Lots of action and critters all clear and well colored. You and hubby have a great week, and be safe.
Rick

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 921 W: 0 N: 1985] (8905)
  • [2007-04-04 21:56]

Hi Evelynn
Very nice composition,sharp picture with nice DOF.
TFS Michel

Only a sea otter could lay back and take it easy with ducks making all that commotion! ;) I envy you the shot, I have been trying to get some shots of otters for quite sometime.

Greg

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6166] (21070)
  • [2007-04-05 2:52]

What a fantastic scene, Evelynn.
This is just too funny.
I have seen rafts of otters down in Elkhorn Slough.
It is baby season now, and if you go there now, you will see a lot of little ones.
Well this is just one of those rare nature moments that you just have to sit back and appreciate.
Well done.
TFS. : )

Hi Evelynn,
I always like to get these shots with more than one species in the frame. Amazing to see the otters just resting there while the ducks cause a comotion. Well done. A unique shot!
Scott

Hi Evelynn, wonderful action shoot with a lot of animals, great composition, very well done, Happy Easter to you, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-04-15 14:36]

Hello Evelynn

Lucky you.What a wonderful discovery.I have seen several river otters ,the best encounter was the one day I left my camera at home.So I will be trying this summer.They are so relaxed and playful and you have captured this in the photo.Great job.TFS

Rob

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