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Is it safe yet?


Is it safe yet?
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathy Meader (writerscrawlz) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 260 W: 2 N: 756] (2457)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-16
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS digital rebel XT, 28-300mm
Exposure: f/4, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-04-29 12:07
Viewed: 336
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Bandit, like me, noticed the red-tail hawk flying above and scurried for cover. The hawk was flying low looking for a meal and while most squirrels scampered up trees, Bandit chose to hide behind one.

I noticed a few things he has in common with humans: as he waited for the danger to pass, he wrung his paws, much like we wring our hands. He went completely still, going into fight/flight response, and while hidden, he kept peeking around to make sure the danger stayed away from him.

His breathing became very shallow, and although his tail didn't twitch any more than his whiskers, I did see his small body tremble with fear.

Even after the hawk left, Bandit stayed behind the tree for several minutes after, as if to make sure it was really safe for him to venture into the open.

I only took a few photos because I didn't want to frighten him anymore - though I would've taken the shot had the hawk swooped down. However, I must admit, I'm really starting to love this audacious bandit.

The sun was peeking out from behind some clouds which accounts for the lighting. My focus was on him, so the tree he hid behind became soft and blended into the background. I wonder now if I should've focused on the scene in front of me, making the tree sharp. Something, I suppose, I'll think about next time.

Happily, Bandit still is around to beg, steal, and pitch fits.

nglen, tuslaw, eqshannon has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To eqshannon: once the Star Ship Enterprise dropped me off.writerscrawlz 1 04-30 20:00
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1995 W: 5 N: 5588] (21102)
  • [2008-04-29 12:15]

Hi Kathy. I think Bandit has the look of a frightened animal about him. You can see it in his little face . good timing to get this one. good detail and natural colours. The sun light is a little bright but that cannot be helped.well done TFs.
Nick..

Hi Kathy,
Nice shot. I like the expression on his face. Great details.
TFS
Wei

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 240 W: 8 N: 607] (1929)
  • [2008-04-29 19:17]

Great capture Kathy,
He even kept his little acorn tucked near his body until it was safe to go home.
Nice image, very sharp with fine detail as well. Good color and DOF. I think you have made a new friendship with this little guy. Love your notes!
Ron

Hehehe,,,,,I dont have an image of yours for second day in a row..sorry..it has been busy here news wise...I shall have a lot to catch up with. do these little buggers live near you or are you on a trek? folks should know that you trek into areas of unknown and sometimes un-stepped regions where no man/woman has gone before...
Bob

Kathy, a beautiful capture - crystal clear and well composed - congrats well done and thanks for your critique :)

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