Otter Cub - Buster

Just a quick post to show off the best photograph I have of Buster so far... probably already seen it on the main blog, but it is all I have!

After being out at the weekend two weeks ago, he has not since made another appearance while people have been around. He is fine though, I have seen him poking his head out of his holt, and am sure it will only be a matter of days until he is seen out more frequently.

Otters Playing

Otters Playing

Franklin is over a year old now, and due to be separated from mum and dad. The middle pond is currently empty, and so hopefully over the next week we will be able to transfer him there.

It will be good to move him over, but sad to see an end to him playing with his dad Elwood. Ever since Franklin was a cub, Elwood has shown a keen interest in helping to look after him. Even helping with his swimming lessons, which is something I had not seen the father do before, but play was always op of their list.

They would often be seen out chasing each other around the banks, and playing in the water. Usually without fail after the morning otter keeper talk they would spend ten minutes chasing each other around in the water.

With last week being the last few days of nice weather to possibly see this, I took my camera down on Sunday morning after the talk, and sure enough they put on a show. Here are a few pics.

Playing

Playing

Playing

Playing

Playing

Wildcat Snarl

Wildcat

It has been extremely busy over the past few weeks here, and I have had little time to take any photographs... but when I have, experimenting was what I was doing. I have a couple of photos in my head which I am very keen to get, and am just working out the best way to do it. One is of a wildcat snarl and strike.

Above is the closest I have got, but work is needed. The light was non-existent and finding a background that works in the pen is very difficult. I think it may have to be a snow shot if we get it this year. Two things I have learn't thought are... 1. Use the fisheye lens (as above). The wide angle just didn't give the effect I wanted, but this does make the background harder to get. 2. Wear a glove! :-)

Wildcat

While setting up I took a couple of simple portrait snarl shots.

Wildcat

And a simple one to get the settings right for the fisheye lens.

Pine Marten

Another thing I was experimenting with was the pine martens. They are looking really good at the moment in their longer coats. The tricky things with this are the pens are not too great for photography, and the light is on Bonnie's pen in the morning when they are more afternoon animals.

Pine Marten

We got somewhere though, and I think we found a nice area to work with...

Pine Marten

This spot has potential for something.

Pine Marten

But still needs a bit more work.

Running Weasel

Another experimentation was a running weasel, this had to be done in the run to get a straight head on shot, but is difficult... and I mean really difficult! Above was on f/2.8 and ISO 3200. Even then the shutter was not really fast enough and I will happily admit, that the above was a lot to do with luck! It was very dark though, so with some light I think it is possible.

American Mink

A couple of photos from a few I took of one of our mink. I have never really photographed them before, but Mindy, our female, was out a week ago in the morning so I took the opportunity to get a few snaps.

American Mink

Thanks for looking.