Raven pair get acquainted during a snowstorm.
Ravens have been lurking around mankind ever since humans began making footprints. They are quick to learn and take advantage of any food sources we provide. And, ravens are smart, perhaps the smartest bird on the planet. They have the largest range of vocalizations of any living creature except of course, for us humans. Continue reading
Twenty years ago, coyotes were one of my favorite photo subjects. This extremely adaptable species was both deadly hunter and scavenger. Nothing it seemed, was too large or too insignificant, too old or too new, to be left off the coyotes menu. Whether it was big game or game birds, domestic sheep or farm-yard chickens, coyotes made few friends. I guess I was one of just a few. The sheer variety of behavior they would engaged in, made each and every encounter a new and exciting adventure.
Coyote feeds on an elk in Wyoming. Tracks and blood in the snow told the story. Coyotes had harassed a cow and her big calf through the night. By morning at least thirteen coyotes had assembled and were finally able to bring down the large calf. Twelve hours later there was only a large trampled area of blood and hair remaining. Continue reading
Dall ram checks out photographer.
Walk softly and carry a big lens. All species of North American mountain sheep, the bighorns, Rocky Mountain bighorn and desert bighorn and the thinhorns, stone sheep and dall sheep are naturally skittish. Specific protocols are required when photographing wild sheep at close range. Ever on the lookout for predators, wild sheep are tuned into sounds of rocks tumbling down the mountainsides or moving across noisy scree slopes. Sudden movements or too much noise are likely to send mountain sheep stampeding towards the nearest cliffs. A telephoto lens is a must. The perspective a telephoto gives will separate your subject from the background. Continue reading