"What!"

It was a productive late evening around the local Lake, . . . and this guy

showed up as icing on the cake!

Looks like I may have a couple of keeper's of him! He didn't seem to

mind my getting a bit close as long as I didn't make any sudden moves.

I think I got as close as maybe 10 feet at one point before he scurried

off.

Thanks for taking the time to view, comment/critique, rate and allowing

me the opportunity to share!

Sincerely,

Jim j.

Great shot, Jim!

(Remember to carry your rabies booster syringe with you if you do this sort of thing on a regular basis.)

--Lannie

Lannie,

"When you can't afford your "dream glass" you gotta do what you have to do to get the shot!"

Seriously though, . . . at times, my lifelong experience's, and "good hunting skills" with both domestic and non-domesticated critter's does come in handy. And yes, with this guy I was pushing the limits. I caught him feeding on some trash, was patient, and he kept returning. I was close enough that he did growl at me once!

"Probably not something everyone should try at home!"

Thanks again for your visit!

Sincerely,

Jim j.

un bel tipo,sicuramente,complimenti !

saluti paul

Jim,

This is a great portrait of an animal in the wild.  You have good skills to get this close without him scurrying off.  Good work, and this is definitely a keeper.  

What a great head-on shot!  At least he isn't baring his teeth, so I guess you were okay!  :-)  And I didn't know they 'bark'.  I don't think I've ever heard them make a sound.  I just read a comment you made on an image by Bill Boyd that said you're from Kansas City.  My husband and I go there somewhat frequently because my brother lives there......he actually lives in Lake Quivira.  We'll let you know next time we go, and maybe we can go on a photo shoot or meet for coffee.  (Are you a golfer by any chance?.....if you are you may know my brother).

Great capture my friend.

Well done

Best regards

Jim, a great shot of an animal i have a like / hate relationship with.....they are hard to get close to in the wild but throw some garbage their way and most of the time they could care less about you

Best regards Jim!

PDE

Paul,   Although we don't share our languages, . . . I do understand enough, and thanks!

Bill,   Yes, they are normally pretty shy creature's, but as Thom indicates, . . . "a little garbage" will go a long way! I was lucky enough to catch him raiding a garbage can in the County Park. He would leave and go in the bushes, then I would wait patiently, he would return. We went through this several times, each time he would allow me to "ease" a little closer!

Christal, I'll send you a message! Lake Quivira is just around the corner from the Kansas Speedway where we are close to. You come in the Fall or Winter and I'll guide you to a fantastic Bald Eagle area within an hours drive.

Yes, I've experienced their "barks" in the past, almost sounds like somewhat of a "ruffle off the tongue!" But this guy actually growled, or maybe it was a grunt when I exceeded his comfort zone!

Grayham, Thanks, and that guided Bald Eagle shoot is open! I know you'd like it!

Thom,   I shot this Racoon at the County Lake/Park near my home. The park covers probably 2500 Acres with many "pull off's," fishing, picnic areas that contain mounted trash containers. I frequent the less traveled areas and this guy had just dragged out a Happy Meal from the trash can and was munching down on the fries when I pulled up to park. Got my gear (less tripod) out of the trunk and slowly approached and he scurried off into the timber and brush, then returned. Over the course of several of his trips, I kept easing closer till he growled at me, letting me know that I was close enough!

Pierre, Thanks for the encouragement! That "Fancy lens" does have it's advantages! ha!

I'll be around for a visit!

Many thanks to you all for your visit and allowing me the opportunity to share!

Jim j.

Cute little beggar and a great portrait?..  Mike

Many thanks for taking the time to visit and leave a comment! Much appreciated!

Regards,

Jim j.

I like the sharpness and focus in this one. The other is slightly blurred, but love the expressions on both. Great hunting.

A really beautiful shot with a nice title, Jim!

What a wonderful capture of this 'Bandito' Jim!! I have always found Racoons, while they can be very disruptive, 'critters' that I've immediately been fascinated by. They are 'cute', and while I know the dangers that can be behind that attractive 'mask', I've never been able to capture an image of one. This shot is splendide!! Excellent focus, POV !!, and very good colour in the dark areas of the face.

thanks for posting, warm regards, Gail

LOL... I just looked back at my comment and I have no idea where that "?" came from!  The hazards of commenting on an iPad with that ultra sensitive keypad, I guess....  "great portrait" was a statement, not a question... Mike

He has a mad expression on his face.  What a great capture!  Congrats!

Thanks to you all for stopping by, and for your valuable and generous comments!

Gail,   They "dumpster dive" alot in the late evening hours. So I guess you would have to do as I do, . . . "Spend an evening or two hanging around the dumpster!"

ML M,   No problem! I figured it was "happy fingers!" I've got a smaller Android device, . . . I don't even attempt to use it's keypad, . . . I have enough troubles with even the Shutter button!

Kathy,   He/She (can't tell) was not very happy with my disturbing it's indulgence in the Mickey D's Happy Meal it had dug out of the trash.

Again, many thanks,

Sincerely,

Jim j.

James, I like this image, you did very well with this creature, good eye contact and perfect sharp pic!!!

Best regards,

LuDa

Yes, I was very fortunate to have this opportunity and the chances for some "do overs" as long as he/she stuck around! Well, . . . at least as long as there were some garbage scraps in the Parks trash barrels!

For several evenings after this event, I had returned to the same area hoping to get "more chances" with the Racoons. But, as luck would have it, . . . no one showed up!

Glad you enjoyed the visit!, . . . I did!

Regards always,

Jim j.

So this is what I am missing not checking in on PN often.  Is that lens that good and you that steady?  This is a masterpiece, Jim.  Excellent work.