Making A New Friend - (larger)

Beautiful capture and great detail! !!! AJ

A few days ago I decided to visit our Ecology Park where I live. It is a

wonderfully educational place for children and adults alike. Along the

pathways there are signs indicating the different species of Flora,

Fauna, and Insects that can be seen from Spring to Fall. As I was

making my way back to my car, I stopped to see the squirrels

bustling about. It seemed they sensed the Seasons were changing.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied this 'really big 'Squirrel'.

Immediately I realized it could not be a Squirrel. I tried to walk as

quietly as possible near an area of undergrowth that surrounded a

very huge old Crab Apple Tree. There he was, this cute Groundhog,

munching on one of the apples!!! The bright sunlight was coming in

through the brush from the West, filtering through all the leaves and

grasses. I was using my 100mm Macro Lens, not quite sure if I could

capture a good shot of him from where I stood. I figure I was at least

12 feet away. He seemed not too worried as long as I didn't come

any closer. I continued to Photograph him between allowing him

moments to gather more apples. I really enjoyed the time I spent with

this adorable fellow.The warm sun was comforting, the songs of all

the insects and birds filled the air, and far off in the distance, the

laughter of young children as they played Soccer could be heard.

(any visits and comments are always appreciated, many thanks, Gail)

A good shot with your macro lens, Gail. 

Many thanks A.J. I do appreciate your visit and input, ;-) Gail

Lovely shot of this cute fellow.Details & lights are fantastic.

My best regards.

Kallol

So very nice to hear from you Kallol. It is good to hear you enjoyed this image. They are cute, as long as they are NOT in your GARDEN!!! I had one many years ago, using my garden as a Salad Bar!!!

Hi Bill,

sincere thanks for sharing your thoughts on this image. I had thought of changing my lens, but with all the studying I have been doing with Mike, he has assured me over and over that my MACRO is an excellent lens, quite capable of a shot such as this.

sincere regards, Gail

Yes, it was an interesting and enjoyable time. Most of the flowers were past their prime, the squirrels were not staying still long enough for me to get a capture of them. Even the Chipmunks were skittish!!

Dear Gail, I know how happy you were because I have experience the same, We both love nature, and God's wonderful creation as well as the passion we have for photography. This is a cute Groundhog, and you capture him very well, The lights and details are good and the PP you did  make this a wonderful job!!!! :)

Hugs,

LuDa

thank you Luisa. I found the underbrush very dull and not too interesting, so I thought of trying a Linen Texture on that area. I wanted the Groundhog to be the focus of attention. I am happy to hear you like this one. I find when I am out in Nature, it has a calming affect on me. I had hoped to see more insects. I tried to get a capture of a Catepiller, but I was in the wrong plane of focus, and the ground was very uneven. To knell down I would be trampling the 'flora' around me, and lots of 'bugs'!! To say the least, the captures I got were terrible compared to yours!!!

Sincere thanks for your kind words of critique Luisa.

LOL... He brings a big smile.  Good shot... Mike

Thank you Mike, I haven't seen a Groundhog up close for many years! Glad you enjoyed this one.

Great capture, Gail! 

Best regards, Tina

Good shot and a good story to go with it.

Gail your light handling here is excellent. The shadows in the background create a strong contrast which brings out all the charm of your new friend. Well done!

A really beautiful result with very nice lighting and details, Gail!

Cute little fellow. Difficult lighting, but you made it, Gail

Regards Eystein

love this cute friend. compliments -koushik

Hi Gail,

I am pleased to see that you followed my recommendation to consider your macro lens a very good option to take images at distance greater than a few inches away !

At ISO 200 (best for your camera) and F/2.8 (best for your lens), a good focus and steady hand(1/100 second) were all that was necessary to secure an excellent view of this guy.

The very good clarity level and color development allowed for this enlargement to reveal this animal in this natural habitat.

A fine presentation.

Warmest Regards, Mike

Hi Gail, What a mouth on this guy :)  Great shot despite the dappling light, which I actually like. Looks like he's having his lunch. Have a great day.

Best,

Holger

An excellent portrait of this fuzzy fellow Gail. Love the dappled woodland lighting and excellent detail.

All the best,
Neil

The title is right for the situation: like San Francesco teachs all animals are our friends and brothers! Nice capture my dear friend! Ciao, Maurizio.

Hi Gail,

  Wonderful capture with beautiful colors & details.  He really looks like he is enjoying himself, getting ready for winter.  Take care, Patsy

very nice outdoors shot of this little fella...well framed and lit...regards....David