River Otter

[BLev65]

I decided to make the trek to the beaver lodge that I've been photographing since 2014. Part of a longterm project in which I am documenting the way beavers impact biodiversity, the family of beavers at this pond have become accustom to my presence. Anyway, after arriving before sunset, I was disappointed to see that the pond had frozen over already. With that in mind, I set up for a landscape image where I could record the food cache they had assembled for winter. When I heard the ice break, I assumed it would be the beavers heading out of the lodge. To my surprise, it was an otter. I believe that this is the same otter I photographed in early May, but I assumed that it was a transient visitor. I plan on snowshoeing into the ponds throughout the winter; it will be interesting to see if it will be sticking around.

regards,
bruce

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[Woody Meristem]

That "periscope" pose is typical of otters, one of the most curious mammals, when something new arouses their interest. An otter did that in a pond I was watching and, when I sat down, came even closer. I had a 300mm lens on and it came close enough that its head filled the frame. Otters are real wanderers, so it may well not stick around.

 

[BLev65]

That "periscope" pose is typical of otters, one of the most curious mammals, when something new arouses their interest. An otter did that in a pond I was watching and, when I sat down, came even closer. I had a 300mm lens on and it came close enough that its head filled the frame. Otters are real wanderers, so it may well not stick around.

I've photographed this species a number of times, and may have actually photographed it before. We spent about 70 minutes together. I have a number of shots of it along the shore... posted below is one in which it decided to check me out a bit... While common in MN, they are rarely photographed because people can still trap them for their pelts. As such, the older they get, the more wary they become. I'm a huge fan of mustelids, and always get excited when I have the opportunity to photograph them.

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[Yezdi]

Lovely...

 

[BLev65]

Lovely...

Thank you!

 

[DRwyoming]

Wow, both great images. I like the tall out of the water look. Great stuff!

 

[gordon_g]

Like Dave said both are great images!

 

[Tadzio]

Beautiful images

 

[Kathy G]

Superb images

 

[Callie]

Super stuff

 

[Rassie]

I've photographed this species a number of times, and may have actually photographed it before. We spent about 70 minutes together. I have a number of shots of it along the shore... posted below is one in which it decided to check me out a bit... While common in MN, they are rarely photographed because people can still trap them for their pelts. As such, the older they get, the more wary they become. I'm a huge fan of mustelids, and always get excited when I have the opportunity to photograph them.
View attachment 10625

Nice one, Bruce. Not often we see images of otters. I feel this one is a bit hot. Perhaps try reducing highlights a bit and increase contrast?
In my view it's beyond time that we outlaw trapping of wild animals for their fur or pelts. Or tusks or.....

 

[BLev65]

Nice one, Bruce. Not often we see images of otters. I feel this one is a bit hot. Perhaps try reducing highlights a bit and increase contrast?
In my view it's beyond time that we outlaw trapping of wild animals for their fur or pelts. Or tusks or.....

Thanks for your comment. The image is actually within gamut w/ highlights to spare. I processed the image to accentuate the frost surrounding the animal... I also tend to be partial to both high-key and low-key imagery... to each there own I guess. As for trapping, I couldn't agree with you more. I find it to be abhorrent for the inevitable cruelty. The idea of string wire traps simply disgusts me.

regards,
bruce