Canadian Beaver
Have been trying to get a shot of a beaver for almost three years now. Sitting by the water, watching, waiting….
Today, I am walking through the woods about 60 feet from the shore, and come across this guy, chewing the bark off an otherwise healthy tree.
Keeping my distance as I do not want to startle him, he continues to gnaw off the bark and enjoy his meal.
When the camera clicks, this normally “extremely” skittish animal, stops what he is doing, sizes me up, then decides to take a stroll directly at me to check things out.
(Nikonians -D2x, 70-200 f2.8 lens, f2.8, 1/125 sec)
Canadian Beaver belongs to the following groups:
Eye Contact (Animals Only) and Nikon DSLR Users Group - 2 uploads per 24 hours
Deborah H. Benoit
Fabulous shot. I love to watch them.
gregsmith replied
Thanks Deborah. I have only ever seen evidence of their work. This was the first time I have seen one in action. (Other than swimming in the water). Thought it strange the way he was so bold. An interesting experience. Cheers, Greg.
jujubean
Excellent! He does have a serious stare. I would not mess with him!
gregsmith replied
HI Jujubean, One of those “Objects are closer than they appear, moments”. Was between him and the water, (his safe place), so it seemed wise to back off. Cheers, Greg.
lorilee
What a wonderful capture – - – you were wise to back off!!!
gregsmith replied
Thanks for the kind comment Lorilee. Better safe than stitches, I always say, ha ha. Cheers, Greg.
Josie Jackson
Lol, I’m still laughing, with a picture in my mind of you backing away from this little critter hahahaha, oh I shouldn’t laugh, but the way you worded it was very funny, a good shot none the less Greg, love the colours of all the leaves around him/her….well done
gregsmith replied
HI Josie, he may look like a cute little furry friend but to quote John Cleese from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, “Well look, thats no ordinary rabbit, that rabbits got a vicious streak a mile wide, It’s a killer!” ha ha.
The ground was shaking as the great beast approached. His large razor sharp teeth (not shown) and enormous talon-like claws, (also not shown) are the weapons he employs to fell large trees, and, chew the laces off the running shoes of unsuspecting photographers. A heart stopping moment, indeed. (I just bought these laces.)
and yes, the leaves did provide a great backdrop. They are covering the forest floor throughout this section of the conservation area. Very nice.
Cheers, Greg.
jesika
A memory to treasure and a photo to share. Wonderful!
j
gregsmith replied
Thanks Jesika
Fotoman66
Hi Greg
This is the first time that I’ve seen a beaver out of the water TV only catches them doing their work to their homes in the water Great photo my friend
Cheers from Downunder Rod.
gregsmith replied
HI Rod, thanks again for your comments. The “Beaver” photo I have always wanted is one of him sitting on a log in the water with his large tail dangling at his side. (Came very close once.) Glad to have caught this one though…... the search continues…. Cheers, Greg.
Karen Tillotson
Nice work.