Saturday, July 18, 2009

Camera Critters: A Win-Win Situation



It is that time of year when haymaking is in full swing in our area. At this time most of the meadows that are planted in grass are mowed and baled to make winter- feed for livestock.

While I do maintain one meadow solely for wildlife, another favorite spot is commercially farmed. Mowing usually destroys the natural or wild look of an area for a time so that it does not make for photogenic backgrounds. I looked at this spot closely as mowing time neared and realized that the "wild" look of photographs could be preserved if only a small portion was left in natural meadow grasses.

In a win-win situation, the farmer graciously agreed to this, so on mowing day I accompanied him and pointed out which area I wanted preserved.

Mowing With A Haybine

This machine mows the grass. After it dries for a day or so, the farmer returns and rakes the hay into windrows and then bales them into large round bales.

The "Business End" of The Haybine

Recently Baled Meadow

This morning a beautiful eight-point buck came to the meadow. The plan was a decided success as the photographs have the natural meadow background, yet behind and to the right of the animal is the hayfield. The key was in leaving the tall grass stand slightly past the crest of the knoll where the photo was taken.

Whitetail Buck Arrives

Whitetail Buck In Early Morning Sunlight

I wish to thank the farmer so much for his co-operation. For more Camera Critters photographs, click Here!

23 comments:

Carletta said...

Excellent as always Willard! I love the light in that last shot.

So kind of the farmer to grant your wish.

My post is here: Carletta’s Captures.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Beautifully captured images of such gentle creatures.

Snap said...

Willard, just great ... the beautiful buck and the mowing!

imac said...

Wonderful and beautiful photos and great post Willard.

Adrienne Zwart said...

Beautiful captures, Willard. The wildlife shots do look completely natural-you'd never know this was right next to a mown field.

I really like the photo of the mower attachment. The angle makes it so interesting.

Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

How thoughtful of you AND the farmer. Love that natural look

My camera critter is here today

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: What a neat capture of the buck.

Ken Conger Photography said...

Nice series. Looks like he'll be a nice buck. Blue Skies.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, he's a handsome buck!

Mara said...

Wow, now that is definitely a win-win situation. Beautifully shot!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you were able to preserve the meadow for the wildlife. I wonder why more people don't do this. Here in Ohio the government pays farmers not to plant crops and some are left to grow into a kind of wild area but so far none have gone back to a wilderness state.

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Kerri Farley said...

Thank goodness you asked and the farmer said "yes" to leaving the grasses! That last shot is absolutely breathtaking! WOW!
And hope you are feeling better!!!

Rajesh said...

Beautiful snaps. The snaps of the Buck are nice.

Shelley said...

How wonderful that are able to provide that habitat in the meadow for wildlife! Excellent photos - that buck is stunning!

Unknown said...

Willard - this gives us a perspective of your understanding of the animal behavior and using that knowledge to come up with such innovative ideas. Congratulations to you and a big thank you to that farmer who cooperated with you...Thomas

Tom said...

This is a great idea and as you say a win-win way.
I also enjoyed the post below with the butterfly's and rabbit... these will also benifit from your new fieldlayout.... Well done all round Willard

SaraG said...

Beautiful photo's Willard. That is an awesome buck!!
Take care

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

Nice collection of photographs there, but a bit saddening to see farmlands instead of the forest out there! But that's the case in most of the parts of the world sadly.

Slow and Beautiful — Snail

Louise said...

It just wouldn't be the same with mown grass. That's quite a beauty. The morning light really enhances him.

i beati said...

where was that second shot taken?

Willard said...

Sandy, The hayfield (round bales) is on our family farm, while the field with the tall grass belongs to a friend. All are in Fulton County, Pa.

Marvin said...

Fantastic photos as always.

Tim Rucci said...

What a great idea to coordinate with the farmer. So glad it worked out for you. The images are priceless.