Saturday, October 23, 2010

Camera Critters: Photos From Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Here are a few photos from a trip to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area near Klinefeltersville, Pennsylvania, which were taken recently on a beautiful autumn morning.

The first two photos are of a Great Blue Heron, which was taken at long range with the 500mmF4 and the 2x extender.

Great Blue Heron Fishing

The heron alternated between periods of standing still looking for fish swimming nearby, and stalking slowly along the pond bank.  At time he tried to spear his prey with his long bill.   I was able to film this activity, but did not get a still photograph of him attacking.

Wading In Search Of Prey

It was a special treat to sight three River Otters, but unfortunately I was not able to get close-up photographs of them.  Still, I was thrilled as this is the first I have photographed or filmed them except I did film the release of River Otters when they were re-introduced into the Juniata River near Everett, Pennsylvania in 2002, whileI was working for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

A Rare Sighting Of River Otters

For more Camera Critters photos, click Here!






Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill

15 comments:

Michael said...

Great look at the otters. How splendid. The heron is very nice too.

imac said...

Beautiful shot of the otters and "bigbird"lol Willard.

Last few days ive been down to MIL and got rid of her old shed and its contents, guess what I found - a deers antler, just what Ive always wanted.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: Beautiful photo of the otters, that was a great moment.

Anonymous said...

Was happy to see those river otters, Willard. And wow. That lens is something else.

Kay L. Davies said...

River otters, how wonderful. Sea otters might be cuter, but river otters have a special place in my heart.
I enjoyed the two photos of the heron. He's not big on facial expression but his neck shows you what he is thinking and doing. Super!!

Kay, Alberta

☆Mama Ko☆ said...

beautiful shot. you captured the heron perfectly

http://www.sheaky.com/2010/10/camera-critters-our-visitor.html

Anonymous said...

Magnificent shots - herons and otters! Just wonderful.

diane b said...

That must have been exciting to see the river otters and capture them. The heron shots are tops.

New Leaf said...

Awesome to have been able to see river otters, let alone get photos of them! :)

Cheryl Kohan said...

Wow, that's pretty cool! Those river otters look like they're having a great time. I like your description of the crane "...stalking slowly along the river bank..." I can just picture that in my mind.

Tom said...

Hello there old friend...
I have been doing a spot of catching up in the last day or two so thought it right and proper I stopped by your place awhile and catch up with your work Willard... as always I was rewarded with great pictures, beautiful pictures and some that made me sad for the loss of not just a farm house but a way of life as well.

I came across this news story from the UK today which must ring true to you. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/oct/25/exmoor-emperor-stag-shot-dead

It seems money can buy you anything these days.. what a shame their money can not go to promoting and protecting wildlife instead of destroying it.

Tom

Heritage Farm Village said...

wonderful photos willard! the otters sighting, what a thrill! we would love to have you join our blog as kritter keeper designed it.

Ritchie said...

Hi Friend,

Only want to say your article is as tonishing.The lucidity in your post is simply spectacular and i can take for granted you are an expert on this subject of wildlife photographer in an Veolia Environment.Thanks a million and please keep up the good work.



Wildlife Photographer

Misty DawnS said...

Outstanding!!! Your posts and images are always a thrill for me!

Helen said...

I see lots of Heron's but only once have I seen a River Otter. It was amazing to watch it. It dove for a fish and came up with one and bobbed it's head up and down showing it to us. So cute. Needless to say we didn't catch a fish that day. Those were great shots. Helen