Shrew on snow.

[Daniel Cadieux]

While photographing birds near a feeder setup I noticed a small rodent-like animal out and about on the snow. I approached slowly, expecting it to tunnel back into the snow. It remained either above or directly underneath as I could see the "bump" in the snow moving along. It peeked up once in a while and only then did I realize I had a shrew!! It stayed around for a good five minutes and allowed close approach and many opportunities. Here is one of my faves from the series I took:

Canon Rebel XT + 100-400L @400mm, 1/1000s., f/9, ISO400, +1 EC, handheld, ~80% full-frame.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w98/dancad/tn_Shrew_0841-01.jpg

[Steve Maxson]

Wow! These are not easy to photograph - very nice image. The patch snow in front of the shrew looks hot on my monitor. Technically speaking (as a biologist), shrews are insectivores - not rodents. :) :)

[Robert Amoruso]

I like the crop Daniel and the snow exposure looks good - except the one hotspot mentioned.

The shrew's head looks like it needs a bit more sharpening.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanks Steve and Robert. Steve, thanks also for the correction - I've made a small correction in my story to reflect that.

[Stephen Stephen]

Dan neat image of a species that I have nothing on. Minor nit already mentioned. It was great being out with you yesterday but you always seem to find something new just after I leave! :(;)

[D. Robert Franz]

Well you don't see these every day. Well done.......