Raccoon at My Pond

[Danny J Brown]

Well.....somebody has to follow Steve's grizzly shot!

I was photographing wood ducks at my little pond when this young-of-year raccoon came out to do some browsing on invertebrates in the shallows. Lots of vegetation all around, which I don't mind at all, as long as its little black eyes were clear. Near 50% crop with some loss of detail evident and a tiny bit of noise creeping in from the 40D/ISO 400 combo. Thanks!

Canon 40D; Canon 500/4; 1/100; f/4; ISO 400; +2/3; Gitzo GT3530LS w/Wimberley II; Trekker T-100 Blind.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I agree about those eyes! look like marbles! nice racoon and image.

[Steve Kaluski]

Well.....somebody has to follow Steve's grizzly shot!

LOL Danny and what an animal to follow with and to my knowledge, rarely posted. Know nothing about these guys and surprised to see the racoon in the water, I assume they are happy on both land & water. My one and only sighting was a few near Stanley Park, Vancouver, scavenging for scraps.

I like the low POV and the inquisitive head on look here and somehow having the old tree trunk has added more content into the image which I really like. The image really has that, pond/swampy feel to it.

Interesting phase, you call them 'blinds', we call them bag hides or hides ;)

TFS
Steve

[Danny J Brown]

Yes, raccoons love water and often feed in the shallows of ponds and streams on everything from mussels to macroinvertebrates. This kiddo was one of a family of four....three young ones with mama. The biggest problem with photographing raccoons is that they are extremly nocturnal. Coon hunters in Missouri run their dogs all night long until the tree one and the ending isn't too happy after that. It was nice to hear that you appreciated the environmental surroundings in this shot. Happy hunting from your....."hide.":)

LOL Danny and what an animal to follow with and to my knowledge, rarely posted. Know nothing about these guys and surprised to see the racoon in the water, It assume they are happy on both land & water. My one and only sighting was a few near Stanley Park, Vancouver, scavenging for scraps.

I like the low POV and the inquisitive head on look here and somehow having the old tree trunk has added more content into the image which I really like. The image really has that, pond/swampy feel to it.

Interesting phase, you call them 'blinds', we call them bag hides or hides ;)

TFS
Steve

[John Ippolito]

Danny, you have done well here with this seldom photographed animal. The low angle, habitat, and stare is captivating. I haven't seen one in decades, and forgot just how handsome they are. The tree trunk balances the center placed racoon well. VWD & TFS!

[Steve Kaluski]

The biggest problem with photographing raccoons is that they are extremly nocturnal.

Danny I was going ask that, with those big, black eyes, but assumed they were happy in any part of the day. On reflection I should have realised, as friend of mine has been doing night time shots of these guys, backlit on logs and with a full moon in the BG, what lengths we go too. :D:D

I guess they fall into the vermin category in some parts, hence the hunting aspect.

Steve

[Danny J Brown]

Danny I was going ask that, with those big, black eyes, but assumed they were happy in any part of the day. On reflection I should have realised, as friend of mine has been doing night time shots of these guys, backlit on logs and with a full moon in the BG, what lengths we go too. :D:D

I guess they fall into the vermin category in some parts, hence the hunting aspect.

Steve

Raccoons fall in the furbearer category as they are hunted and trapped for their pelts.

DB

[Steve Canuel]

Nice shot Danny. Great look from the raccoon. BG reeds add some nice color and the mossy base of the tree and the stems in the water give a good sense of the habitat .

[Gary Hamilton]

Very nice environmental image with the bonus of having those big eyes locked on you. Yes, somebody had to follow that awesome grizzly but it wasn't going to be me--LOL.

[Marc Mol]

Still nice detail here Danny considering the large crop, nice direct look also with the tree/pole framing the image nicely.
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Good low angle Danny, with good eye contact. I like the natural surroundings, and well done on capturing an elusive subject.

[Ken Watkins]

Danny,

Must be nice to have such naturalised pond.

Beautiful shot of a beautiful animal

[Rachel Hollander]

Danny - like the stare and the surroundings. Well done. In the suburbs around NYC racoons are often considered pests because they raid garbage cans and make a mess. There's also a concern about rabies, especially if they are seen during the day.

TFS,
Rachel

[Morkel Erasmus]

I've always loved Raccoons Danny, and I dig this shot a lot. Love the low angle, the inquisitive stare and the environment included. Nice soft light as well - overcast I presume?

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks for all of the comments which made for interesting discussion. I think that part of the sweetness of this critter is that it is still very young.

Morkel: It wasn't overcast but light was very ambient due to all of the trees around our pond, which is about 1/3 acre in size.

Take care,

DB

[DanWalters]

Great low angle and great eye contact. The vegetation does not bother me. It is part of the environment.

[Harshad Barve]

You gotta love those eyes Dannybhai , Picture perfect for me
TFS

[Todd Frost]

Very nice image Danny. Nice habitat with excellent exposure and sharpness.
TFS
Todd