CHECKING OUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Young Raccoons in the front yard

Last Friday we finished the work week with a cocktail hour on our porch with some neighbor friends. At dusk suddenly these two baby raccoons showed up at the edge of our woods. I quickly grabbed the camera, sat down in the grass, and tried to make a sharp image in the fading light of the day. They sniffed around and seemed to check out the neighborhood for a few minutes and then disappeared back in the woods behind them. Almost every picture of young animals, no matter if it is prairie dogs, squirrels, or birds, comes with a certain ”cuteness factor”. Well, raccoons are no exception and I like to share this brief moment with. you.

Nikon Z6II, Nikon FTZ adapter, Sigma 150-600mm / f5-6.3 DG OS HSM S,   @ 600 mm, 1/320 s, f/9, ISO 5000

TAKING ADVANTAGE

The last snow melted finally away today but there is more in the forecast for Sunday. I always like to take advantage of the “big reflector” and use the extra light for some shots around the house. About half a dozen Eastern Gray Squirrels (at least!) invite themselves and take advantage of the sunflower seeds at our bird feeders. They are a good subject to practice and study how the direction of light can effect the outcome. And yeah, there is always the cuteness factor that comes with these critters…🐿