Wildlife Gallery!

DJU9

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    "The Flying Potato"

    The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), affectionately called, "The Flying Potato" by Newfoundland natives, has been nicknamed, "sea parrot" because of its bright, oversized beak. Interestingly, the brilliant color of this sea bird's beak fades to a drab gray during winter months.



    Puffins live the majority of their lives in the water. They can be seen resting on the waves or swimming by using their wings in a flying motion underwater. They have webbed feet for superb steering and diving, with the ability to go as deep as 200 feet if needed. On the other hand, on land they are clumsy at best. Though they can fly up to 55 mph once airborne, their landings seem more like a semi-controlled crash, with them often flying a few feet in the air before tucking in their wings and just falling to the ground.





    This puffin, filmed in Newfoundland, was content to pose for the camera, proudly showing off his 10" high stature. They appear to be very proud birds, strutting with their chests inflated and puffed out, as if they are of some great importance. These are magnificent birds with personality to spare.
     

    DJU9

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    "Six Points of Separation"

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    The magnificent Wapiti (Cervus canadensis), also known as the North American Elk, is the second largest member of the deer (Cervidae) family. To keep these 700 pound mammals nourished, they eat about 20 lbs. of food each day, consisting mostly of grasses, bark and their favorite munchable, aspen shoots.





    This impressive bull was roaming Yellowstone National Park with his harem of about 25 cows. The herd was grazing and foraging its way toward the top of a ridge, and this large male crested the top just as the setting sun became magical, setting him aglow while elegantly highlighting his power and beauty.
     

    DJU9

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    "Frostbite"

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    The remarkable Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), is a creature that is feared, revered and beloved in legend, myth and reality. They have acute senses that allow them to easily survive and thrive in the harsh wilderness. Their sense of smell is thought to be almost 100 times more sensitive that a human's, while their hearing is four to five times better than ours. And though their eyesight isn't "super human," it is equally as good as ours.





    In this image, an apparently lone wolf stands in the frigid temperatures in Yellowstone National Park on a very early morning, assessing its surroundings. The falling snow and icy landscape don't seem to affect this beautiful animal, except to show a dramatic contrast between its stunning gaze and the colorless backdrop of winter.
     

    DJU9

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    "Curious Wisdom"

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    The Barred Owl (Strix varia), also commonly known as a Hoot Owl, is a nocturnal creature by nature, but has no problem hunting before night fall. They will often perch on a tree branch and wait for prey to pass by. Their diet includes small mammals, amphibians and some insects, and are attracted to light because of the insects that gather around it.





    Taken at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, this curious little owl was caught peeking out from among the shadows of a thick forest of Jack Pine trees.
     

    DJU9

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    "Predatorial Pursuit"

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    The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a magnificent night predator whose "hooting" calls have sent shivers down the spines of many. Easily identified by their distinctive horn-like feathered tufts, called plumicorns, these owls are known to inhabit from the Arctic to South America. The pale gray variety are found in Canada.



    This marvelous capture was taken in southern Ontario; a rare shot of this nighttime hunter still in predatory pursuit just as the day was beginning. Completely unaffected by the subzero temperature, he effortlessly pursued his target. With devastating strength, he could easily carry off prey several times his own weight. This morning, however, he returned to his nest empty-taloned.
     

    DJU9

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    "American Cuisine"

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    The grace and strength of the magnificent American Bald Eagle are evident in this dramatic photograph. This image was captured mere seconds after the eagle snatched lunch from the icy February waters at the Kenai Peninsula on the southern coast of Alaska.



    In this photograph, the action is richly punctuated by the crystal clear spray and the expanse and position of the powerful wings. The intensity of the bird's eyes, along with its posture and angle coming off the water, convey the elegant and silent power of this beautiful creature.
     

    DJU9

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    "Rocky"

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    This young North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) is peeking out at the intruder holding the camera, completely oblivious to the temperatures of Montana in January. Considering his very dense undercoat, he doesn't care how cold it is, however, being nocturnal by nature, he probably isn't too happy to have his slumber disturbed.

    Fortunately, at the moment this photograph was captured, he was bright-eyed, very curious, and making direct eye contact
     

    DJU9

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    "Brainstorming"

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    The iconic American Buffalo, or Bison (Bison bison), are a rich part of North American history, and efforts continue to preserve this magnificent species. Yellowstone has one of the largest wild, free-roaming herds in the states. Though they appear lethargic and awkward, these grass-grazing mammals will not hesitate to show a bad attitude and chase down anyone who provokes them. They have been recorded to run up to 35 mph, and can easily outrun a human.





    These two bulls are displaying aggression, typical in spring. During this threat posturing, if one turns his head sideways, indicating submission, the battle will end here. However, if they continue to clash heads, the fight is on!
     

    DJU9

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    "Moose X-ing"

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    Oxbow Bend, in the Grand Teton National Park, is a prime location to spot wildlife as they make their morning trek from the willow flats, across the Snake River and into the safety and cooler temperatures of the dense forest on Signal Mountain.

    This amazing bull moose crossed the river just as the sun rose high enough to provide excellent light for capturing the warm, powerful details of his grand stature.
     

    DJU9

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    "Endangered Beauty"

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    The incredibly beautiful snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is indigenous to the mountains of Central Asia. Their dense coats and snowshoe-like paws are ideally suited for their cold, dry, rocky native environment. These shy, elusive cats, when fully grown, weigh up to 120 pounds and nose to tip of their very thick, furry tails measure up to 7-1/2 feet long. Sadly, these phenomenal cats are an endangered species.

    This photograph was taken on a private reserve in Kalispell, Montana. The black and white palette adds depth and drama to this cat's intense posture, mesmerizing eyes, and her exquisite spotted coat.
     

    DJU9

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    "Wary Arctic Fox"

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    This enchanting arctic fox (alopex lagopus) is well-suited for frigid weather, from its short muzzle and ears, to its furry soled paws and thick, bushy tail. It uses its tail to snuggle under, to guard against arctic winds, and its beautiful fur adapts to the seasons acting as superb camouflage.

    This photograph beautifully illustrates the camouflage effect of the winter white fur in the snow. The stance shows the fox is poised to dart away, yet his curiosity holds him in frame for a perfect moment, just long enough to capture those vibrant, piercing eyes staring warily into the camera lens (or at the photographer), making for a dramatic, unforgettable photographic capture
     

    DJU9

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    "Busy Bobcat"

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    The stealthy, elusive and beautiful bobcat (lynx rufus) is so named for its shorter "bobbed" tail. This nocturnal relative of the magnificent Lynx is the smallest of the family, weighing in from 11 to 30 pounds, and measuring 30 to 48 inches long, nose to tail.

    Solitary by nature, these fierce hunters stalk in stealth mode, and when ready, leap as far as ten feet to pounce on their unsuspecting prey. This photograph captures a young bobcat in the fraction of a moment between an angry warning and pure feline curiosity
     

    DJU9

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    "Curious Grizzly Cub"

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    During a back country expedition in the remote Hallo Bay region of Katmai National Park, this grizzly cub's natural curiosity kept him enthralled for a short time, watching the group of photographers out watching him and his fellow grizzlies. However, as this photograph captures so beautifully, the mother sow also watched, but not from curiosity...rather in a protective attitude over her cub.
     

    DJU9

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    "Grizzly Gaze"


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    Yellowstone National Park is a natural habitat for Brown Bears, also known as "grizzlies". Their nickname dates back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Grizzlies (ursus arctos horribilis) are the largest bears in Yellowstone, weighing from roughly 300 to 600 pounds or more. They live 15-20 years in the wild.

    This photograph captures a rare look at grizzly behavior. The suspended water beads, tossed around by play "fighting" in a shallow stream, emphasize the intensity of the moment.

    This photograph was awarded first place in the 2007 National Wildlife Federation's annual Contest.
     

    DJU9

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    "Weathered Fox"


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    The American Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is thought to be cunning, curious and sly, with good reason. They have been observed storing food for lean times, using prepared dens of other animals and adroitly adapt to living among populations of humans. Members of the dog family, these agile, alert and hardy creatures weigh up to about 15 pounds, with the males ("dogs") being larger than the females ("vixens").

    This photograph was taken on a cold, wet day in Hallo Bay, Alaska. The fox was foraging for food along the Hallo Bay beach, wandering along the edge of the surf. The capture was taken at eye level with the fox, giving the scene an intimate perspective.
     

    DJU9

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    "Curious Fox"

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    This friendly-looking Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most recognizable species of foxes. Identified by the red-colored fur, the red fox can be found in almost every habitat in the northern hemisphere. This hardy and prolific species is amazingly adaptive, and has been immortalized by many cultures as a sly, cunning creature.

    In this award-winning image, the camera angle was kept low, below the animal's eye level, in order to remain non-threatening, which also provided a lively, unusual perspective. The curious expression on its face echoes the canid's playful and curious nature.
     

    DJU9

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    "Not-So Wile E. Coyote"

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    This coyote was in a defensive stance, obviously not happy about being disturbed. The interesting and unusual angle was obtained by standing lower than the animal. He was standing on a small rock formation, and was warning that he was not in the mood to have his portrait taken. This capture was caught as the photographer was backing away, giving the coyote plenty of room!