Sea Otters, 2017 efforts

[NorthernFocus]

Sea otters are still one of my favorite subjects. I never tire of shooting them. Yet most of what I shoot are random opportunities while we're out doing other stuff on the boat. Luckily we run across a lot of them. But the quest for that perfect shot continues. There always seems to be at least one variable that's not quite right. Anyhow, here are the best and/or most interesting from this year.

All shot handheld with Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200-500mm lens.

First just some interesting shots.

1) A raft of males just hanging out together. The brilliant blue water is due to glacial "bloom" from glacier fed rivers that dump into this particular bay. Otters seem to exercise gender bias when they hang out in groups.



2) Another group of guys in a different bay which has a tidewater glacier at its head.



3) This is the opposite of the water that I typically look for. But I thought it could be interesting and this otter and her teen age pup were just such lovely, cooperative creatures. The mom was unconcerned with us and the youngster was quite curious.



4) I just shot this guy eating something interesting looking in our evening anchorage. I have no idea what it's eating.



Now a few shots in my favorite conditions with smooth water reflecting the green hillside.

5) This one looked promising but she swam into the water disturbed by the boat.



6) Lovely, smooth water.



7) My favorite shot of the season. A good looking, cooperative otter and great lighting but unfortunately it was raining just enough to disturb the water and blur the reflection.

[JBW]

That would be a sea cucumber. Quite tasty unless overcooked and then very rubbery

[JohnRostron]

These are all great shots that make me wish I was there. There does, however, seem to be a sameness about them which is due to the way that the otters react to your presence.

I agree with Brian that the knobbly beast in #4 is a Sea Cucumber.

John

[Donald]

Excellent series of images. I can't see any photographic faults in any of these.

[John 2]

Such appealing creatures that make such good subjects. Lovely set of images. My envy returns (did it ever leave?).

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[pnodrog]

All excellent but that last one is my favorite.

[NorthernFocus]

...There does, however, seem to be a sameness about them which is due to the way that the otters react to your presence.

Good point, John. In the situations where one can change position to achieve advantageous lighting etc, the animals aren't very active. When they're doing something other than just looking cute they tend to move about quite a bit and rarely cooperate with desirable lighting. Most times when lighting is wrong, water is disturbed, etc, I don't even bother shooting any more. Perhaps I've become somewhat callous. Food for thought for next season.

But for now, here are a few that may add some interest.

8) Kangaroos aren't the only animals that can box.



9) These two were so unconcerned with our presence that they came right up to the boat. This shot at 200mm and you can see the downward angle.



10) This is the same youngster from no.3 above. He kept leaving mom to play around and on bits of ice. But none were large enough to support his weight and they kept capsizing and dumping him back into the water.

[Ziggy]

Very nice series Dan.

[kaneohebud]

Love No. 3 Dan!

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you guys enjoyed.

Bud, I see you're shooting the dynamic duo, D810/D500. They make quite a pair. I've almost regained my faith in Nikon.

[kaneohebud]

Yes I am. Have enjoyed them for a while now. I'm glad I finally settled on Nikon. Much better equipment than my previous experiences with Canon and Sony.

Hope all is well with you. I'm leaving this week for a couple weeks in Norway and up to the arctic circle. Hope I get some decent shots. Fingers crossed.

[Dave A]

#2 does it for me Dan What a great subject matter you have.

Dave

[Wavelength]

Excellent set images....

[IzzieK]

Thank you for taking us on your trip here. Good background reportage as usual. Very fascinating creatures to photograph. This is the 'wish I was there' to shoot these creatures too.

[bnnrcn]

Great series Dan, thanks for sharing

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the comment guys. Glad you enjoyed the post. We were on the water again this past week and had some good opportunities. But no otters this time.

[Jim A]

Thoroughly enjoyed looking at these, Dan. I reversed a number of times to have a second, or third, look. From the number of responses it looks like I am late to the party!