Part of the Beavers Domain

[Ziggy]

Behind me is a small pond and some distance in front of me is a large pond. In between the beavers have created several small dams to create shallow areas of water. Great place to find critters.

[Shadowman]

Looks like a fun spot to explore, nice image.

[Geoff F]

Plenty of well focused detail. Nicely bright but nothing is over exposed.

[Sam W]

Nice shot Jim. Very peaceful.

[flashback]

This takes me back, I spent a fair amount of time tromping around a rather involved and historical beaver impoundment. Nothing like the slap of a tail when a beaver spots a potential threat. There is so much that you can shoot, hopefully you'll go back and explore the area further.

From past experience there is often a heron roost, muskrat, otters, yearling beavs heading out on their own (although if the impoundment is large and productive enough it's not unusual for yearlings to hang around with the breeding pair and the yearlings. I think you have a target rich environment and am looking forward to seeing more of the area.
[I was authorized, as part of my research to install a 'window' on a beaver lodge. One of these days I'll get around to scanning the slides of the interior and the beaver kits. Interesting note, I was surprised how infested they all were with (dog) ticks.]

[Ziggy]

This takes me back, I spent a fair amount of time tromping around a rather involved and historical beaver impoundment. Nothing like the slap of a tail when a beaver spots a potential threat. There is so much that you can shoot, hopefully you'll go back and explore the area further.

From past experience there is often a heron roost, muskrat, otters, yearling beavs heading out on their own (although if the impoundment is large and productive enough it's not unusual for yearlings to hang around with the breeding pair and the yearlings. I think you have a target rich environment and am looking forward to seeing more of the area.
[I was authorized, as part of my research to install a 'window' on a beaver lodge. One of these days I'll get around to scanning the slides of the interior and the beaver kits. Interesting note, I was surprised how infested they all were with (dog) ticks.]

Thanks Sam, John, Geoff and Jack.

I go down this this location a lot Jack but it is rare to actually see a beaver.

[flashback]

Jim trying going down around sunset, then tend to be more active though the night.

[Ziggy]

Jim trying going down around sunset, then tend to be more active though the night.

They close the gates to the nature preserve at 4:30.

[flashback]

Jim that sucks. Any wildlife management areas your way that allow after dark hiking with beaver flowage? If so approach the biologists, tell them that you'd like to do some night photography on beaver and you'd be willing to share your photos with them. It's a bit of a shot but, they're wildlife biologists because they like wildlife and they can respect anyone that does too. Assuming of course that it's something that you're interested in. Of course beavs are active through sunrise and on cloudy, dark days they me also be out and about.

[IzzieK]

That is a very nice shot, Ziggy...I have only been to a beaver site once -- I think that was in Wyoming...I was with an engineer at the time and he took me to a beaver's construction site...very interesting...

[Wavelength]

Nice place to walk around and capture images

[Ziggy]

Jim that sucks. Any wildlife management areas your way that allow after dark hiking with beaver flowage? If so approach the biologists, tell them that you'd like to do some night photography on beaver and you'd be willing to share your photos with them. It's a bit of a shot but, they're wildlife biologists because they like wildlife and they can respect anyone that does too. Assuming of course that it's something that you're interested in. Of course beavs are active through sunrise and on cloudy, dark days they me also be out and about.

Thanks Izzie and Nandakumar for taking a look. It is a great location to spend some peaceful time.

Jack I know the people who oversee this place fairly well. Even if they let me in at night I don't have the equipment to take any night shots.

[IzzieK]

.....Jack I know the people who oversee this place fairly well. Even if they let me in at night I don't have the equipment to take any night shots.

Yes you do, Ziggy -- your camera configured Daylight WB and a flashlight will give you nice lighting...try that in your backyard at night--it will be the same as there too. Just a thought..

[NorthernFocus]

Beaver ponds are really interesting places to poke around. They create their own little biospheres.

[Ziggy]

Thanks both and I will see what the little P&S can do Izzie.

This was taken at Wahkeena.