Mammals

Tigers are wonderful animals. I think it must be all the jungle movies you see as a kid that makes them so exciting to see.

In North Carolina there are some areas where wild horses roam freely. However, because they are free, they're also hard to spot and even harder to take a picture of.

Birds are fun picture subjects. And those in flight are a challenge for photographers. A lot of variables have to come together including enough light for a fast shutter; a lens and camera that can focus quickly and constantly; and the ability to pan the camera to match the bird's flight path.

Many people in my area consider deer to be a nuisance. This opinion usually comes about shortly after someone's prized begonias become a deer's dinner. Not having a garden of my own, I still like deer. And the also happen to be fairly easy to find especially in the hours around sunset.

Squirrels seem to be everywhere I go. I'm so used to seeing them when hiking that it actually strikes me as odd when I don't. Despite being common, I don't have many pictures of them. A good example of taking things for granted, I suppose. I'll have to watch out for them and see if I can get some fun pictures of them this summer.

Small woodland creatures have a built-in cuteness factor that you won't find in other creatures. Even though they're common, it's still fun to take pictures of them. And sometimes the angle is just right that they look even cuter than normal.

I like birds of prey more than any other class of birds. I think in large part that's because they're bigger than most other birds. And it doesn't hurt that they have that air of power that comes with having sharp beaks and long talons.

I'll be the first to admit that there's nothing particularly artistic about this elk picture. However, I've never seen an elk before so I'm happy to have this shot. I had to go all the way to the Grand Canyon and then wake up around 5am to get it though. Yes, that's right. I came across this elk on my way back from watching the sunrise on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Rabbits are common in the areas I frequent; second in number only to squirrels. If it wasn't for their preference of coming out at dusk, I suspect I'd see more of them than I do of squirrels. They also make decent subjects for pictures. Unlike most other animals, rabbits don't run away as you approach. Instead, there's a small window of opportunity where they'll freeze in what I suppose is their hope that you won't notice them. Once you do get too close though, they'll switch tactics and scurry into the nearest bush.