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We interrupt the string of Hawaiian themed posts for something decidedly more Albertan - images of a black bear (Ursus americanus). We were just leaving Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area when I saw this little guy foraging for buffalo berries. The bear was content to forage in our presence, so I snapped a few shots from the vehicle, through the open passenger window.
There didn't seem to be any mamma bear around, so I stepped out of the car to get a bit closer and a different angle. That cub was up the closest tree faster than Mr. Bolt could run. I snapped a few more then went back to the car as the cub came down the tree and headed a bit deeper into the woods. It was a very nice way to end the weekend.
All bear images taken hand held using 7D with 70 - 200mm. ISO 800, 1/250, f4. The bear was in open shade.
1. Gathering berries from the roadside buffalo berry bushes (Sherpherdia canadensis - aka soapberry)
2. Keeping a close eye on the humans. Another car went past, so he stopped eating and had a good look to evaluate the situation. I was glad the other vehicle didn't stop as I'm sure I would have missed the next sequence if it had.
3. Up the tree lickety split. Good thing it didn't go up me at that speed, but fortunately, most bears are totally non-aggressive most of the time, especially when they are young. Flight is easier than fight.
4. A little bit closer. That baleful look in the eyes is certainly not that of a fierce, determined predator (yet).
5. And a bit of a zoom in for a portrait shot. If only I could have done some "gardening" to remove the little branches.
I hope you enjoy the cute little ball of fur. The next few photos show what we went to see - two waterfalls. Both falls are quite neat in their own way.
A. The gallaxy of Siffleur Falls. This is a shot of spray rising from the falls, with the backdrop being a dark canyon wall. I think it looks a lot like a shot of the stars.
B. Crescent Falls. A really nice two tiered fall, but I needed to be there a bit earlier to avoid the heavy shading on the far canyon wall. The rock "floor" between the two falls is slightly tilted, which makes getting a horizontal image more interesting.
C. A closeup of Crescent Falls. This is a different take on the rule of thirds - 1/3 dark, 1/3 bright, 1/3 rainbow.
Two completely different subjects, both of which were fun to shoot, and just sit and watch. Please let me know your thoughts on any or all images.
Cheers!
Ken
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