Predator in Plain Sight

Written by Ray Hennessy
 

Photographer: Jack Medeiros

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Mustelids are very illusive animals by nature and because of that I rarely get any opportunity's to photograph them. Every winter getting a shot of an ermine in its winter coat is always high on my list. It finally happened one November evening while my friend lory and I was shooting barred owls. I noticed a flash of white coming in and out of some rocks in the distance. Ermines turn white in the winter months to blend in with the snowy environment, we had our first big snow fall of the year about a week prior but it had all melted by this point and made spotting much easier. we got very excited by this sighting and planned a careful approach. the ermine didn't stick around for long as it was actively looking for voles but I was stoked to finally get a decent shot of one after all these years. I was really happy with how this one turned out because it really shows how the ermine sticks out like a sore thumb.

1/500 • f/7.1 • ISO 2500 • Canon EOS R6ii • 500mm • Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 IS USM L

 
Ray Hennessy

Starting in 2007 my fascination with nature photography began.  In the years since, wildlife photography with a focus on birds has gone from a very passionate hobby of mine to become my career. I spend much of my free time in natural areas searching for birds and any other wildlife that comes along. I concentrate on using creative natural lighting and interesting compositions to capture unique images of common and rare wildlife. My favorite style is a more scenic photo that includes some of the habitat wildlife lives in. I also enjoy passing along the knowledge and experience that I have gathered over the years to other photographers who are eager to learn.

www.rayhennessy.com
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Heron in the Mist