I set out this morning (10/18) with a plan to hike up to Glacier Point for sunrise. I left my room around 3 am with full intentions of drudging up the 4 mile trail, but as I locked my bike up near the trailhead I heard a loud thundering boom — a rockfall. Sounds of deep grumbling bass echoed throughout the valley as rock smashed against rock, earth, and the like.
I stood for a long while trying to decide if I wanted to continue with my commitment, but this seemed as good a reason to bail as any, and a better reason to bail than many.
I chose to bike around the valley and see what I could find. My goal here changed from a very tangible “go up the 4 mile trail and take the sunrise photo,” to a very loose “just have fun and enjoy the autumn weather.”
This morning, as plans changed, I shot along the Merced River and witnessed the most spectacular wildlife observation I’ve had the privilege of experiencing so far. 2 coyotes were gathered around a mule deer carcass — breakfast? After a while a bear dispersed the coyotes, although they still slumped around looking for an in. Eventually 2 other bears emerged out of the woods and tried similarly to obtain the carcass. In the meantime a great unkindness of ravens, numbering at least 30, gathered around the area. The whole river-bend was a fantastic hoopla of raven calls, coyotes yips, bear growls, and the gnashing and ripping of entrails.
I had an image like this in my mind for years, but honestly never thought I would ever get the chance to capture it. This one will always be special to me.
This photo was taken using a Sony a6300 and a Rokinon 12mm f/2 lens with a freewell magnetic polarizer attachment. Shutter speed 1/250, iso 200, f/5.6. My photography philosophy when actively shooting is basically to always be prepared. I keep 1-3 lenses accessible, in a side bag or fanny pack, and have a couple of shooting modes in my camera memory so I can quickly go from landscape to wildlife, etc. All lenses have the same filter ring size so I can easily swap filters at a moment's notice.
britainandrew on October 24th, 2021 at 16:11 UTC »
I set out this morning (10/18) with a plan to hike up to Glacier Point for sunrise. I left my room around 3 am with full intentions of drudging up the 4 mile trail, but as I locked my bike up near the trailhead I heard a loud thundering boom — a rockfall. Sounds of deep grumbling bass echoed throughout the valley as rock smashed against rock, earth, and the like.
I stood for a long while trying to decide if I wanted to continue with my commitment, but this seemed as good a reason to bail as any, and a better reason to bail than many.
I chose to bike around the valley and see what I could find. My goal here changed from a very tangible “go up the 4 mile trail and take the sunrise photo,” to a very loose “just have fun and enjoy the autumn weather.”
This morning, as plans changed, I shot along the Merced River and witnessed the most spectacular wildlife observation I’ve had the privilege of experiencing so far. 2 coyotes were gathered around a mule deer carcass — breakfast? After a while a bear dispersed the coyotes, although they still slumped around looking for an in. Eventually 2 other bears emerged out of the woods and tried similarly to obtain the carcass. In the meantime a great unkindness of ravens, numbering at least 30, gathered around the area. The whole river-bend was a fantastic hoopla of raven calls, coyotes yips, bear growls, and the gnashing and ripping of entrails.
I had an image like this in my mind for years, but honestly never thought I would ever get the chance to capture it. This one will always be special to me.
For_d_Articles on October 24th, 2021 at 16:12 UTC »
Oh wow…this a great!
britainandrew on October 24th, 2021 at 17:19 UTC »
This photo was taken using a Sony a6300 and a Rokinon 12mm f/2 lens with a freewell magnetic polarizer attachment. Shutter speed 1/250, iso 200, f/5.6. My photography philosophy when actively shooting is basically to always be prepared. I keep 1-3 lenses accessible, in a side bag or fanny pack, and have a couple of shooting modes in my camera memory so I can quickly go from landscape to wildlife, etc. All lenses have the same filter ring size so I can easily swap filters at a moment's notice.