Alert! Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

This is a Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) we came accross. We normally found them on the open plains, but this one approached our camp, looking for scraps of food.

Note that its ears are just simple openings in the sides of the head.

Gound squirrels eat leaves, grass, stems, bulbs, seeeds, roots and sometimes insects. Its habitat is open, dry plains with hard soils and thinly spread bushes. They dig burrows about 80cm underground, with many tunnels, corridors and entrances. Rooms in the burrows are lined with grass on which they rest.

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Critiques | Translate

avigur_11 (21307) 2004-02-10 3:32

Such a cute animal, my kids would love to have one as a pet. Excellent pin-sharp capture, great DOF, and an excellent pose. I like the sharp leaves in front of the animal. I think I can seeyour reflection in his eye. A great shot, Henry!

PechePassion (483) 2004-02-10 3:56

Super photo rempli de très bon detail comme le pelage de l'animal !
La position de l'animal est très belle et les couleurs qui l'accompagnent le mette très bien en valeur.

Mes seuls petits regrets sur cette photo:
L'animal est coupé sur la bas, un cadrage un peu plus large aurais permis de le voir entier même si l'herbe lui cachait les pieds.

Le fond qui est remplie de petits traits ( du j'imagine à l'application du filtre plus net sous ps ? )

Cela ne m'empeche pas de la mettre dans mes favoris car des photos comme ca je craque !

olli (2091) 2004-02-10 4:10

Again, a bit different African animal as a subject – and a very cute one. Technically perfect – very sharp, perfect DOF, great background. I love the contrast between the green and the neutral color of the animal. Ant the black eye is a real eye-catcher.

Really great shot – one of your best ones, I think...

nwoehnl (120) 2004-02-10 5:49

Wow, what a detailed and sharp capture, Henry. It's literally possible to count the hairs of this fellow's beard. The posture is very interesting, almost human-like, and I love how he is standing amidst those greens on the ground. Looks like it could be a relative of the prairie dogs I saw last year in the Great Plains. Very well done, a great addition to your impressive travelogue!

Jeppe (18623) 2004-02-10 6:06

Wow - Fantastic DOF and sharpness on this image - I can almost see the photographer in he’s eye-reflection. The fur quite special and must be the best fit for an animal living under ground. The same must be true for the ears (or lack of same). Thanks Henry - for the photo and the note.

padam (186) 2004-02-10 6:44

With this angle, I really have the impression to be a squirrel ;-)) Were you lying on the floor to shot this??

jhm (83378) 2004-02-10 7:01

Wow, what a detailed and sharp capture, never ever view Henry! It's literally possible to count the hairs of this fellow's beard. The posture is very interesting, almost human-like, and I love how he is standing amidst those greens on the ground. Wonderful, Congratulation !!!

milloup (1829) 2004-02-10 8:52

Interesting to see how this chap not only has whiskers but also "hair sensors" all around his head. As Jeppe pointed out the coat looks well fitted for below ground, no fluffy coat to catch dirt. He's well caught against a background to set him off nicely.

glider (690) 2004-02-10 11:22

Lovely shot, I like it. Very nice DOF. Good work Henry.

eelliott305 (776) 2004-02-10 11:54

A real cute one Henry. The sharpness is just incredible. Great shot.

PLD_images (7141) 2004-02-10 14:00

Very nice shot Henry. I like the close-up image and the angle that you used here. Good sharpness also.

Cat (0) 2004-02-10 18:44

Wow, what a terrific capture! Amazing clarity and sharpness, DoF looks spot on also! Excellent!

orme (6746) 2004-02-10 20:57

Excellent shot, Henry. It is so sharp and the detail is just amazing - we can even see its long black whiskers against the blurred background. This little guy looks like a real character. Good note. Very well captured.

manny (21378) 2004-02-10 21:00

Beautiful animal portrait. The face is very clear and sharp and the DOF cushioned the features of this amiable animal. Very good shot.

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scalerman (25787) 2004-02-10 22:18

Talk about sharp foucs! prarie dog as we call 'em here. never would hurt a fly!

cool_s15 (4048) 2004-02-11 6:29

Great captured! Sharp details with nice DOF.
Well done.

gepall (1808) 2004-02-11 8:06