Happy first day of winter. Always my favorite day because starting on the 22nd, the day start getting longer again. This polar bear was photographed back in November of 2010, standing on a sea ice in the Hudson Bay up in northern Manitoba, Canada. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 290mm) ISO 800, f/8 at 1/640th of a second.
While I was sharing all those posts of mothers and babies, there was a bit of action up at the backyard camera trap. I’ve heard a lot of coyote yipping going on back there in the woods, but coyotes, being wily and all, are really good at walking around and avoiding the camera. This guy, however, took a nice basic profile shot of himself. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 25mm) ISO 500, f/14 at 1/200th of a second, Cognisys camera box, trail monitor and flash units.
Okay everyone, last day to get your orders in for Christmas delivery. Just go to www.specieslimited.com and find the perfect gift for any wildlife lover. This is a giant river otter with her pup that I photographed in the Pantanal of Brazil. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 270mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/320th of a second.
Two days left for Christmas delivery at www.specieslimited.com. Here’s another mother and baby in the wild that didn’t make this year’s cut for the calendar. That joey was rather large and likely in the final stages of riding on mom’s back. Photographed in Tasmania back in 2015. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/7.1 at 1/200th of a second.
Three more days until Christmas delivery, so three more days of mother and baby animals in the wild. Whatever I can do to get you to visit my store at www.specieslimited.com and get those holiday gifts. Thanks to all those who already have. As for the image, I captured this one of a reticulated giraffe and her calf in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya back in 2011. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 150mm) ISO 400, f/4.5 at 1/1600th of a second.
Only four days left to order the 2026 calendar at www.specieslimited.com or any of the great shirt designs. Well, only four days left for guaranteed Christmas delivery. This gorilla represents February in the “Mother’s Nature” calendar. Get those last minute gifts and feel good that 10% of select purchases is going back to wildlife conservation. And even better, join us next June in Kenya and Uganda and see the gorillas in the wild. Spots still available.Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 240mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/125th of a second.
Bighorn lambs are typically born on steep, rocky cliffs — natural nurseries that help protect them from predators in their most vulnerable days. The ewe stays close, nursing frequently and guiding her lamb through increasingly difficult terrain as it gains strength. Within just a week, the lamb can scale ledges with surprising agility, always keeping its mother in sight. To see more maternal behavior from nature, check out the “Mother’s Nature” wall calendar I just added to my shop at www.specieslimted.com. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mmm lens (at 200mm) ISO 1600, f/2.8 at 1/400th of a second.
Impala are without a doubt the most common mammal that we see on our East African safaris. Because of that, guests tend to overlook them after awhile. But they sure are elegant looking antelope. This male was posing for us in the golden light of early morning. If you want to see just how common they are, join us in June when we go back to Kenya and Uganda (www.cranewildlifetours.com). Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/160th of a second.
The leopard is the most elusive of the big cats, silent, solitary, and supremely adaptable. It blends effortlessly into everything from dense forests to rocky hills and open savannas. I caught this female, mid-morning, scanning the savanna from up in a tree. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1250, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
The secretary bird is known for its distinctive strut across the African savanna. Unlike most birds of prey, it hunts almost entirely on foot, covering vast distances with a deliberate, high-stepping gait. Its powerful legs and sharp talons are built for speed and precision, perfect for stomping and striking snakes, lizards, and small mammals. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 2800, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second.