Momma Bear & Three Cubs


Posted by william bickle on Thu Oct 23, 2014 8:47 am

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Grizzly family

Northern British Columbia in the Great Bear Rainforest where I was entertained for a short period of time by this Handsome Family. 

The Weather was like a Rainforest on Steroids !:)  Very heavy rains constantly with some interludes of heavy mist . Anchored the mother ship for the evening  but travelled into the River with a Zodiac boat and a  gentle rising tide , where I came upon this AMAZING encounter with mature female Grizzly and her inquisitive and healthy three cubs. The cubs were busy digging for grubs and checking me out , with a watchful eye. Mother was very relaxed and not threatened by my presence , as she  can be seen here , surrounded by the little guys. The opportunity to capture an image with All Eyes Open was a Challenge but with my slow movements and persistent attempts , Success!! :)

Mud can be seen caked on moms front paws where she was digging and seeking food in the mud flats,  she has worn down those amazing front claws shorter but the claws will keep growing and lengthen when the outside season ends and she and the cubs go into winter dormancy . 


D600, Taken @ 260mm VR on Active, Hand Held from floating Zodiac , 
1/250,@ F5.6  ISO 1400,  Mid Afternoon, cloudy, overcast, Rain. 
Slight crop to level. -.67 Manual Meter Compensation


Comments and Critique appreciated.

Bill
www.BillBickle.com

           

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william bickle
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by crw816 on Thu Oct 23, 2014 7:01 pm
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Nice Bill! She has her eye on you. Must have been a blast seeing this.
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by Ron Day on Thu Oct 23, 2014 9:06 pm
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Great shot Bill! Love the eyes of the mother and the wet fur! Sounds like a wonderful trip and experience!
 

by Cindy Marple on Thu Oct 23, 2014 11:08 pm
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I just got back from that area and bet I photographed this same mom and cubs in the same conditions- except from land instead of the zodiac. They never cooperated this well to get all 3 in the photo though as they were busy digging roots.
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by Carol Clarke on Fri Oct 24, 2014 4:32 am
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A lovely family group Bill! The low light and wet fur give a real feel for the season and the different poses of the cubs make for a nice composition while the look from the sow links back to the viewer. This mother has a full time job looking after three cubs!
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"When the power of love is greater than the love of power,
the world will know peace"....Jimi Hendrix.

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by AndrewThomas on Sun Oct 26, 2014 2:46 am
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A special capture here, Bill!
 

by william bickle on Fri Oct 31, 2014 7:40 am
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Thanks for the feedback.

It was an amazing encounter , to witness! The female seemed exhausted and never moved from her position until the rising tide started to surround her high ground.
The cubs were always moving and were not giving much eye contact , so I am pleased to capture them here as they appear.

Bill
www.billbickle.com
 

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