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View Full Version : Nutria - Lake Mattamuskeet NWR


Photobiologist
12-09-2007, 01:02 PM
While I had gone to Lake Mattamuskeet with the intention of photographing waterfowl, the nutria were MUCH more cooperative this trip (and the amount of available light was HORRIBLE most of the trip).

Nutria were first brought to the US before World War II to aid in aquatic weed control. They were later used extensively in fur farms - from which they were released/escaped. However they became established, they have become a major invasive nuisance animal in some areas, with the capability to greatly alter/destroy natural wetland habitats.

This guy was in the shallows of Lake Mattamuskeet pulling up aquatic vegetation & eating the roots.

This was a pretty simple photo for me to get. I was easing out on a boardwalk & saw him before he saw me. I got my gear set up with the tripod at it's lowest position & took several shots. Nikon D70, Nikkor 600 mm w/Sakar 2x teleconverter, f/4.0, 1/250th second, ISO 400, tripod, full frame.

rpk717
12-09-2007, 01:21 PM
Robert, nice shot, the only nutria I've ever seen was at the Alligator Farm and it wasn't the best day that particular nutria had.:eek:

Glad you did get some good light. Shooting this guy from a boardwalk using a 600mm with 2x TC makes for a tough situation to get a sharp image. Looks like skill prevailed here. My only nit would be the fact he is centered a little too much for me. I would adjust the crop a bit to give him more space in front than his rear.

jckegley
12-09-2007, 07:38 PM
Good shot. I know they exist in the US, but I have never seen one. You are very brave using a 2x. I have officially locked mine away to never come out again.

mrsisu
12-09-2007, 07:57 PM
Sounds like this was taken at 1800 mm which is no doubt challenging even though a 250 th not to bad. Agree re Robert's comment re centering but still nice with clean background

wetbelly
12-10-2007, 04:10 PM
This is a nice clean image! The water is so perfect it makes for a very nice frame for the nutria. The weeds in his mouth are kind of gross, but do provide some interest. Nice work. :)