Mama and Baby Otter
Elkhorn Slough, California.
Elkhorn slough, about 10 miles north of Monterey is an amazing place for wildlife. Over the weekend, I was on a boat tour run by Captain Yohn. A bunch of photographer buddies from the FM_NorCal group had booked two tours on the pontoon boat, each of us paying for 2 seats – one for us, one for our equipment!
Among other wildlife, I got some shots of sea otters, but this particular one is very special to me. It was just amazing to see the mama sea otter floating on her back, with the baby otter on her stomach. The mama was making a deep humming sound…talking to her baby. “Although the birth takes place ashore, the mother immediately carries the pup into the water and from then on gives it constant attention, nursing and grooming it on her chest as she swims on her back.”
It is an amazing sight, how the mother carries her child on her chest, and when she has to roll over, she carries the by the scruff of its neck, so that its face is above water!
Technical Details:
Exposure: 1/500sec at f/5.6
Focal Length: 300mm
ISO: 100
WB: Daylight
Lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM
Time: 9.35 AM
Date: November 3, 2007
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Nice shot! I am impressed that the mama otter is not worried about the boat nearby. I am not sure if that’s the captain’s ability to steer silently past the otters or is it that these creatures have learnt not to fear humans.
November 4, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I am SO proud of you… this is “definitely” the image and moment that sums up the day!!
there were other “keepers” but this wins the Oscar!!
It was so incredible to hear that hum…
and see how quietly when he lets the motor idle
how close we could get… and she let us do it morning and afternoon…
Kudos to you for nabbing this Mother’s Day image!!
November 4, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Beautiful shot and a great blog! The shot is wonderful from a technical standpoint (rule of two thirds, compositions, depth of field) and from a subject matter standpoint. I love how you captured the details in the blues. The water looks so delicious and inviting. Almost makes you want to go in; except that it’s bone jarring cold.
Love this and the rest of your shots.
November 5, 2007 at 8:17 am
Nice touching image.. and the prose with the pic is also informative.
Must have been a great experience ..
Wont dwell too much on the technicalities .. but one good thing is that you are running through the range of your lenses .. wide angle, prime and now telephoto too .. must be a good learning experience
Looking forward to more here.
November 5, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Such a sweet pic! Is it just me, or does the baby have a mischievous look in his eye??
November 6, 2007 at 10:39 am
Cool shot – nice peak action capture. It was good to meet and chat with you on Sat.
November 6, 2007 at 11:13 am
Superb picture Supi! Tells a Story. Captures the spirit. Bonding between a caring Mother and trusting child. The baby otter looks utterly adorable. And Mama otter totally protective of her pup. Thumbs up!! Way to go
November 6, 2007 at 8:23 pm