A Conversation with Buck

A Conversation with Buck, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

I spent some serious quality time with this fella. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was trying to woo this cougar, I'm just saying...I shot over 300 frames, and even some video, as he sniffed, stomped and licked. I gave him my best "bleat" which must have been pretty good, as he stomped a few more times. It was a great moment!

Uploaded by Hannibals Animals on 22 Oct 10, 7.34AM CDT.

Curious

Curious, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

I got some pretty good looks at this backlit fawn along with her mother who was also curious enough to taste the air trying to identify what I was.
Those big ears are ADORABLE!

Whiskers

Whiskers, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

A few extremely long whiskers on this very young buck caught my eye.

Future Looks Bright

Future Looks Bright, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

Another small guy, but I'll take it!

Thirst

Thirst, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

A Non-typical 6x5 Buck caught my eye about 300 yards away taking a morning drink before disappearing into the forest.

Des Plaines Conservation Area

Des Plaines Conservation Area, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

A favorite spot of mine...

A dried up creek bed that feeds in the Kankakee River.

Promising

Promising, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

This young guy has a promising future with a rack like that!

Sushi

Sushi, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

This guy ate these like popcorn.

Thigh Deep in Green

Thigh Deep in Green, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

Sometimes we bypass the usual creatures to get to the rare. I just liked his pose as he landed, and if given the chance, I always practice the flight shots with these guys.

Fly By

Fly By, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

I was unpacking my gear from the car to take some scenics when this guy landed on the ground on the other side of the car. I took aim, he took flight and this is the result.

Call 911...

Call 911..., originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

Did you see where the acorns went? Somebody took them, call 911!
I'll swear in a court of law I don't have them!

Thanks Rick Kratzke for the caption! I loved it and had to use it on this shot!

Maximum Capacity

Maximum Capacity, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

Another round with those snarky chipmunks finally produced the shot I was looking for. Not perfect, but I liked it. Of course, they rarely take direction from us photographers so this pose, although slightly turned was what I wanted. They are so irresistible, and quite tolerant, I just had to keep trying.

Stuffed!

Stuffed!, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

On this shoot, I learned that chipmunks can fit approximately 7 acorns in their cheeks.

Fascinating...

Acorn Addict

Acorn Addict, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

I loved his expression...

Chipmunk
Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris, IL

Hoarder

Hoarder, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

Plenty of evidence laying around...

Now and Later

Now and Later, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

The chipmunk has 1 acorn in the cheek, and having 1 tasty nut right now.

Plenty more to come...