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Portfolio - Anaspides Photography

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A coyote - this one a resident to northern California stops to scrutinise the camera before bounding away out of sight. The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Burrowing owls can be found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other dry, open area with low vegetation. They nest and roost in burrows, such as those excavated by prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the mid-day heat. Most hunting is still done from dusk until dawn, when their owl characteristics are most advantageous Coyotes (Canis latrans) are common in the United States, however, can be shy and difficult to photograph. This coyote was photographed during the winter season in Wyoming Fast flowing stream in Yosemite National Park (High Sierras) 10.000 feet above sea level, California The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as puma and mountain lion is a mammal of the family Felidae, native to the Americas. This large, solitary cat is capable stalk-and-ambush predator and pursues a wide variety of prey. Primary food sources include ungulates such as deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep Gobys are small, and for the most part, bottom dwelling carnivorous fish. The Candycane Goby inhabits steep walls in water deeper than 30 meters. The Shy Albatross is listed in the ICUN Red List as a vulnerable species. Once very common their breeding ground is on 3 very remote small islands off Tasmania, Australia Rock reflection in glacial tarn. Yosemite National Park, California First year cub wants to play on the snow, however, mother bear is more concerned about the ice formation on the adjacent sea The gannet is a member of the Booby family which consists of tropical birds, and is related to the families of shags, pelicans, and frigate birds. There are three sub-species of gannet which are situated in the temperate regions of the world.\n\nAlthough the Australiasian gannet is the smallest of the three sub-species, adults have a wing-span of up to 2 m and an average weight of 2 kg. The average lifespan of the gannet which is estimated at between 25-40 years. \n\nGannets do not migrate. Their chicks disperse to the eastern coasts of Australia where, with some exceptions, they remain for 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years until they become adults. They then return to and remain in New Zealand. The gannet mortality rate between these two Tasman Sea crossing is between 20-30%. California has some stunning arid landscapes. Tronna Pinnacles is an example of physical erosion Lionfish are predatory feeding on small fish which they engulf with their exceptionally large mouths. Once a prey fish is sighted, the lionfish will wave its feathery arms as it approaches its victim. When within range the lionfish will spring forward, opening it mouth whilst at the same time sucking in water. The suction and movement is what captures the prey The gannet is a member of the Booby family which consists of tropical birds, and is related to the families of shags, pelicans, and frigate birds. There are three sub-species of gannet which are situated in the temperate regions of the world.\n\nAlthough the Australiasian gannet is the smallest of the three sub-species, adults have a wing-span of up to 2 m and an average weight of 2 kg. The average lifespan of the gannet which is estimated at between 25-40 years. \n\nAlthough gannets do not migrate. Their chicks disperse to the eastern coasts of Australia where, with some exceptions, they remain for 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years until they become adults. They then return to and remain in New Zealand. The gannet mortality rate between these two Tasman Sea crossing is between 20-30%. Repetitive design of coral polyps create an interesting mosaic of patterns The New Zealand Sea Lion is the most endangered sea lion in the world. The haul out areas in which this seal breeds have very specific physical requirment Star trails can be an enjoyable pass time when the sky is clear of air traffic and pollution. Joshua National Park in California is one such location Brown bears have furry coats in shades of blonde, brown, black, or a combination of those colours. The longer outer guard hairs of the brown bear are often tipped with white or silver, giving a "grizzled" appearance. Their tail is 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) long.\n\nLike all bears, brown bears are plantigrades and can stand up on their hind legs for extended periods of time. Brown bears have a large hump of muscle over their shoulders which distinguishes them from other species. Brown bears are very powerful, and can break the backs and necks of large prey. The forearms end in massive paws with claws up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, which are mainly used for digging. Brown bear claws are not retractable, and have relatively blunt points. Their heads are large and round with a concave facial profile, a characteristic used to distinguish them from other bears. Males are 38-50% larger than females Giant Shrimpgoby (Amblyeleotris fontanesii) inhabit sandy areas at various depths. Living in a burrow they often associate with blind burrowing shrimps A large male polar bear (Ursus maritimus) smells the air in anticipation for the sea ice to form so it can hunt its favoured food - the ringed seal Male Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) drags the remains of 1st year polar bear cub that it had killed and cannibalised. Although infanticide is common amongst bears and other animals, its occurrence is increasing amongst polar bears as a possible consequence of global warming and longer than normal time for sea ice formation Brown bears have furry coats in shades of blonde, brown, black, or a combination of those colours. The longer outer guard hairs of the brown bear are often tipped with white or silver, giving a "grizzled" appearance. Their tail is 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) long.\n\nLike all bears, brown bears are plantigrades and can stand up on their hind legs for extended periods of time. Brown bears have a large hump of muscle over their shoulders which distinguishes them from other species. Brown bears are very powerful, and can break the backs and necks of large prey. The forearms end in massive paws with claws up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, which are mainly used for digging. Brown bear claws are not retractable, and have relatively blunt points. Their heads are large and round with a concave facial profile, a characteristic used to distinguish them from other bears. Males are 38-50% larger than females Sparring ensures that bears have ample experience in fighting for when the time is necessary. Although sparring is not actually true fighting, injuries can still occur Black bears are omnivores and inhabit several habitats in Canada and the United States Australian Sea Lions are the 2nd most endangered sea lion worldwide and inhabit and breed in only a few areas in southern Australia. They are listed on the ICUN Red List as endangered Cuttlefish are members of the Cepapod family and like their close cousins the octopus are highly intelligent. They are capable of altering pigment cells in their skin resulting in colour chnages A mother brown bear indicates to her cub that the time for playing is over. The cub steps back, taken by surprise at mother's attitude New Mexico state in the United States has s=many stunning rock formations, such as Shiprock. The rock is volcanic and is a remnant plug of a very large volcano which has since been eroded away Sparring is a common trait amongst many bear species and although it appears to be very rough treatment, injury rarely occurs A spirit bear catches a salmon that is making its way upstream to spawn. Spirit Bears are not common and inhabit only a few region in western Canada Often found "tail-gating" each other. One individual follows the mucous trail of another. Reason for "tail-gating" is unknown, however, maybe a method of finding prey or a prelude to mating. Variation in colour and distribution of spots can differ between individuals\n\nThe tube-like appendix is the animals sexual organs; exposed here before copulation \n\nOften found with Imperial Shrimp (Periclimenes impertor) which feeds on parasites and mucous whilst obtaining protection from predators. Length 10 cm Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus) are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red LIst. Once widespread, yellow foots now only inhabit a few areas of their former range Imperial shrimp are often found on nudibranchs and live in a symbiotic relationship with their host. The shrimp cleans the host's skin of small parasites and in return is provided a habitat in which to live Distinctly ornamented rock wallaby once very common in inland areas of mainland Australia, however, now uncommon due to over hunting in the 1800's and early 1900's. competition for land (agriculture) and introduced animals. \n\nSmall populations can be observed in remote regions. Natural predator is the Wedge Tailed Eagle. During the day wallabies remain hidden along steep cliffs and overhangs, only coming to browse along watercourses during the early morning and late afternoon Two polar bears (Ursus maritimus) carefully patrol past the photographer. Although their appearance invokes a feeling of cuteness, the polar bear is an apex predator that demands total respect Wombats construct burrows up to 60 feet long with interconnecting tunnels. Breeding occurs year round, but is more prevalent during winter. Usually, one young is born remaining in the pouch, which is rear facing, for a period of 12 months before leaving the pouch and remaining with the mother for around 18 months The Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) is one of the most spectacular members of the albatross family and has an impressive wing span of 2 plus meters The Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) is only found in the island state of Tasmania, Australia. It is highly endangered as is listed in the IUCN Red List An Eastern Water Dragon strikes a defiant pose before scampering off into the vegetation along a watercourse. A commonly seen lizard of southern Queensland, Australia, these lizards are commonly seen in backyard swimming pools A recently born Humpback Whale calf swims above mother whale. Once hunted close to extinction, and still very much in danger, these whales make extraordinary migrations that traverse much of the globe Blue Jellyfish often congregate in large schools close to the water's surface. A beautiful jellyfish that is often overlooked Sea otters were once very common off the coast of California, however, overfishing and the release of pollutants have caused a decline in several populations. The razor clam is a favourite food source Red Squirrel collecting pine cones for the upcoming winter period. Squirrels will store the cones in caches for later consumption during the lean winter months