Teleconverter – Lizard Photo Blog

Wild Urban Rabbit

Is a wild rabbit living in a urban space, e.g. in parks of big cities like Berlin or Vienna, a wild urban rabbit or a urban wild rabbit?

A wild rabbit living in an urban space, such as parks in big cities like Berlin or Vienna, could be described as either a “wild urban rabbit” or an “urban wild rabbit.” Both terms essentially convey the same idea: a rabbit that lives in a city environment but is not domesticated.

The choice of phrasing may vary depending on individual preference or local terminology. I tend to call it “wild urban rabbit” to emphasize that the rabbit is still a wild animal despite its urban habitat, while others might use “urban wild rabbit” to emphasize its presence in an urban setting. Either way, the key point is that the rabbit is a wild animal that has adapted to life in an urban environment.

And this brings me to the answer of my next question: Is this still wildlife photography?

As we said that this rabbit is a wild urban rabbit because it is living in an urban space but is still a wild animal…

… this photography can still be classified as wildlife photography! 🙂

These photos were taken with the Pentax K3 III and the Pentax 300 mm F4.0 adding more zoom with the Pentax 1.4x Teleconverter.

10. November 2023/0 Comments/by B. A.

Nature & Animals

Red Squirrel

The red squirrel, known scientifically as Sciurus vulgaris, is a charismatic and iconic small mammal that inhabits forests across parts of Europe and Asia. Characterized by its vibrant russet fur, tufted ears, and bushy tail, the red squirrel holds a special place in the hearts of many nature enthusiasts. However, this charming creature faces several challenges, including habitat loss and competition from introduced species, which have led to its declining numbers in some regions.

Red squirrels are typically found in coniferous and mixed forests, where they display remarkable agility as they navigate the treetops. They are well-adapted for life in the trees, with sharp claws for climbing and a long, furry tail that provides balance. These squirrels are known for their acrobatic leaps from branch to branch and their ability to access the canopy’s resources.

One of the most distinctive features of red squirrels is their diet. They are primarily herbivorous, with a diet that includes seeds, nuts, fungi, and various plant materials. Their voracious appetite for seeds, particularly from pinecones, plays a crucial role in forest ecology. Red squirrels not only consume these seeds but also inadvertently help in seed dispersal by caching them in the ground. Some seeds they forget to retrieve eventually sprout and grow into new trees, contributing to forest regeneration.

However, the red squirrel’s survival is under threat due to various factors. Habitat loss and fragmentation are significant concerns, as urbanization and deforestation reduce the available areas where these squirrels can thrive. Additionally, the introduction of the invasive gray squirrel in some regions has led to competition for resources and the transmission of diseases that affect red squirrels more severely.

Conservation efforts have been initiated in many areas to protect the red squirrel and its habitat. These initiatives include the creation of protected areas, the management of forest habitats to favor red squirrels, and efforts to control the spread of gray squirrels in regions where they pose a threat. Public awareness campaigns also play a crucial role in garnering support for the protection of red squirrels and their ecosystems.

These photos were taken in the Olympia Park in Vienna, Austria, with a Pentax K 3 III and Pentax 300 mm F4.0 plus 1.4x Teleconverter.

5. November 2023/0 Comments/by B. A.

Nature & Animals

Moon

Our Moon is Earth’s natural satellite, formed around 4.5 billion years ago through a collision between a Mars-sized object and Earth. It goes through various phases as it orbits our planet, resulting from the changing angles between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon. The Moon’s surface features include craters, mountains, valleys, and large plains called maria, formed by impacts over billions of years.

Photographing the Moon at night can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its challenges. To capture great moon shots, you’ll need a camera with manual settings, a tripod for stability, and a telephoto lens or telescope to zoom in. Set your camera to manual mode, use a low ISO to reduce noise, a fast shutter speed to avoid overexposure, and a wide aperture for more light.

Focusing is crucial for sharp lunar details, so use manual focus and fine-tune it using live view if available. Experiment with exposure settings to balance the Moon’s brightness with the night sky. Consider including interesting foreground elements for composition.

However, moon photography can be challenging due to the Moon’s brightness, its relatively small appearance in the sky, the need for stability, and the influence of weather and atmospheric conditions. Clear nights with stable air and careful planning of moonrise/moonset times can help you overcome these difficulties. With practice, you can capture stunning images of the Moon, showcasing its surface features and changing phases.

The picture was made with the Pentax K3 III and the Pentax 560 mm F5.6 plus 1.4x Teleconverter.

4. November 2023/0 Comments/by B. A.

Nature & Animals

Mallard Feathers

Mallard Duck Portrait and Feather Details

Mallard ducks are boring animals to photographers? I don´t think so. Of course we lose the sense for recognizing the beauty of common animals you can find in every city. You need a closer look and some lost patience to see the beauty again.