White Wallaby with Brown Joey
I visited two islands off of mainland Tasmania. One was Maria Island and the other Bruny Island. Unlike Maria which is all national park with no vehicle traffic or accommodation other than camping (or staying in the old prison barracks), Bruny Island has more than just wildlife among its residents, and is a vacation spot for mainland Tasmanians and tourists alike. I went to the island primarily for the rare white wallabies that live there. They are actually Bennett’s wallabies, also known as red-necked wallabies. Most are a dark brown, but some exhibit a recessive gene that produces the white fur. I was hoping to find a few amongst the mob (that’s what you call a group of them) grazing outside my cottage in the early mornings and evenings. Not only did I find a few, but I came across this mother with her non-white joey. At first she was a bit skittish, but eventually went about her business, allowing me to take quite a few photos, both with existing light and with flash, and with the joey in and out of the pouch.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 220mm) ISO 3200, f/5.6 at 1/160th of a second, Nikon SB-900 flash
That has to be among the sweetest of your images, Sean. It looks as though “Mom” is virtually hanging onto her joey by its ears. I wasn’t aware there were white wallabies. Thanks for the lesson in Tasmania fauna!
PS: I am amazed that she permitted you to photograph her at some length, especially given that you sometimes used a flash. I used a flash on a Pacific Tree Frog that landed on our window las July. I managed to rapidly squeeze off about 3-4 shots then it suddenly leaped to safety. It’s probably still blinded by the light!
Hi Sue, yeah, I try to minimize any stress put on the animals. My flash was on a tripod about 20 to 30 feet from where I was with the camera on the ground. The flash also had a fabric soft box covering it to soften the light. The wallabies didn’t seem to mind and were going about their business of eating grass. I only took about six shots with flash before moving on to the possums.
Love this.
Awh…so cunning.
—– Hold an ear to stear
—– A joey on a proper path
—– Mothers admonishion
I love this so much. Reminds me of someone <3
Ha. I was thinking about you when I posted it. Wasn’t quite sure how to title it.
Always wondered why they call young Joeys
So rare to see white Mom& brown Joey
Glad U did not miss this one
Thanks for Sharing Aunt Sue
would like have for nice pet ?