Kangaroo Island isn’t just for kangaroos. In fact, it’s one of the best places in all of Australia for easily seen mammals of all types — koalas, echidnas, fur seals, sea lions, possums, even the always elusive platypus. This young koala was hanging out at Hanson Bay on the southern coast of the island, doing what koalas do — sleeping and occasionally waking up to eat a bit of eucalyptus. Nikon D200 with Nikkor 80-200mm lens (at 80mm) ISO 200, f/4.5 at 1/20th of a second.
I took this photograph years ago in Australia. There’s an island just south of Adelaide called Kangaroo Island and if you’re a wildlife lover, it’s a must see on any itinerary. It’s also great for landscape shots, especially at the tip of the island at a place appropriately called the Remarkable Rocks. Nikon D200 with Nikkor 17-35 mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 200, f/22 at 1/13th of a second/
I’ve obviously been on a bit of a marsupial kick lately. Here’s one more. A Bennett’s wallaby hanging out in the rain. These guys are all over Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania — an incredibly beautiful place and highly recommended if you’re ever in the area.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 800, f/4.5 at 1/100th of a second
Here’s another marsupial from Tasmania. This time a wild Tasmanian devil imp — the name for young devils — from a healthy population that was introduced to Maria Island a few years ago. Maria Island has become a bit of a safe breeding ground for the devils, away from the facial tumor disease that is decimating the population on mainland Tasmania. Many of the devils on Maria Island, however, are then captured and brought back to the mainland in an effort to repopulate the critically endangered species. Researchers are finding that wild devils, like the ones on Maria Island, have a better chance of survival than those bred in one of the many captive programs.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 310mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second, two Nikon SB-900 flash units
The golden brushtail possum is a rare color varient of the common brushtail possum. I photographed this one at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania. The sanctuary rescues injured animals in the hopes of rehabilitating them for future release back into the wild.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 105mm macro lens, ISO 3200, f/4.5 at 1/800th of a second
I love Australia for many reasons. But mostly it’s the wombats. I mean, c’mon. Look at this chubby little fur ball just enjoying the afternoon on a blanket of freshly chewed grass. You eat a little, you rest a little, and then you eat some more. Taken on Maria Island on the island state of Tasmania.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/250th of a second
A mother koala and her joey taking it easy after a hard day of eating eucalyptus. That’s pretty much the life of a koala — sleep, sleep, eat leaves, sleep, sleep, sleep. It was nice to catch both with their eyes open at Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
Nikon D200 with Nikkor 600mm f/5.6 manual focus lens, ISO 200, f/5.6 at 1/160th of a second
Just a simple portrait of a white Bennett’s wallaby (with a bit of a ripped ear). This was taken on Bruny Island, which is just off the southeast coast of Tasmania.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 1600, f/4 at 1/500th of a second
Something a bit more abstract today. In Lamington National Park in Queensland, Australia, you can get so close to the birds that I was able to get a few macro shots of the crimson rosella’s feathers. I used my close up filter to really get tight and magnify the bird’s back.
Nikon D200 with Nikkor 80-200mm lens (at 200mm with Canon 500D close up filter) ISO 160, f/16 at 1/60th of a second, Nikon SB-600 flash
Here’s another of the great birds to be found in Lamington National Park in Queensland, Australia. Male bowerbirds, like this regent bowerbird, are known for making elaborate “bowers” to lure in females. They make these shady little structures out of whatever they can find — twigs, rocks, and any brightly colored objects they happen to stumble upon.
Nikon D200 with Nikkor 600mm f/5.6 manual focus lens, ISO 100, f/5.6 at 1/80th of a second