The camera trap doesn’t always work out as planned. I keep a few surveillance trail cams around to see where the animals are crossing through the yard and also to monitor the effectiveness of my outdoor studio. These two black bears were in quite a playful mood as they made quick work of my camera, throwing it to the ground before actually tripping the shutter. You can see that this is a three flash set up — two hanging from trees and a third on a tripod. Of course, the light doesn’t matter if the camera is facing into the ground. Thought everyone might enjoy this look behind the scenes.

Always fun to see what the birds are up to back at the camera trap. This white-throated sparrow was frozen in action just after take off. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 20mm) ISO 500, f/14 at 1/200th of a second, Cognisys camera box, trail monitor and remote flashes.

June is bighorn lamb season in Badlands National Park. A few years back I photographed this young one running up and down the eroded buttes of the park. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 310mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/160th of a second.

This year’s cottontail babies have made an appearance in our front lawn. Here’s hoping they keep their heads low and away from the always circling red-tailed hawks. Nikon D500 with 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/400th of a second.

The raccoons have been active lately in the woods behind our house. I’ve still yet to see one in the daylight on our property. Which is a good thing. It means they haven’t adjusted their nocturnal routine to accommodate the foraging of garbage. At least not to the extent that has caused them to come sneaking around at any opportune time as is the case in many other areas. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 500, f/11 at 1/200th of a second.

I can never get enough of red foxes. And they always seem to show up when I’m not expecting them. I was on the way back to my cabin after a day of photographing bears in Lake Clark National Park in Alaska when I spotted this fox resting in the ferns. A nice way to end a very productive day. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 1600, f/4 at 1/160th of a second.

The moose were in rut when I went to visit them a few years back outside of Anchorage Alaska. This bull was keeping a watchful eye on a nearby cow and her other three suiters. The misty rain and thick bushy habitat made shooting difficult, but the action was great that day. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/400th of a second.

The sun and shade mid-day light wasn’t great on this one and I wasn’t even going to bother taking any photos, but then the two bears started dancing and playing around with each other, rolling on their backs, etc. This happened in my backyard a couple of days ago. You never know what you’re going to see back there. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 500, f/5.6 at 1/200th of a second.

I’ve yet to see any skunks this spring. They seem to like my yard starting later in the summer and into the fall. Here’s a shot taken back in October. I dialed the front flash down quite a bit while adding power to the flash behind the log, creating almost full rim light except for the white back fur.Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 500, f/11 at 1/160th of a second.

I’m feeling like this should be a two-brown-bear-post week. Enjoy. This mother bear was racing through the water at low tide, hunting silver salmon for her two cubs who were patiently waiting on a nearby sandbar. Photographed at Lake Clark National Park in Alaska. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 1600, f/4 at 1/1600th of a second.