Highlights of 2014 — Happy New Year
There was no Africa trip this year, and I didn’t get out with the camera with the frequency of some previous years, but 2014 was still a great year for me and wildlife. The time that I did spend in the field yielded some excellent sightings, even when I was only able to get away for a day or two. The following photos represent some of the highlights of the year — all new shots that I haven’t shared yet. Enjoy, and thanks for continuing to check out my posts on a daily basis.
Things started a bit slow in Yellowstone back in February. I’ve been to Yellowstone many times, still hoping for better looks at wolves. It didn’t happen this time, but I did have some great opportunities with bighorn, pronghorn, bison and all the other usual suspects. This ram was working hard to find grass beneath the thick bed of snow.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 380mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/8000th of a second
I went to Costa Rica for a long week in March, hoping to photograph tapirs and photograph tapirs I did. In fact this one I photographed from only about a foot away, as I remained very quiet, on the ground, with my wide angle zoom.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 3200, f/2.8 at 1/320th of a second
In May, Karen and I took a five day trip to Tulum, Mexico. It was mostly a beach holiday, but I got away one afternoon and headed to the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve where I was able to photograph spider monkeys.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 310mm) ISO 1600, f/4 at 1/640th of a second
In June, I headed out to the great parks of southwestern South Dakota. Badlands is one of my favorite parks in the country and never seems to disappoint. It was the time of year for baby prairie dogs and I saw many of them.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/400th of a second
In July, I had to be in Los Angeles for business. I was able to get away for a night over the weekend so I headed to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This was the 122 degree day that I’ve talked about in several posts. I love photographing black-tailed jackrabbits and have posted a few from this trip. My mother had asked about whether or not their ears are ever down. Well, here you go. When relaxed and at rest, the ears are down, but when they hear something or are on alert, the ears stick straight up.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/1000th of a second
And finally, my big trip of the year was to the Falkland Islands in October/November. I’m still going through all the photos from this trip — two awesome weeks with five different species of penguin and assorted other creatures. I photographed these four king penguins at twilight at Volunteer Point, on the main island of East Falkland.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 35mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/320th of a second
Look at where we’ve been —- And imagine where we may yet go —- Curiosity will be our guide. Looking forward to the new adventures of Sean ,2015 . HAPPY NEW YEAR !(
Your do stunning work Sean. Unlike a lot of wildlife photographers your work almost always has an artistic component that makes it a joy to look at.
Thank you for all your hard work…..John Ames
Thanks John, very much appreciated.
Thank you, Sean, for sharing your amazing talent and gifts with all of us.
You’re welcome Judy. Thanks for viewing.
And thank you, Sean, for taking the time to share your beautiful work with us. With our world being ever so crazy and grim, viewing nature has a way of making the complicated less complicated. It reminds us of what is really important in life.
I hear you there Rachel. Happy New Year.
Thank you for another year of beautiful photography and fabulous animals most of will never see for ourselves. You take us to places of the heart and imagination. Happy New Year and I look forward to another year of discovery.
Barbara
Thanks Barbara, here’s to more of the world’s amazing creatures in 2015.
And to think this all started when you were just a little tyke, catching frogs down at “the pit”!!!!
Which you and Dad discouraged — albeit for good reason. Nice new avatar pic.
All are lovely images but the jack rabbit, with ears parallel to Mother Earth, takes the cake! Looking forward to seeing your 2015 photographs, Sean.
I have to agree Sue. I love those jackrabbits.
Happy 2015 Sean! All such great shots, of course! The last one would definitely be their album cover if The Beatles happened to be penguins 😉 That only makes sense to me, I’m sure, haha! Looking forward to seeing all your captures in the year ahead!
Well seen Angelina. Looks like Ringo up front.
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photography, I look forward to it every day. Happy new year!
Thanks Christine. Happy New Year.
Sean looking forward to many pictures from your adventures you have in store for us.
Grat news about your Award Th e Mrs. Is so proud as we all are!
Aunt Suzy
Thanks Aunt Sue. Hers to another wildlife filled year in 2015. Happy New Year to you and Uncle Mark.
Thank you so much for bringing beauty into our lives each day. Look forward to each day’s surprise and delight and you never disappoint. Love the artistic dimension of each image combined with technical excellence. So grateful for your contribution to our lives.
My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to view every day.
Beautiful pics! Always very refreshing & keeps me grounded when I occasionally overuse ‘d Digital World’.
D Penguins wud have been bought by d b Beatles, they’re all there.
keep em coming, they’re a real pleasure & bring zagme back to life when my brain goes awol!
Thanks Con. Much more on the way.
Congrats Sean on another great year of fantastic photos!! NIce done sir. Happy New Year to you!!
Thank you… I second Lorelei’s comment !