Sunday was absolutely one of the prettiest days we’ve had here in quite some time. I have to admit that I was thrilled to head out and take pictures of the snow and the blue skies and I even planned a ride in on the faithful Gump. The day was just perfect- the weather was beautiful, I didn’t have to wear 85 layers and the sun was shining. I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better and then…it did.
You see, there are several animals that have evaded me through the years- and I managed to capture one of them the other day. It gives me hope that if I’m simply patient enough opportunities to photograph a bald eagle, golden eagle, coyote, and deer may present themselves. I managed to catch an awesome rattlesnake this summer, and when I saw the chance to capture this little guy I nearly died.
I had finished riding Gump, and headed back to the house, with two dogs, hot on my heels. They didn’t come right to the front door, however, and ran out beside the hen house, which lead me to freak out and go running through the snow to see what was going on. Low and behold I found a furry, punk-rocker- the second largest rodent in the state! I cannot tell y’all how fast I ran to the car to grab the camera! I am lucky that I had just been out taking photos on my ride and that it was handy. I flew through snow drifts like they were non-existent (cursing them all the way!) and wishing I was in better shape.
This is such a cute critter. I want to hug it, but that would not be a good idea!
Pretty sure he was telling me to get away from him- but then I don’t know because they don’t have the best eye-sight.
See- he shook at me!
I am so excited to have actually captured one of these on “film” so to speak. Lucky doesn’t begin to describe it! I hope you enjoyed seeing the photos and if you want to learn more about these cute rodents go here.
What’s the coolest animal you’ve ever seen up close and personal?
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Amazing pictures! Please tell me you named him Mr. PricklePants.
(Just so you know, trying to comment more here, but when I see you in my Google Reader at work, it’s hard to get your page loaded. So, I AM reading! Just unable to comment when the page times out. Luckily, I’m home right now.) 🙂
How cool! I’ve never seen one up close. We had a small bat that took up residence behind a barn door and were able to get really close to take pics. He looked like he had a bad hairpiece.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! The snow makes the perfect backdrop.
You captured such personality in that little critter! I’ve never seen a porcupine, but the bald eagles and blue herons sit on the beach in front of my house all the time. The coyotes are also abundant and wander along the shore and bluff in the early morning hours. But the most amazing animal I’ve witnessed was floating on a very small catamaran in Maui when a baby humpback surfaced beside us. Then “Momma” placed herself between us and her calf. It was beautiful but also freaky as we were about to float over top of her! I have had nightmares about the blow hole noise ever since.
They are so cute. A person just can’t help but laugh when you see one waddling along. Hard to believe they cause so much trouble.
I know! I hate pulling quills out of a colt, calf or dog’s nose and inevitably it happens once/year or so!
such a cute animal! he looks so soft and fluffy!
Fabulous photos! Amazing! Adorable spiky critter, indeed! That’s what it’s all about when it comes to photography…..patience…and speed. Ironic, isn’t it?
Probably one of the most amazing and interesting animals I’ve gotten up close to (not in a zoo) has to be a wild muskrat in a pond in Houston, TX….friendly and begging for treats from me and my kidlets. Odd creature….and much larger than I thought they would be. lol!
Good for you getting out in the snow and enjoying a ride on Gump, too. 🙂
~Lisa
Very interesting looking critter. You got some great shots.
We had elk in our back yard close enough to touch one day but I didn’t get good photos. Wrong lense and that kind of stuff. My photography instincts are not good but the elk were awesome.
I think porcupines are cute, too! Dirty Jobs had an episode where Mike and the gang were at a wildlife center in TX. Mike got to pet a porcupine! How cool is that!
For me, the coolest animal I have ever had the honor of being up close and personal with has been the javelina (collared peccary). When I volunteered as a wildlife rehab center, I was able to care for baby javelina all the up to adult javelina. I will never be able to leave Tucson, now, because javelina have my heart.
He petted a porcupine and didn’t get quilled? How cool is that?
What an interesting feller. I think he took a shine to you. It looked like he was doing a bit of a mating dance for you there.
Looks beautiful. It’s crazy, I miss the snow.
I am tired of snow already. You can bundle up with your snow gear and come for a visit and while you’re here you can do the chores! 😉
He is precious!