Kern River Critters

Cracker · December 6, 2007

I just got back from spending a few days at the Kern River in the Southern Sierra, had a great time, and took hundreds of photos of some of the creatures that inhabit this drainage. All of the fish were released unharmed...

Stoneflies

I kept a few of the stoneflies to keep for future reference, because I enjoy creating realistic replicas at my fly tying desk to use for fly fishing. This is one of my fake bugs in action. The fish were released unharmed. Someday I'd love to use an underwater housing for my D200.

Here's a rather brave Coyote that was provling the waters edge.

I just love admiring beautiful creatures, including insects and fish, and hope others don't mind my posting photos of these animals out of their watery environment.

Graham

darkdragon · December 6, 2007

Hi,

Those are good and Creepy photos. I grew up in Bakersfield and the Kern River was one of our favorite places to go/hang out/camp. I've never seen those stoneflies up close like that before

Great detail in the photos though.

The coyote seems a bit soft focus. I'd imagine because of the zoom range.

What lens/lenses did you use?

dbaker1221 · December 6, 2007

I love the first shot..the blue is awesome & takes some of the creepiness away from the bug.

Cracker · December 6, 2007

Hi Dark Dragon, Thank you. I used a Nikon 60mm macro for the bugs and fish. I used a 300mm f/4 for the coyote, and wish the shot wasn't so soft. I was on a boat, hand holding my camera, and it was early in the morning. I need to see if some of the other coyote shots are sharper. I downloaded all of my pics this morning and quickly picked a few to down-size and share.

Thank you dbaker1221, I also like the blue in the top photo. I have to be honest and say that it really wasn't intentional, but I'm happy it's there.

Graham

Giphsub · December 6, 2007

very interesting shots on those little critters! Nice set

kdog · December 6, 2007

Pretty awesome macros of those little river creatures there, Graham. And I love that coyote shot.

How lucky to have seen that beautiful animal.

Cheers,
-joel

MikeMcA² · December 6, 2007

Cool shots and a nice reminder of home. I also grew up in Bakersfield, and left in '81 when I joined the Army. The Kern is a dangerous river with a lot of really weird critters. Nice macros!

bfjr · December 6, 2007

Very Cool Very Nice makes me wanna go right this minute

Maestro · December 6, 2007

Very nice series. Those stoneflies look like some good eatin'...if you are a fish! Your tackle making abilities look great.

Cracker · December 7, 2007

Thank you very much Mike, Joel, Mike, Benjamin and Stephen. I hope I remembered your names correctly, once I clicked on reply, I couldn't see the signatures.

Maestro wrote:

Very nice series. Those stoneflies look like some good eatin'...if you are a fish! Your tackle making abilities look great.

Maestro, I actually enjoy honing my tackle (fly tying) skills, not only for catching fish, also for luring insects, and other critters, including birds. I recently enjoyed taking a series of photos in the L.A. River with a real dragonfly trying to mate with my imitation...