Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Denali - Lynx



If you are outdoors enough and in the right location, sometimes you get to see some awesome wildlife occurrences. I was fortunate to witness one today. This Lynx photograph was capured near the Savage River area of Denali National Park. After luckily spotting a Lynx cross the road, shortly thereafter, a second one joined him for a Snowshoe Hare hunt adjacent to the river bottom. We couldn't believe our good fortune as we watched the two work in unison in a fairly open area that was conducive for photography. In the above image this Lynx approached fairly close to our location eying the willow bottom in search of a hare.

Here is a photo of the pair as the joined briefly prior to hunting in another section of willows.

This image was captured just after one of the Lynx exited a thick area and looked over in my direction.


Above you see a Lynx in some of their stalking positions.


Above are a series of static shots after a hunting session and the Lynx taking a rest and looking around. When he made eye contact I hit the shutter button.

After the hunt this Lynx decided to go over to the river and have a drink. He laid down for a minute when I captured this image.

This was certainly one of the most exciting series of photos to capture since my arrival in Denali. Seeing a Lynx is special, let alone seeing two in one place and then having the ability to watch them hunt. Man, I am fortunate to be here.

Blue Skies.


20 comments:

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I am totally speechless Ken!!! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! They talk about being in the right place at the right time!! You sure were!! What a fantastic sighting and photographic series. I would be over the moon with happiness at these. WELL DONE!!

Elaine said...

I've got to agree with Joan. WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! These are absolutely stunning shots. You made the most of an incredible opportunity. This is one you'll remember for the rest of your life. Exquisite work!

Tim Rucci said...

Amazing series, Ken! How fortunate to be there and see the two animals at the same time, let alone be able to photograph them. I can only imagine how exciting it must have been.

Brad Myers said...

Wow Ken what an awesome experience. A beautiful animal and great photos. This will be a fun season following your time at Denali.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ken: What a great show and such a fun post. You captured them perfectly.

The Birdlady said...

What I would give to have seen that beautiful creature! Beautiful photo, Ken.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Nossob where the leopard pictures were taken is the start of the desert so the dunes are that orange color. Because the vegetation is so sparse, it is very easy to see lion, leopard and cheetah. Thanks Ken. :)

Willard said...

A great encounter and photographs, Ken! That is truly an experience you will never forget.

Unknown said...

Unbelievable! The pictures are fabulous. How fortunate. I'm speachless. ;o)

Rajesh said...

Lovely series of exclusive images of Lynx. Loved the narration accompanying the beautiful images.

Twisted Fencepost said...

And WE are lucky that you are sharing it with us! Thank you!
Great shots, Ken. They look as if they are keeping an eye on you, too.

Juan C. Aguero said...

Impressive, excellent photos, congratulations!!

Rene said...

How incredible to happen upon two hunting lynx! You are very fortunate indeed. I hope to visit Denali some day.

Ron Niebrugge said...

I'm jealous - those are awesome Ken!

Philip said...

This is truly a WOW! shot Ken wildcats are my favorite excellent captures indeed

Jose's World said...

The best...what a sequence of images!!! How are you going to surpass this? But I suspect you will.

Unknown said...

Ken - This lucky break for you has proved very lucky for all your blog followers like me. The stunning array of species that you have brought to us in short time is incredible. Thank you my friend...Thomas

Coy Hill said...

Terrific series Ken and I must assume an opportunity like this is quite rare.

You continue to amaze me with the beautiful images of Denali's wildlife.

Andor Marton said...

Wow, that's an amazing series. I would be also over the moon jumping of happiness after such a great opportunity. Well done Ken.

Heather said...

Outstanding photos, and what an incredible experience for you. What majestic animals! Found your site in the comments section of Red and the Peanut. I'll be back for more!