Billies

Bill Crawford

Well-Known Member
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Woke up really early yesterday morning, so I decided to go up to a local viewpoint called Eagles Nest. I saw a big Billy Goat there a couple weeks ago. I was hoping to sneak up on them (there's 4, 2 Billies, and a Nanny with a Kid.), if I got there early. I left the truck and walked up to a saddle on the East end of the bluffs. Just as I get to the cliffs, I look over to my left and there's the old Billy standing about 50 yds away, looking right at me! So much for sneaking up on them! He turned and ran up the hill, and I knew where he was going- over and down onto the cliffs where I wouldn't be able to see him. My only chance was to head West about a 1/4 mile and hike down a steep slope and hope I could see them coming around the cliffs. It took me about 15 min. to get down, where I thought I would be able to see the cliffs back to the east. I watch for awhile, then I happen to look down the hill, and there's a goat standing less than 100 yds. away! I soon realize, he doesn't know I'm here. One step and I'm hid behind a big tree. To make a long story short, I spent the next 3 hrs. playing cat and mouse with these 2 beautiful Billy Goats. The photos aren't as sharp as I would like, but I was shooting a 100-400mm with a doubler, not exactly the best setup, and 3200 ISO. When they finally got out into the sun where I could turn the ISO down, they were at least 250yds. away. The last photo is cropped about 80%, but I included it because, it's just a neat shot.
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
The chase.... it's such a fun part of wildlife photography! I don't get to do it too often, but when I have it's been similar to your experience, and it's a blast.

Really great work here Bill. You came away with some really neat looking shots. My favorite is the last one, so I m glad you included it. Probably #3 is the other one that really stood out to me.
 

AlanLichty

Moderator
Great set of shots - I have never been anywhere near within range to shoot these critters and I have the same lens/doubler you have. Very nice work.
 

Jeffrey

Well-Known Member
What an exciting experience, one I would love to have someday. The web-sized images look good, I'm not nitpicking or looking for ultimate sharpness. Nice work, Billy!
 

Joe Colozzo

Well-Known Member
great set and it sounded like a lot of fun .

It's funny when doing wildlife, either your to close or to far away to get that perfect shot( for me anyway):) Either way these look very good!
 

Bill Crawford

Well-Known Member
Thanks all, for the feedback! Thanks for the Daily Feature! I really had a good time sneaking around in the snow, trying to get photos of these guys. I'm going to go back soon with a friend who has a 600mm lens.
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
Thanks all, for the feedback! Thanks for the Daily Feature! I really had a good time sneaking around in the snow, trying to get photos of these guys. I'm going to go back soon with a friend who has a 600mm lens.
Yeah, that would be really cool to go do with a 600mm lens!
 
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