Amy Hunter

I spent the morning at the Minnesota Zoo a week ago, and came back with several shots I liked. I’m glad I went–there were migrating birds coming through, as well as the last of the fall leaves. I’ve been too busy with house projects this fall to get out and shoot, so was glad for the opportunity to play with the fall color:

Now that it’s cooler, the animals are out and about more. The zoo specializes in animals that come from parts of the world with cold climates. You won’t find elephants, giraffes, or zebras at the Minnesota Zoo. With school in session, there are fewer visitors. Therefore, the animals are more relaxed and hanging out closer to the viewing areas and walking around. Made for some good photo opportunities. This is a Goitered Gazelle:

The tigers were particularly active. Seeing this one walking through a wooded area gave me an appreciation for just how difficult they would be to spot in the wild. I could imagine one sneaking up on me quite easily:

The coyotes were also out and running around. I’d not seen them before this year:

Some of my best zoo pictures, though, are of wild birds drawn to the area. This crow, for example, was finding something tasty in the bear exhibit. So even though the bears were asleep and uninteresting subjects, I got a good shot there:

Doesn’t it make you want to start quoting from Poe’s The Raven? I can hear it crying “Nevermore!” in this picture.