Dustin Angell's Pictures & Prose: Rainy Day Zoo Trip

Amur Tiger, Siberian Tiger
Pantheris tigris altaica

Female African Lion
Panthera leo

FJanuary is time for a photography trip to the zoo. Every January the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse lets visitors in for free if they are participating in their photography contest. Last year was my first time competing. Both of my entries earned "honorable mentions," and that has a way of making you want to try a little harder next time. I only visited the zoo once last time, and I hope to visit it at least twice this time.

Red and green Macaw
Ara chloropterus

Today was a great day to photograph at the zoo. As it was a rainy school day in January, there weren't many other's there. Actually besides my girlfriend and I, I ended up seeing Matt and Carissa, two other MOST employees. They said that Justin, our PR Director was also there. So, with five MOST employees there, we must have made up a nice chunk of the visitors. I felt bad for the low attendance, but really enjoyed the one on one experiences with the animals.
I didn't end up doing a tour of the whole zoo this time. Instead I made may way slowly few a few of my favorite parts. I always enjoy the bird room. This time I ended up attracting the attention of the large Parrot/Macaw there. Usually he just sits in one spot, but the quiet chitterring sounds I made got him to leave his post and move to the closest part of his tree. He continues going about his business of chewing on the tree, but kept looking up and watching me. I think he may have even become a little territorial, because he puffed out his feathers at me. After I felt I had worn out my welcome I journeyed on.

Please take a look at the photos and let me know which ones are your favorite. I need to decide what to admit to the competition and I could really use your help.