Crazy Frog and the Jittery Photographer

Poison Dart Frog plays a game of chicken with a remarkably tolerant snake. Actually, this Denver Zoo exhibit dramatizes how much protection these tiny frogs enjoy from the poison they possess. Still... (copyrighted photo by Mark T. Osler. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving…and survived Black Friday!

Life was good at the Osler Ranch. Had my dad in to town and my kids and I took him for a quick stroll thru the Denver Zoo before heading to the airport today.

I love the zoo. Such a fun place to make pictures. And, even though I certainly could have held my camera a little steadier on this shot, I thought you all might enjoy it, just for it’s surprise value. When I came up on the Poison Dart Frog display and saw this, I couldn’t believe it. I hurried and captured this photo just before the frog hopped along it’s merry, care-free way.

While this does seem like one amazing dare-devil of a frog, turns out the point of having the snake in the display was to dramatize that fact that the poison carried by these frogs is sensed my many would-be predators - like this snake - and they just let the frogs be…even if they seemingly push their luck, as this one did.

I’m sure it’ll take me hours of sitting in front of this display, and multiple visits, before I get another opportunity like this one. And, if I don’t, at least I’ll have this photo, and the lesson it teaches…reminding me - even if I’m in a hurry - to relax while I’m shooting and nail the fundamentals (such as bracing the camera properly!).

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend, all!