Living on the edge of human awareness, because they are most vulnerable from conflict with men, pine martens (Martes martes) cannot often be observed in daylight. Because of persecution they lead a mainly nocturnal life. Pine martens are elegant hunters with a mostly arboreal lifestyle able to chase squirrels over the tree-tops. They feed on small animals and birds. Pine martens are quite bigger than the common beech martens.

It was an extrordinary experience as this beautiful animal came to drink on late afternoon while I was out for bird photography in the forest. It sneaked around a trunk and was just drinking very carefully and then straightening up just a second to scent for danger. I took an image and the marten disappeared in the forest.

Image Detail:

Date: May 29th, 2017
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Lens: Canon EF 2.8/300 L IS USM
Focal Length: 300 mm
Aperture: 3.2
Exposure: 1/80 sec
ISO: 1250

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