Rare Australian Marsupial!

This here folks is an uncommon Australian marsupial (meaning it carries young in a pouch like a kangaroo). His/her name is ANTECHINUS FLAVIPES. It's common name is Antechinus.

I've been tracking these little critters since I was lucky enough to get one with my point and shoot a few years ago. I looked up when I saw what I thought was a rat run across a log in front of me and there he was. They are mostly nocturnal, but for a few months of the year, during breeding season, they venture out in the early morning. About the size of a small rat and very fast and skittish, they are notoriously difficult to photograph.

These are the best photos I have of them so far and I apologise for the poor quality. They were shot just last week, in a rainforest, in early morning light (very dark). There was a family of them living in this huge Strangler Fig. Very amusing to watch as they chased each other around. I had to stand perfectly still for ages, as even the movement of my hand up to the shutter button made them disappear back into the tree.

I only had my 70-200 f/2.8 IS to use. It's my longest lens at the moment. One day, I'll get that 400mm f/2.8 and get a better shot.

So cute! Love the second, much sharper.

Never heared of it before. Interesting little critter.

Yes, they sure look cute, but trap one and put your hand near them and they'll take your finger off (so I've read)!

The first one's a bit soft 'cos they won't sit still for a second! Damned inconsiderate little guys!

Well done.
How long did you get to take the pics?

I checked the exif - 1/20th exposure! That's pretty challenging.

Congratulations, that's got to be a veery tough animal to shoot. I assume there are various kinds of venomous critters around that fig tree, you must be very adventurous. Good job.

Just goes to show how good the 70-200's IS really is. I did use a monopod for some though. I had to stand like a statue for about 30-40 mins to get the six pictures I have.

Hahahaha....no venemous creatures!...These guys wouldn't have been there if there were snakes about! (Though the Red-Bellied Black snake is on my list of creatures I'd like to photograph.) Besides, most snakes are pretty timid and take off when they hear you coming. There were PLENTY of Gympie Stinging Trees, which is like a tree version of the poison ivy, only "stingier"

Paul