Arkansas groundhog sitting in green plants and dry leaves in bright sun

Groundhog Day 2020

by

On Feb 2, 2020, the groundhog “saw its shadow” here in Arkansas, at least by the sunny-weather logic of the tradition.

I did not photograph this groundhog on Groundhog Day. I’m sharing the photo here because it fits the story, and I like how the light played across the fur.

Arkansas groundhog sitting in green plants and dry leaves in bright sun
A groundhog pauses in bright sun, a perfect match for the Groundhog Day theme.

Wildlife Notes

What happened on Groundhog Day in Arkansas

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this year. The legend says a shadow means six more weeks of winter.

NOAA has put Phil’s accuracy at about 40 percent, so I try not to plan my seasons around him.

What I notice when I’m watching a groundhog

In bright sun, groundhogs can look extra textured, with grizzled guard hairs and warm tones in the coat. I also watch for posture. When they sit upright like this, they often pause to scan before they move again.

Photography Notes

Wildlife Notes

What happened on Groundhog Day in Arkansas

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow that year. The legend says a shadow means six more weeks of winter.

NOAA has put Phil’s accuracy at about 40 percent, so I try not to plan my seasons around him.

What I notice when I’m watching a groundhog

In bright sun, groundhogs can look extra textured, with grizzled guard hairs and warm tones in the coat. I also watch for posture. When they sit upright like this, they often pause to scan before they move again.

Photography Notes

Handheld, on foot, in strong sun

For this photo I was hand-holding the camera. I had exited my truck and worked from a standing position on foot. I kept my movements slow and gave the animal space.

Camera and settings

  • Camera: Canon EOS 40D
  • Lens: Canon 100–400mm
  • Focal length: 220mm
  • Aperture: f/5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/400 second
  • ISO: 100
  • Exposure compensation: 0

The light was strong, so I kept the ISO low and used a fast shutter speed. I focused on the eye and waited for a clean, still moment.

Closing

Groundhog Day is mostly for fun, but I like the excuse to look for early-season wildlife moments. When the sun is out and a groundhog cooperates, I’m happy to take the hint and make a photo.