This time of year I look forward to photographing Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) who gather to feed on salmon that have reached the end of their life cycle. I came across six Bald Eagles in a tree and I had to wait patiently for just the right moment when they were all looking in my direction. Click on one of the polaroid images and then use your left and right keys to scroll through the gallery. Comments are always welcome.
The Thanksgiving long weekend is a great time to photograph the trees turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. I love the light and colours at this time of the year. The air is so crisp and it’s a joy to be outside with my camera all day. My intention was to get there early in the morning when there would be little wind. The calm conditions would allow for nice reflections in the mountain lake. Please click on an image to see a larger version and comments are always welcome.
I was quite surprised to come across three Turkey Vultures ( Catharses aura ) when I was out for a walk with my camera and telephoto lens. When you see these raptors in the distance you know they are Turkey Vultures because their wings are raised in a V and when soaring they make wobbly circles. They sometimes fly low to the ground to pick up the scent of dead animals and also use updrafts to carry them into the sky.
The Turkey Vulture eats carrion or fresh carcasses which they find by using their keen sense of smell. Their stomach acid is extremely acidic which allows them to digest just about anything. By taking care of carcasses the Turkey Vultures provide an essential service by preventing diseases that would spread from rotting flesh.
They have a featherless red head and a hooked pale bill. Some would say they are not the most attractive bird when seen up close, but they have evolved with traits that make them unique. Please click on a photo to see a larger version.
Last night I was trying to find a location where I could position the Coast mountains behind this lighthouse. Then I used my 500mm lens to compress the view of the lighthouse and the mountains behind. I think I experienced some heat shimmer when I took this photo. This is an optical phenomenon that can occur when using telephoto lenses, especially long focal lengths, in hot weather conditions. It’s caused by differences in air temperature and density, which can lead to distortion or a flickering effect on your images. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
It was a great day in the mountains and the Fall colours were at their peak. I was fortunate to arrive there early and take images before the wind came up. My photos are a combination of beautiful yellow colours and golden light. Click on each image to see a larger and sharper version. To move through the gallery use the left and right arrows on your keyboard. I also like to click on the ‘Toggle Fullscreen’ button in the upper right hand corner which shows the images on a black background.
There was a break in the rainy weather and I was able to get out and take some images. In the Northern Hemisphere in the winter sunrise and sunset appear farther south along the horizon. I find it creates this beautiful golden light at the start and end of each day. Click on a photo to see a larger size.
The Autumn colours usually take centre stage this time of year. The unseasonably hot conditions led to more muted colours. I like taking photos early in the morning because there is little wind and you get nice reflections in mountain lakes. When the sun rises, the wind picks up, and the opportunity to take images of reflections disappears. Click on a photo to see a larger version.
The middle of October is a time when I start to think about taking images of Fall colours in British Columbia. After driving in the dark for a few hours I arrived at my location and started taking photos of the Autumn foliage. While I was adjusting my camera settings and tripod I started to feel like I was being watched. That’s when I saw the large pointy ears with distinctive tufts of black hair. It was a Bobcat ( Lynx rufus ) that was sitting quietly behind me. I quickly changed to a telephoto lens and was able to capture a couple of good images before it disappeared into the forest. Unfortunately, the background consists of pavement and cement. The photos would’ve been perfect if I had photographed this beautiful wildcat in its natural environment. Click on a photo to see a larger version.
This photo was taken with a telephoto lens. The image shows downtown Vancouver and in the distance mountains on Vancouver Island. Click on the image to see a larger size.
In early July I did some hiking in the Lake Louise area. I started at the Chateau Lake Louise and hiked up to Mirror Lake, then Lake Agnes, and its European-styled tea house. There were too many people so I didn’t stop and hiked around Lake Agnes to the switchbacks that lead to the top of the Big Beehive. Here you’re rewarded with a stunning panorama of Lake Louise. From there I descended on the Highline trail which had lots of big rocks, roots, and stumps. I was glad I had my hiking poles. Eventually you join the Plain of Six Glaciers trail which leads to another tea house. I pressed on to the Plain of Six Glaciers viewpoint and ate my lunch underneath the hanging glacier of Mount Victoria. What a great day. Click on any photo in the gallery to see a larger version.
