At sunset I spent some time photographing a juvenile Red tailed-Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ) hunting for small animals. With the sun just above the horizon it created this beautiful golden sidelight. The buteo’s eyes were fixed on the ground looking for any movement. Then it would attack in a slow and controlled dive. Click on one of the Polaroid images and then use the left and right keys to scroll through the gallery. 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.
This Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) was perched at the top of a small pine tree. It didn’t look like it was very comfortable as it struggled to maintain its balance. By using a lens aperture of f/5.6 I created a nice bokeh. This aesthetic quality is the blur or out-of-focus part in the background. It was midday when I took the photo, the light was very harsh, and for that reason I usually don’t take photos at this time of day. However, I do like the green background created by the other trees. Click on the image to see a larger version.
This morning I was fortunate to spend some time photographing a female Mallard duck and her ducklings. They were very curious about the human being with a camera and telephoto lens. Despite being so small they are already very good at swimming and diving. Be safe little ducklings and watch out for Bald Eagles. Click on the image to see a larger size.
The Ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus ) have migrated back to British Columbia. One of the first things they do after arriving is clean up their nest. With generations adding to the nest year after year, it becomes bigger. I was fortunate to photograph the male Osprey collecting nesting material. It didn’t land on the lakeshore, it would just swoop down and collect sticks feet first. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
I was on my way to see if the Ospreys had returned to their nest for another season of breeding, when I spotted two American Kestrels ( Falco sparverius ) perched on a wire. They are North America’s smallest falcon and eat mostly insects and other invertebrates, as well as small rodents and birds. The photo below is a female American Kestrel and it was scanning for prey. I never did see the Ospreys, but I enjoyed watching this pair of American Kestrels hunting. Their flight is very light and buoyant. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
The Trumpeter Swans ( Cygnus buccinator ) had spent the night along this wooded river. I arrived early and photographed them before the sun came up. I can’t decide which image I like best. The first one has the combination of mist and blue light which created a moody photo. The second image was taken just as the sun started to rise and the sidelight lit the trees along the riverbank. Click on either image to see larger and sharper versions.
A pair of Sandhill Cranes ( Grus canadensis ) glided into the marsh with their loud, rolling, and trumpeting cries. I watched them foraging and probing for invertebrates. The winter sun created this beautiful backlight which lit their crimson caps and orange eyes. Click on the photos to see larger and sharper versions.
I spotted a large black bear in an open field. It was only later that I realized there were two cubs in a tree close by. The light was fading after sunset and I had to use a high ISO to get this image. Be safe little bear. Click on the photo to see a larger and sharper version.
I just returned from a ten day trip to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. This is an archipelago isolated from the mainland. It has many unique plants and animals. I look forward to sharing my photos of its richness and beauty. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
