Wildlife

Sea Wolves Howling on the West Coast of BC

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*Sound On* This encounter with wolves was one of the most magical moments of my life. We’d been walking down a remote beach off the west coast of Vancouver Island when up ahead we saw a pack playfully bounding through the intertidal zone and across the driftwood logs. Stopping a good distance away, we watched and waited our turn in awe of these beautiful creatures. One by one they left the beach, leaving one last wolf that started to howl. Soon the whole forest lit up with howls from all around, including from behind us where we hadn’t noticed any animals before.

It’s hard to put into words how powerful and primal an experience this was. Many in our group were brought to tears and I still get goosebumps listening to it again.

Eventually, the last wolf slipped back into the woods, and just like that they vanished, merging with the wilds which they call home.

Steller's Jay: Nature's Punk Rocker

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With their bright blue feathers, stylish mohawk, and mischievous behaviour, the Steller’s Jay is like nature’s punk rocker. Part of the corvid family, they’re known to be among the most intelligent in the avian world. They’re also excellent mimics with a large repertoire that includes other birds, animals, and even mechanical objects. I once heard a Jay imitating a Red-tailed Hawk, which is thought to be a tactic used to try and scare other birds away. These guys are truly something special so take a moment to appreciate the beauty of BC’s provincial bird up close.

Anna's Hummingbird Babies

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The little hummingbird family I fed over winter had babies!! Three little zippers have been growing up quick right in my backyard and it’s been a wonder to watch them. They make little ‘peeping’ sounds and just melt your heart. More might be on the way as well! Ah, quite the proud sugar daddy right now 😊

Anna's Hummingbird in Winter, BC

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Here are some portraits of my hummingbird pal. I hung out with this guy all day yesterday, thawing his feeder and watching him buzz about. These beautiful birds sure can survive harsh weather. At night they enter a state of ‘torpor’, a hibernation-like mode where their metabolic rate drops by as much as 95% and their body temperature lowers to a hypothermic threshold barely sufficient to maintain life. During the day, their body temp climbs to 40C and their tiny heart beats 1200 times per minute while flying! They’re essentially a rainbow glitter ball that eats half its body weight in sugar each day with the ability to fly forwards, backwards, sideways, and even upside down. How cool is that. Their iridescent feathers are incredible too - an effect created by microscopic air bubbles that refract light at different angles. I’m sure there’s plenty of magic involved as well ;)

Winner in HippyTree's 52 Weeks of Nature Photo Contest!

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Thanks to everyone who voted for my eagle photo from the Great Bear Rainforest! It's the winner of week 32 in HippyTree's #52weeksofnature photo contest🥇See the article here for a brief Q&A: https://www.hippytree.com/blog/52weeksofnature-photo-contest-week-32-2020-winner/ Limited edition t-shirts also available here: https://www.hippytree.com/…/52weeksofnatu…/heather-charcoal/

Takaya, the Lone Wolf, Killed

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Takaya, the Lone Wolf, Killed

Here are photos of the lone wolf, Takaya, which I captured just this past Sunday in the San Juan Valley near Port Renfrew. Tragically, Takaya was shot and killed Tuesday near Shawnigan Lake, making these likely the last images of him still alive. Takaya became famous after living alone on Discovery Island for the past eight years before recently swimming to Victoria where he was relocated by Conservation Officers to Port Renfrew.

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Great Bear Rainforest - Trip 2

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In September of 2018, I spent 3 weeks in the Great Bear Rainforest working as a photographer & naturalist aboard a ship called the Maple Leaf. The Great Bear stretches along BC’s central and north coast and is part of the largest temperate rainforest in the world - 85% of which is now off limits to logging thanks to conservation efforts. From whales and wolves, bears and eagles, and waterfalls and tall granite walls, the region is stunning beyond words. Here are some photos from the second of two 8-day trips we embarked on while there.

Gear: Canon 5D MKIV, 15mm f2.8, 16-35mm f4 IS, 35mm 1.4 II, 24-70mm f4 IS, 100-400 IS L II.

Great Bear Rainforest - Trip 1

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In September of 2018, I spent 3 weeks in the Great Bear Rainforest working as a photographer & naturalist aboard a ship called the Maple Leaf. The Great Bear stretches along BC’s central and north coast and is part of the largest temperate rainforest in the world - 85% of which is now off limits to logging. From whales to wolves, bears to eagles, to waterfalls and tall granite walls, the region is breathtaking. Needless to say I took a few photos and trying to pick my favourites out of a folder of over 3000 has been a bit of a challenge but here are some of the highlights from my first 8 day trip. A shout out to the amazing crew of the Maple Leaf and all the great people we met along the way! Trip 2 coming soon..

Gear: Canon 5D MKIV, 15mm f2.8, 16-35mm f4 IS, 35mm 1.4 II, 24-70mm f4 IS, 100-400 IS L II.