Category Archives: Winter

Not a Breath of Wind

When the sun rises the morning mist or fog quickly burns off. I arrived early when the area was blanketed with fog, but as I set up my tripod and camera the scene was quickly changing. I was captivated by the two trees and their reflections in the water. Please click on the photo to see a larger version.

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Gentle Honking

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.

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Happy New Year

May the coming year bring you joy and success. Wishing you a prosperous New Year filled with happiness and new opportunities. As we bid farewell to the old embrace the New Year with open arms. Click on the photo to see a larger version.

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Crimson Caps

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.

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River Otters

In British Columbia there are two species of Otters. They are commonly confused, but Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) live at sea and swim on their back. The River Otter (Lutra canadensis) is semi-aquatic and swims on its belly. The River Otter has a pointed head and a thick tail which is 2/3 of its total body length. The Sea Otter has a blunt head and a flattened tail which is 1/3 of its total body length. I spent some time photographing three River Otters. When they catch prey like fish, shellfish, birds, and small animals, they bring it ashore to eat. Click on the photo to see a larger version.

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The Last Light of the Day

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.

Posted in British Columbia, Mountains, West Coast, Wildlife, Winter | Leave a comment

Happy New Year

Embrace the New Year with an open heart and a fierce spirit. Cheers to new horizons. Click on a photo to see a larger version.

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Red-tailed Hawk

This is probably the most common hawk in North America. The Red-tailed hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ) eats small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and voles. You’ll most likely see Red-tailed Hawks soaring in wide circles high over a field. When I was taking this photo the sun was low on the horizon and the sunlight was coming from directly behind me, which beautifully lit this bird of prey. You can see the catchlight or specular highlight in its eye. Click on either one of the images to see a larger size.

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Powder

The lower mainland received about 30 centimeters of snow this week. This created chaos for drivers on the streets and travellers at the airport. I took advantage of the opportunity to get outside and explore with my camera. Click on any photo in the gallery to see a larger image size.

Posted in British Columbia, Holidays, Night Photography, West Coast, Winter | Leave a comment

Trumpeter Swans – Snow and Ice

Trumpeter Swans ( Cygnus buccinator ) spend the winter on ice-free coastal and inland waters. The weather we are experiencing is an arctic airflow and the temperatures are unusually cold. When I was photographing these Trumpeter Swans the wind chill made the temperature about twenty degrees below zero ( Celsius ). The slough where they usually forage for food is frozen, so they are unable to eat aquatic vegetation. I hope the weather becomes milder, the ice breaks up, and they are able to find something to eat. Click on any one of the photos to see a larger version and then use your left and right keys to scroll through the gallery.

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