When taking pictures of wildlife, all things being equal, I like to watch them through my camera. The wildlife subjects are always moving, one needs to take pictures quickly before the opportunity passes. Before taking pictures of the black bear family, I made sure they were safe and I was safe. Then I watched them through my camera, clicking only when the ideal moment presented itself, lasting mere seconds if that.
Until next moment,
Amar
There were two Barred Owls, calling out to each other. As they called, I tracked the one close to where I was standing. Just as I found where it was perched, the other flew into the area, they had a quick meet and greet then both perched near each other. Being late in the day, it was dark in the forest, I braced myself against a tree and got the shot of the one closer to me. Just enough light to get the details of the owl.
Until next moment,
Amar
Melt and rain water making its way through streams, creeks and rivers. Going from area of high to low elevation. Along the way navigating through all sorts of obstacles, including quick drop of elevation.
I have been seeing this beautiful flower, calypso orchid, along the hiking trails in montane forests. Sometimes one or two, in other cases 40 to 50 in a bunch. To have this small, 10 to 14 cm in height orchid stand out in a picture, you have to get on the ground and get the lens close to the flower to fill the frame. Bringing out the pinkish-purple colour.
Until next moment,
Amar
It has been a great season, being able to get good pictures of Great Blue Herons. This season on three different occasions I was able watch, learn and take pictures of Great Blue Herons from a short distance away. The heron in the picture saw me before I spotted it, I thought it was going to fly away, but it just moved few meters from where I was. I moved back, finding a spot where I had a clear view, then spent few hours watching and taking its pictures.
Until next moment,
Amar
Few times this season I got to watch this cub and its sibling and its mom. Eating, playing, eating, resting and more eating. Here in the picture its waiting for its mom to finish eating, so they can go for a rest in the forest.
Until next moment,
Amar
I first thought there was dirt on the grass, perhaps from the horses going by. But on closer inspection on the monitor, dirt was insects, saving themselves from the high water level. For nature its simple, adapt or perish.
Until next moment,
Amar
It was just sitting there, as if waiting for something. It looked weak, when it slowly got up, it looked as if it had not eaten for a while. It walked for about 15 meters and then it sat down again. That's how I last saw it.
Until next moment,
Amar
There they were on the other side of the river, two adult geese with 10 goslings. I took few pictures and waited, hoping they would come across the river. Half hour later my wait was rewarded. As they got closer I got busy taking pictures after pictures. The light was great but the wind was causing too many ripples in the water for my liking. But I was happy to grab few good pictures.
Until next moment,
Amar
It's that time of the season, the eggs have hatched and goslings are being spotted. Just today spotted few different families and a week ago pair of geese with 10 goslings. But picture here was taken just over a week ago, two adults with two goslings. While I was watching and taking their pictures, they were on land eating. But I wanted and waited for them to get into the water, grabbing few images before they moved too far.
Until next moment,
Amar
I quickly had to react as two male Common Mergansers were making their way toward me. They were in a hurry, so I quickly adjusted the setting on the camera and started shooting them in flight. Most of the images were blurred but got few keepers.
Until next moment,
Amar
There were few rams blocking the traffic as I was making my way home. They had the right of way, so they took their time making their way to the side to the road. Camera in hand, I took the opportunity to grab few pictures before moving on.
Until next moment,
Amar
What a sight it was, watching a beautiful bear walking along the river, bottom of the valley. Searching for food and being that time of the season, searching for a mate. They are by far the top-of-the-food-chain predators, but much of what they eat are the likes of berries, fruit, leaves and roots. Watched this bear for half and hour digging and finding food. Darkness was moving in, it was time for me to leave the sight of this impressive solitary animal.
Until next moment,
Amar
The sun was about to set behind the mountains, producing beautiful late warm light. There about 15 meters from me was a female Red-winged Blackbird, perched and calling out. I squatted to get the soft complementry background. Grabbed few shots before she flew away.
I was making my on the road, when I saw a coyote off to the side. I slowed down, and it slowly moved away, but I was still able to see it. I was in a good position to take its pictures. It was standing behind a tree, but both of its eyes were visible to the camera. Grabbed few shots and then off I went to my destination.
Garter Snakes are common across North America due to their adaptability to the various landforms. Being heterothermic, garter snakes take in the heat from the sun to control their body temperature. They use a system of pheromonal communication, finding other snakes by following their pheromone scented trails. With their carnivorous diet, they will eat almost anything they can overpower. But on the day the attached picture was taken, few garter snakes were being overpowered by omnivore grizzly cubs.
Until next moment,
Amar
Two grizzly cubs play fight, a practice fight for the day the skills will come in handy or they are simply fighting for the food between them.
Until next moment,
Amar
Warm afternoon spent watching and taking pictures of Yellow-rumped Warblers. They were busy catching insects, while I quickly reacted when they perched for second or two. They got more and more comfortable and got closer to me, the more I stood still in one area. Giving me a chance of getting better pictures.
Until next moment,
Amar
The warm weather brings many things, including the garter snakes. This small adult was basking under the sun before venturing out for food. Its milky blue eyes mean it will be shedding its skin soon. I grabbed a quick picture before walking past it.
Until next moment,
Amar
When you're on the trails, you have to always keep your eyes open. You never know what you may see. This one morning as I came to the Bow River, saw a beaver on the other side, nibbling away at willow shrub branches. Not wanting to scare it, I hid behind the shrubs on my side of the river and took out my camera and the tripod. Then just as quickly, started to take pictures one after another, only stopping when I heard the call of a Bald Eagle. Looked around, trying to locate the large bird, only at the end I looked right at the top of the tree that was near the beaver. Spotting not one but two eagles perched on top, an adult and a juvenile. Got the pictures, but still wondering how I missed seeing them as I was approaching the river.
Until next moment,
Amar