Nature
03/11/24
Maple Leaf in Water: ISO 400, 140mm, f/2.8, 1/300
I took this shot the same day as I took the Mute Swan (Cygnet) at Lock #1 of the Trent Severn Waterway in Quinte West, Ontario.
Fall colours arrived late this year but they still never disappoint.
05/10/24
Harmonia and a Cherry Leaf: ISO 1600, 60mm, f/7.1, 1/200
The weather is still warm here and the leaves on the trees are just starting to change to their fall colours.
I was watering the flowers last night and I seen a large amount of Ladybugs walking up and down our little cherry tree in the backyard.
They were moving pretty quickly and it was very hard to get a close up. This one was sitting still on this low hanging leaf that had changed colour.
01/10/24
Yellow Rumped Warbler: ISO 3200, 314mm, f/6.3, 1/1600
From my photowalk this morning at Lock #1 Of the Trent Severn Waterway.
I was trying to get a better shot of the shy Great Blue Heron that hangs out by the dam. Instead, I seen a variety of little birds (Sparrows, Warblers, Chickadees) but still no nice shot of the Great Blue.
22/09/24
The Mantis and the Fly: ISO 800, 244mm, f/6.1, 1/1600
I was watering our gardens when I seen this Mantis emerge from our Boxwood Planter.
I ran inside to grab the camera and hoping that she would still be there when I returned.
I did not notice the brave fly until I processed the image on a larger screen.
23/04/24
Blanding's Turtle: ISO 640, 276mm, f/7.1. 1/400
This is a Blanding's Turtle.
She was sunbathing at H.R. Frank Conservation Area in Quinte, Ontario, Canada. This is a "Threatened" Species. This is the second one I seen in this little conservation area in Plainfield, Ontario.
07/04/24
Female House Finch: ISO 800, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/320
We currently have 3 House Finches setting up a spring home in our backyard. The "family" consists of 1 male and 2 females.
This picture is of one of the females standing on our shepherd's hook that holds our Nyger Seed Feeder during the summer months. I think she maybe remembers this food source from last year and is looking for where I hid the seed. I put it out today.
10/09/23
Monarch Butterfly Feeding on Butterfly Bush: ISO 800, 468mm, f/7.1, 1/640
We had a new visitor to our backyard. She is a little different from the birds and rabbits that frequent our yard.
Our Dwarf Butterfly Bush is in full bloom and its fragrance has attracted a skittish Monarch Butterfly. I had to use my long Zoom to get this close up.
02/07/23
Learning to Fly: ISO 400, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1000
This pair of Chipping Sparrows were fun to watch in our backyard. This was a parent and fledgling. The parent (on the left) was flying from fence post to fence post coaxing the little one to follow. Once the little one arrived, she was awarded with food from the parent.
01/07/23
Mourning Dove: ISO 800, 600mm, f/8.0, 1/200
We added some new feeders to the backyard. The Mourning Doves come to check out what has been rejected by the other birds. They select the rejected seed that was thrown on the ground.
25/02/23
On a Mission: ISO 640, 240mm, f/5.6, 1/800
It is a cold winter day here. So, it is a good day to go through my pictures on my computer and see what I have not shared.
This was taken before our move to Ontario. One of my last walks in Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary, Alberta. The bees were hard at work collecting pollen before the cold weather arrives.
12/02/23
Nesting Swan: ISO 500, 400mm, f6.3, 1/1600
I took this image last spring at a local conservation area. There was a pair of swans. One was on the nest, the other close by guarding the nest from the water. A pair of Canada Geese were also nesting in close proximity. This lead to some interesting scenes of conflict between the two parent groups.
04/12/22
Female Red Winged Blackbird: ISO 500, 400mm, f/6.3, 1/500
It has been a long time since my last post. I realize that I need to take the time for this hobby of mine.
This was taken in the spring of the busy pond life at a local conservation area in the Quinte region. This mom was keeping a close eye her juvenile forage for food.
05/06/22
Female Red-Winged Blackbird entertaining Eastern Painted Turtles: ISO 500, 368mm, f/6.3, 1/1000
This picture was taken the same day that I took the Geese Family photo below.
The turtles seem to be watching this bird rather intently.
08/05/22
Canada Geese Family: ISO 500, 227mm, f/6.3, 1/500
Spring is here. It seems a little late this year but these Canadian Geese are right on time.
19/04/22
Watchful Robin: ISO 800, 400mm, f/6.3, 1/1000
This photo is from the same walk along the fence line in Quinte West last Sunday. I believe it is a different Robin than the one in the previous post.
This one was watching me from afar. Making sure I was doing nothing more than admiring the spring weather with my camera.
17/04/22
Robin with Nesting Material: ISO800, 400mm, f/6.3, 1/1250
Spring is finally here in Quinte West, Ontario! I went for a quick walk this cold morning to find some birds along a fence line. I spotted blackbirds, starlings, chickadees and robins.
This robin was showing off the material it collected to help build the nest in the cedar tree.
29/01/22
Ontario Fall Colours: ISO200, 61mm, f/2.8, 1/2500
It has been a long while since I posted last. This is one of the last photos I have taken and have not shared.
This was taken one bright, cool fall morning down the street from where we live. Maple Leaves were displaying there colours they are famous for.
25/09/21
Itsy Bitsy Spider: ISO 1000, 210mm, f4.0, 1/250
It has been awhile since my last post. My life has been busy in the last year and have not had much opportunity (energy) to go out after working and exercising my photographic eye. Today, I got a chance to review some old shots taken last year.
Last summer, I was sent to work in Invermere, British Columbia. After one of my shifts I was sitting on the balcony of my hotel room during a light rain and spotted this little guy hard at work on the siding of my balcony view.
13/03/20
Vermillion Lakes Sunrise, Banff National Park: ISO 400, 7mm, f/3.5, 1/1600
Took this image one morning last summer before all the tourists were awake. It was very peaceful. A summer storm was forecasted for later that morning. I was capturing the dramatic sky and the beginning of this storm.
17/02/20
Sunset at Invermere: ISO 200, 11mm, f/5.6, 1/500
I took this at a roadside rest area between Radium and Invermere, British Columbia last summer. This is the area where you can usually spot the bighorn sheep eating along the roadside.
I was lucky to catch the break in the heavy cloud cover with the setting sun trying to breakthrough.
I took a lot of photos that evening and also took the time to soak in all the scenery.
16/02/20
A Walk in the Woods (Revelstoke National Park): ISO 800, 15mm, f/5.0, 1/50
This is a picture from last fall. Taken the same day as the Stellar Jay in Revelstoke National Park posted earlier.
It was a great easy hike through the thick forest by way of a boardwalk. If not for the boardwalk you would almost think you were walking in a magical place with no civilization around.
15/09/19
Steller's Jay Mt Revelstoke National Park: ISO 400, 85mm, f/6.3, 1/100
This beautiful jay was hoping we would feed it. We are happy to report that we obeyed park rules and did not feed the animals.
This was taken at the Big Cedar Boardwalk Trail at Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia, Canada.
11/08/19
Genetic Mutation: ISO 400, 170mm, f/4.0, 1/640
These are small flowers in our backyard garden. The majority of them are white with a pink interior. The odd one is all pink. Makes you think of the the saying, "Be Different."
Nature is full of surprises and wonders.
09/08/19
Blue on Green: ISO 200, 87mm, f/4.0, 1/1600
This was taken at Elizabeth Hall Wetlands in Lethbridge, Alberta. A blue eyed dragon fly resting in the marsh.
Wind was blowing pretty good the day I took this. Hard to get a sharp photo.
13/07/19
Iceland Poppy Close up: ISO 400, 190mm, f/4.0, 1/1250
We planted an Iceland Poppy in our backyard garden this spring. We had them in our garden in Red Deer and missed their colour and constant blooms.
The flowers on this new plant are much larger than we experienced in Red Deer. This bloom is about the size of a palm of a hand. I believe that is some sort of tiny bug on underneath the right side filaments.
30/06/19
Taking Advantage of the Sun: ISO 200, 85mm, f/5.6, 1/250
Took this shot on a short hike at Marble Canyon located in Banff National Park late in May.
Caught this chipmunk in the distance and wasn't sure what it was until I zoomed in. The chipmunk was alive and breathing. Just taking advantage of the warm spring sun.
Guess animals love to sunbathe as well.
29/06/19
Red Wing Blackbird: ISO 320, 210mm, f/4.0, 1/320
Spotted this Male Red Winged Blackbird at Elizabeth Hall Wetland Nature Reserve in Lethbridge, Alberta pretty easily as he was trying to catch my attention as I moved closer to the marsh.
He must have been protecting a nest nearby because he was causing a loud distraction.
A couple of females were also flying around. They were probably busy gathering food for their young.
11/02/19
Snowy Cat Tails: ISO 12800, 81mm, f/5.6, 1/4000
We are experiencing a very long cold snap here in the "Great White North."
We had an unusually warm January but February has given us a bit of a shock with an extended period of negative double digit temperatures (in degree Celsius.)
News agencies are calling it a "Polar Vortex" but I am just calling it a typical Canadian winter.
This picture of a local pond was taken early December 2018 when it was warm enough to take a walk without risk of losing your fingers or nose and a fresh coat of snow had fallen. These cat tails are also waiting for spring and the warmer weather it promises.
26/01/19
Calgary Zoo Chameleon: ISO 800, 150mm, f/5.6, 1/400
Yesterday was a nice day to talk a walk in the park. So took a morning stroll at the Calgary Zoo.
Couldn't resist taking a picture of this little guy checking out the spectators behind the glass.
I think he saw me.
30/08/18
Seeking Shade: ISO 250, 102mm, f/4.5, 1/200
A photo of a frog seeking shade and waiting for food in my father's backyard pond.
I did not wait to see if that little bug on the stalk of the lily pad was frog food. It was hard to see with the naked eye.
18/08/18
Feeding Butterfly: ISO 320, 175mm, f/5, 1/1250
The butterflies were out at my Dad's backyard garden in Ontario two weeks ago.
This particular butterfly was floating around these purple flowers from one of his hanging baskets. You can see his long tongue seeking food.
15/08/18
Sleepy Panda at the Calgary Zoo: ISO 320, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/90
The Calgary Zoo recently became the new home of some Panda Bears.
We finally got to see them last month. I am not quite sure what all the excitement is about. They just seem to eat and sleep. But they do look quite cuddly!
27/01/15
Red Panda: ISO 800, 130mm, f/5.0, 1/250
Another set of photos from my Calgary Zoo walk last week. My previous visits to the Calgary Zoo, these two Red Pandas were usually hiding or sleeping. Last week was a different story. Both were very active, one even showed off his climbing skills. I was impressed!
Red Panda in Tree: ISO 800, 150mm, f/5.0, 1/400
25/01/15
Watchful Wolf: ISO 800, 110mm, f/4.0, 1/250
We are currently experiencing spring like weather here in the Calgary area. I took advantage of a warm, overcast day and headed to the Calgary Zoo with my annual Membership pass. I figured if I was willing to go out and enjoy the fresh air, so would the animals at the Zoo. I will share more of my snaps in the coming days.
This wolf was pacing in her enclosure. I believe she was watching for elk in the next enclosure over.
25/06/11
Pine Siskin: ISO 800, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/125
I have placed Nyger seed feeder sacs in our crab apple tree in hopes of luring goldfinches. When I noticed these birds enjoying the seed I thought I finally attracted female goldfinches.
Turns out this is a Pine Siskin. They seem to be getting used to me as I was able to get quite close to them without scaring them off.
Testing the Ice
22/03/10
Testing the Ice: ISO 400, 263mm, f/5.6, 1/1500
This is another series of photos from my photo walk at Bower Ponds in Red Deer on Saturday morning. This Park is just across the river from downtown Red Deer. It is part of the park system that goes along the river valley throughout the city.
We have deer running the neighbourhood streets where I live but I never can get the camera out quick enough to prove it!
I am assumming this set of deer is a mother and two of her babies from last year. The pictures show that one is much larger than the other two. They came out of the woods to see what was going on in the river. They are on ice in the second picture.
Testing the Ice II: ISO 400, 168mm, f/4.5, 1/2000
I was using my 70-300mm zoom lens without a tripod to get these shots. This lens does not have image stabilization. It was early morning with cloud cover so I had to use a large aperture to let as much light in as possible. If I were to come across this again I would be carrying my tripod or at the very least my monopod to allow me to use a smaller aperture and get a sharper image.
Close Encounter: ISO 400, 190mm, f/4.5 1/180
Mom, while on the river, heard this man walking on the trail. She is leading the other two who are not far behind across the trail into the much denser brush. I tried to follow them but they were much too fast or real good at playing hide and seek.
Returning Home
21/03/10
Flight: ISO 200, 81mm, f/4.5, 1/1000
The Canada Geese have returned to Canada from their vacation trip down to the USA. Like all Canadians, the geese like the warmer weather the USA has to offer in the winter.
The Chase: ISO 200, 149mm, f/4.5. 1/500
As my previous post has mentioned there still is ice on most of the ponds and lakes in the area I live. The Red Deer River is just starting to break up were the current is the strongest. During my early morning photo walk I found these geese waiting for the morning sun to warm them on the Bower Ponds' frozen surface. Canada Geese are monogomous. They don't like to share and the pair in this picture must not like the third wheel because whenever she became too close they would give chase.
Tooth Sharpener
20/03/10
Beaver Stump: ISO 100, 35mm, f/8, 1/40
Went for a photo walk this morning at Red Deer's Bower Ponds. As I was driving home from work last night I seen that Canada Geese had arrived. A sure sign that spring is coming! I thought I could get some good pictures of the geese on the remaining ice on the ponds and river. The only water that isn't frozen is a narrow path going down the centre of the Red Deer River where the current is strong.
I came across this along the river bank looking for photo opportunities of geese. I didn't see any beaver but the shavings look fairly recent. A beaver's teeth never stop growing so that they don't wear down as they constantly gnaw on wood for food and protection.
I will post more images of my photo walk at Bower Ponds in the days ahead. Keep checking back!