Attack From Behind (Barred Owl)
An angry robin attacks a barred owl as it flies through a clearing in Linley Valley.
Little Brother (Great Horned Owlet)
Don't think this guy was quite as experienced as his other sibling. He just stayed in one spot and stared me down. I was still about 100 feet away when I took this shot. The adult owls were not concerned. Not sure what all of the powdery stuff was around his face. Pollen perhaps?
Hang in There! (Great Horned Owlet)
Great horned owlets go through several stages of development. This owlet is new to flying and probably not out of the nest tree for very long. After attempting to land on this branch he has toppled over, ending upside down holding on by only one foot. He hung in this precarious position for a few minutes and then managed to fall and land right side up on another branch below. Hopefully his last experience with something like this and a good lesson learned.
Out on a Limb (Great Horned Owlet)
Sorry to have missed the show a couple of weeks back. It took me a while to find my own family of great horned owls in Linley Valley this year. Saw two adults and two owlets today. The owlets were just new to branching and balance. Very entertaining. Please left click for more detail.
Watching From The Shadows (Great Horned Owl)
A mother horned owl keeps a close watch on her owlets from a near by fir tee branch.
Grosbeak in Shade (Black-Headed Grosbeak)
Nice to see the grosbeaks back at Buttertubs Marsh again.
Barred Owl in Flight (Side View)
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Coming Straight at Me! (Barred Owl)
Managed to get a few frames off as this barred owl dive bombed me today in Linley Valley.
Mirror, Mirror #2 (Violet-Green Swallow)
Just went through my images from the other day and realized that I had another one of a violet-green swallow catching a bug as well. Who knew? Not as close but still nice.
Tree Top Jamboree (Townsend's Warbler)
A male Townsend's warbler belts out a tune from a fir tree branch just off of the cliff at Little Mountain.
Townsend's Warbler Environmental
Another one of my springtime favorites.
Full Back Shot (Violet-Green Swallow)
The image that I wanted a few weeks back when the swallows were first showing up. Taken down at Oliver Woods Marsh here in Nanaimo. Sorry, no bug this time. Please left click for extra detail.
Mirror, Mirror (Northern Rough Wing Swallow)
In this image, a northern rough wing swallow prepares to pluck a mayfly off the top of the water.
Food on The Wing (Purple Martin)
A male purple martin snatches a bug out of the air during high speed flight at Morning Star Ponds in Parksville.
Cliff Swallow in Flight
A first for me although I have seen them around every now and then in the spring time. Quite unique markings and out of the ordinary for sure.
Cliff Swallow Banking
Sorry about this one. It was a bit of a crop and like the last one was taken during a downpour of rain with splashes coming up from the water below. Swallows like this kind of weather strangely enough as it drives the flying insects down closer to the water where they are easier to catch.
Back View (Purple Martin)
I am on the fence about this image. Could be a female martin or possibly a first year juvenile male bird. Thought the mix of colours was nice though so I posted it anyway.
Purple Martin in Flight
Lots of purple martins hawking bugs at Morningstar Ponds in Parksville today.
Hoodie in Flight (Hooded Merganser)
Another "Hoodie" flight shot from Enos Marsh.
Coming in For a Landing (Hooded Merganser)
A male hooded merganser comes in for a landing at Enos Marsh.
Banking Shot #2 (Violet-Green Swallow)
Here is another nice banking shot from the other day at Buttertubs Marsh here in Nanaimo. I spent over half an hour hand-holding with no strap to get this one. A good arm workout with the 400 F/2.8.
Tree Swallow in Flight
Lots of tree and violet-green swallows down at Buttertubs Marsh here in Nanaimo.
Violet-Green Swallow Banking
Spent some time playing with the swallows yesterday at Buttertubs Marsh.
Horned Grebe in Morning Light
Many of the horned grebes at Deep Bay are in full mating plumage now. It wont be long until they head off to their spring nesting grounds.
Cottle Lake Red-Breasted Sapsucker
There were a few of these guys drumming near the bridge at Cottle Lake yesterday.
Cottle Lake Rufous Hummingbird
Gate Keeper of the bridge. You shall not pass!
Post Shot (Mountain Bluebird)
I never get tired of the beautiful combination of blues and blacks on these male mountain bluebirds. Fantastic!
Bluebird Launch (Mountain Bluebird)
A male mountain bluebird launches off of the top of a small bush to catch a flying insect.
Jump Shot (Mountain Bluebird)
A male mountain bluebird jumps down from a wooden fence to snatch up a bug in the grass.
Posing on Driftwood (Mountain Bluebird)
In this image a mountain bluebird stops momentarily to pose for me on an old driftwood log.
Blue on Blue 2024 (Mountain Bluebird)
Saw three of these handsome guys today. Always lovely to see them in the spring. It can be real hit and miss here as some years we don't see any at all. They stop on Vancouver Island to feed up before heading to the interior for nesting.
Yellow Rump Rocket (Yellow-Rump Warbler)
Another candidate for my "Bullet Birds" album. Taken today at Morningstar Ponds in Parksville.
Handsome Guy (Eared Grebe)
Always a treat to run into some of these birds when we travel back east in the spring time. Like the horned grebe, they have an amazing transformation from winter to summer plumage. They have different names depending on what continent you live on. In Europe they are referred to as "Black-Necked Grebes".
Screamin' Redwing (Red-Winged Blackbird)
Not sure what this guy was so upset about. Caught a few frames of him as he dropped down beside me at Buttertubs Marsh.
Hooded Merganser Male in Flight
Today, I captured a moment at Foothills Marsh in Nanaimo where both a male and female bird flew in close proximity. However, it was impossible to focus on both simultaneously. I had a mere three seconds to photograph either one in focus at any given time, all while managing a phone call. It was certainly a challenging multitasking feat.
Hooded Merganser Female in Flight
Today, I captured a moment at Foothills Marsh in Nanaimo where both a male and female bird flew in close proximity. However, it was impossible to focus on both simultaneously. I had a mere three seconds to photograph either one in focus at any given time, all while managing a phone call. It was certainly a challenging multitasking feat.
Dreaming of Western Tanagers
They should be back in about a month. Can't wait!
First of The Season Bug Shot (Yellow-Rump Warbler)
Got the first warbler bug shot of the spring season today at Buttertubs. A bit more spring birds today but still somewhat inconsistent as regards activity. Hoping it will get better in a week or two.
Half and Half (Belted Kingfisher)
Just playing with an archived image from my laptop this morning. Taken at French Creek Marina a couple of months back.
Spring Has Sprung (Hooded Merganser)
The hoodies were out strutting their stuff yesterday at Foothills Marsh.
Swamp Giraffe (American Bittern)
Like most members of the heron family, these guys can really stretch their neck out.
Weird Bird Alert! (American Bittern)
Another gem from my Wednesday Shoot.
American Bittern Environmental
Hard to get a good clear shot of these guys. They are very seldom out in the open like this. Taken yesterday at Buttertubs Marsh here in Nanaimo.
Bittern Sweet Encounter 2024 (American Bittern Portrait)
Got a few photos of the Buttertubs bittern yesterday. Haven't seen him around for a couple of years. You can never tell with bitterns though as they blend in to the undergrowth so well. He was probably there the whole time.
Missing Link (Great Horned Owl)
Came across this image of a male horned owl at Piper's Lagoon from last August. Can't imagine why I never posted it.
After The Snow (Cooper's Hawk)
After a brief snowfall last night we had a visit from this handsome Cooper's Hawk in the maple tree out in our back yard.
Cedar Waxwing Portrait
With a quick head turn a female cedar waxwing snatches a ripe hawthorn berry out of the air.
Berry Nice! (Cedar Waxwing)
At Buttertubs Marsh a cedar waxwing enjoys one of the last few hawthorn berries remaining before the new spring leaves start to sprout.
I Found It! (Yellow-Headed Blackbird)
I really enjoyed my trip to Alberta last spring, especially our visits to Frank Lake just south of Calgary. I got home and was a bit bummed out though as I could not find this cool image I made of a male yellow-headed blackbird with a beak full of bugs. Well, after nine months of searching I had pretty much given up. Look what I found in an obscure place on my hard drive about an hour ago!
Better Background (Ruby-Crowned Kinglet)
Here is one on a different branch with a less distracting natural background.
A Touch of Colour (Ruby-Crowned Kinglet)
Photographed this energetic little guy today at Buttertubs Marsh here in Nanaimo.
Calm Waters (Long -Tailed Duck)
Another nice one from our Sunday shoot.
Giving Me The Eye (Long-Tailed Duck)
A male long-tailed duck gives me the eye as he swims past at Deep Bay.
Coming in For a Landing #2 (Long-Tailed Duck)
Another image in the landing sequence. It took about an hour but the long-tailed ducks at Deep Bay started to come in closer.
Coming in For a Landing (Long-Tailed Duck)
The long-tailed ducks were coming in a bit closer today.
Owl on a Wire (Northern Hawk Owl)
Taken 15 years ago on Morden Road south of Nanaimo with a Canon 50D and a 500mm F/4 Lens at 15MP. Natural Background.
Stern Gaze (Northern Hawk Owl)
These guys always seem to look like they are ticked off to me. Not sure why?
Morning Light in His Wings (Short-Eared Owl)
This image captured shortly after reaching the venue first thing in the morning.
Order in Chaos (Snow Geese)
On the Fraser River Delta near Ladner a flock of several thousand snow geese is flushed by a passing eagle. The orange color on their snouts and faces is caused from eating plant roots in soil with certain mineral deposits.
Roosting Down Low (Short-Eared Owl)
After a successful hunt a short-eared owl rests down low in the marsh grass near the ocean. Flickr folks please left click for more detail.
Eagle Banking (Bald Eagle)
There are some people that might say that this is a "money shot" but for me it's all in the bank. 🙂
Caught in Mid Air (Bald Eagle)
After chasing a gull to make it drop its catch a bald eagle snatches a chunk of fish meat in mid air.
Grey Ghost Back Shot (Northern Harrier)
Natural background and even light.
Best Eye Contact ( Northern Harrier)
Probably my best perching shot of the grey ghost from our last trip. Flickr folks please left click for more detail.
Staring Into The Morning Sun (Northern Harrier)
After the fog lifts a female northern harrier surveys the area from the shelter of the dead marsh grass.
Hovering Over The Snow (Varied Thrush)
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Some Colour in The Snow (Varied Thrush)
Played around with some backyard birding today. Had some fun with the varied thrushes.
Old Gold (Great Grey Owl)
Here is a remake of an older photo from 2019. I know that it's only January and It is supposed to snow again today but I couldn't help but dream of what could be in store for later in the spring and summer. Flickr folks please left click for better detail.
Screamin' Kestrel (American Kestrel)
My Apologies for this one. Had the camera setup for the western screech owl and forgot to speed up for kestrel flight. Amazing what you can do though with only 1/500 sec.
Pleasant Surprise (Western Screech Owl)
Took a trip down south of where I live to visit a western screech owl. My first encounter with one in nearly 20 years of photography on the island. I have often heard others talk about them but have never had the opportunity to actually see one in person. This will be the 11th owl species I have photographed in B.C. so far.
Coming in Low (Northern Harrier)
On one of his hunting runs the male northern harrier skims low over the marsh weeds as he flies towards the camera. Flickr folks please left click for more detail.
Ocean in Her Eye (Short-Eared Owl)
If you zoom this up you can see the shoreline of the ocean reflected in her eye.
Another Short-Eared Owl in Flight
Got a lot of images like this with the short-ear looking straight into the camera. Flickr folks please left click for greater detail.
Underside View (Northern Harrier)
Found another harrier image this morning that I thought you might like. Be sure to zoom in for extra detail.
A Different Perch (Northern Harrier)
Here is the grey ghost on a different perch showing more back and tail details. Flickr folks please left click for more detail.
Vertical Bank (Short-Eared Owl)
Here is another one of those weird vertical bank shots from our trip.
Flying at The Camera (Northern Harrier)
The grey ghost (male harrier) flies straight in at the camera only to veer off at the last second. Flickr folks please left click once or twice for better detail.
Female Harrier Portrait
Our trip would not have been complete without at least one nice image of this beautiful female harrier.
Shortie Environmental Shot (Short-Eared Owl)
The conditions are rarely perfect for shooting these guys and as you can see they are usually found in a similar situation to this image . I guess if wildlife photography wasn't as challenging then everyone would be doing it.
Hawk in Morning Light (Sharp-Shinned Hawk)
This image was taken just as morning fog was starting to clear. Thus the misty appearance. I always seem to get mixed up between sharp-shinned hawks and immature Cooper's hawks. I think that this is a sharpie. If you have a different opinion please let me know. Hard to do the tail ID thing with it being all wet like that.
Look Me in The Eye (Short-Eared Owl)
Another shortie close up portrait from our weekend shoot.
The Grey Ghost (Northern Harrier)
Got a visit several times yesterday at the venue by "The Grey Ghost". A rather special male Northern Harrier. He seemed unconcerned with our presence and gave everyone lots of opportunities for some great images. Flickr folks left click for a more detailed image.
Friendly Bird (Short-Eared Owl)
This particular short-eared owl circled us several times at close range before settling on a near by log. Flickr folks might want to click a couple of times for more detail.
Down By The Sea (Short-Eared Owl)
A male short-eared owl rests on a driftwood log down near the ocean. Flickr folks please left click for more detail.
Banking Left (Short-Eared Owl)
Love it when you can see both eyes in flight. Flickr folks please left click for better detail.
Short-Ear Portrait in Morning Light (Short-Eared Owl)
The first close up perching image of a short-eared owl for me in a long time. Flickr folks please left click for more detail.
Shortie Environmental (Short-Eared Owl)
Another image from the Boxing Day shoot yesterday.
Low Light Shoot (Short-Eared Owl)
Managed a few images at the usual venue where the owl came a bit closer today. Not bad for low light situations and a 2X teleconverter.
Berry Bandit (Varied Thrush)
Been a bit busy lately so I decided to take a bit of time out to photograph some backyard birds. In this shot a varied thrush steels a red cotoneaster berry from the bush in our back yard.
Mount Benson Background (Peregrine Falcon)
Took this out at the estuary a couple of days back. He sat in the big oak tree near the parking lot.
Banking Right Looking at The Camera (Short-Eared Owl)
One from this afternoon's shoot.
Better Eye Contact (Short-Eared Owl)
The only problem with images like this is that the owl's wings are so big that the head of the owl ends up being only an inch and a half wide before the wings are out of frame. Flickr folks please left click for better detail.
Short-Ear Glide 2023 (Short-Eared Owl)
Liked the background in this image.
Sunny Day Kingfisher (Belted Kingfisher)
Went to French Creek and had some fun with the local kingfishers
Skimming The Grass (Short-Eared Owl)
In this image a short-eared owl hunts at only a couple of feet off of the ground in search for voles.
Pop Up 2023 (Short-Eared Owl)
A short-eared owl pops up out of the tall grass to begin its evening hunt.
Takin' a Dive (Short-Eared Owl)
A short-eared owl dives on an unsuspecting vole in the deep grass near the ocean.
Banking Left (Short-Eared Owl)
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Golden Light Short-Ear (Short-Eared Owl)
Had some fun over on the lower mainland today with short-eared owls.
Northern Shrike (Juvenile)
Nanaimo Estuary. A distant crop of a skittish bird.