This photo and the next few were taken in mid-June 2013. It was a day of torrential rain and was, in fact, the beginning day of floods that devastated southern Alberta.
Highwood Pass, Kananaskis Country, Alberta.
By June, the West Coast Grizzly Bears are out of hibernation. The inlets along the British Columbia coast offer excellent viewing opportunities. On this day, my friend Brent and I arrived soon after sunrise and made sure to stay far enough away to be no threat to the bears. The boat's engine was cut and we drifted on the current, happily watching as the bears fed on grasses, crabs, shellfish and other coastal delicacies.
Mom and her cub
Keeping an eye on Mom
Rockyview County, Alberta
These owls are often seen during the day. They have excellent hearing that helps locate their prey, even if it is under snow.
Waiparous, Alberta
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park
This young Pileated is plucking up the courage to venture from the nest.
Mature stands of aspen forest make perfect habitat for Pileated Woodpeckers.
The shock of red on their heads and their loud screech make Pileated Woodpeckers a forest favourite.
Banff National Park
A common bird to find in the Canadian Rockies
These spectacular birds are notoriously hard to photograph because of their speed. But it's worth it to be patient.
It seems that every year they arrive back to the Alberta foothills when a spring snowfall is occuring.
Equal opportunity time! The male has brighter colours, but the female got the worm.
Nesting boxes are often found on fence posts. Male and female bluebirds work hard gathering food for the young. They will often wait patiently on the barbed wire for their partner to leave the nesting box.
I've spent many hours photographing ospreys in various locations in Alberta. It's amazing to get the first glimpses of the babies, and then watch their progress throughout the summer.
This family had three chicks and had Banff National Park as their home. On this 30-degree day, the chicks were finding it hot, while the Mom spread her wings to provide some shade.
Ghost River Valley, Alberta
Ennadai Lake, Nunavut
Alberta Foothills
Watching the world go by (or maybe looking out for food).
Although not as common as they are along the Pacific Northwest, Bald Eagles can often be found in Alberta. This one had a perfect place to perch above a small lake, no doubt filled with fish.
La Jolla, California
Jasper National Park
Ennadai Lake, Nunavut
Photographing caribou in Nunavut, northern Canada, requires lots of patience. Caribou are very skittish and wary of humans. This look says it all!
Ennadai Lake, Nunavut
The Quamirjuaq caribou herd numbers approximately 250,000. They can be found roaming the Barrenlands west of Hudson Bay.
Ennadai Lake is a truly spectacular area and Arctic Haven Lodge is a perfect place to base yourself. Mid-September provides a change in seasons that turns the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour. Willows, wild blueberries, tamarack and birch are abundant at the southern end of Ennadai Lake. The north end is pretty much on the tree line and where the tundra continues for thousands of kilometres.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Love that bushy tail!
Waiparous, Alberta
They drive my dogs crazy - but let's face it, squirrels are adorable.
Death Valley National Park, California
These wild dogs are so beautiful - yet misunderstood. Makes me sad that many governments and people continue to consider them vermin.
California Coast
"It's been a busy day; I'm just taking a nap!"
Northern Vancouver Island
Even one's own backyard can yield some amazing things - such as this spider doing a great "alien" interpretation.
I had never seen a spider throw its web like this before. Truly incredible!