Weasel Energy: A Martin’s Quest for a Marten
I have seen hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the world’s most deviously adorable mustelid (weasel) in my dreams, but I have only seen a handful of Pine Marten (aka American Marten) in ‘real life.’
Top Ten of 2020 : Old friends and rare gems
WOW. This is unusual for me, but I have no words to describe 2020.
I took a stab at creating a profound message for the new year and putting words to some of these images, but I was overwhelmed. There is just too much to say.
Grouse energy: a demonstration of Gandalf-like resolve
The creature stood firm, every fibre of his being enraged, emanating an intense resolve on par with Gandalf’s infamous ‘YOU SHALL NOT PASS’ pronouncement in The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. The Spruce Grouse stood on the edge of a snowy pathway, staring...
Toad Energy: A return to home (Part 3 of 3)
Amphibians are an indication of our dying planet. So many species have disappeared, and we humans, of course, are largely responsible.
Toad Energy: A return to home (Part 2 of 3)
Each tentative step produced more frenzied hopping. Toadlet after toadlet scrambled over, under and through a spider web of dew-laced grass. The closer Cherie and I got to the shoreline, the more abundant the toadlets became. Having just meet a toad couple named Nelly...
Toad Energy: A return to home (Part 1 of 3)
In August 2006, I poked a toad. While light and brief, my touch was enough to cause one thick, front arm to nudge slightly upward. This toad was indeed alive - that was all I needed to know. Relief and gratitude flooded my body. I am not proud of myself for poking a...
A ‘top of the log’ performance: starring three little bears
The naked, fallen tree trunk protruding from a thick blanket of vegetation was a beacon of hope for my sullen spirits. I had been sitting on the opposite side of the road in my car for about two hours observing a black bear sow with her three young cubs. I was not...
Tiger King documentary illuminates the Grace of Animals (contains spoilers)
The delicately weathered hand of a chimpanzee reaches beyond the metal wires of a cage. A human hand brushes the tips of the chimp’s fingers briefly, before pulling back, disappearing. The chimp’s hand stretches further, but is met with nothing. The closing scene of...
Cinnamon the black bear: food-conditioned or naturally curious?
“Yep, that bear is definitely dead,” my friend confirmed what I already knew when I showed him the photo on the back of my camera, taken earlier that morning in mid-June, 2020.
Conversations with Magpies reveal the magic of interconnectivity
I love Magpies, but when I hear their shrill squawk right outside my window, I often get annoyed. I feel bad about this reaction - the sounds of Mother Nature should never annoy me - but I just can't help it. When in close proximity, the loud call of the Magpie is so...
Top Five Photos of 2019 – Circling back…
"We have no way of knowing how or when our intentions will manifest, and we don’t need to worry about the details. We simply need to allow ourselves to appreciate the joy of every moment as often as possible. Cultivating a deeper sense of love and appreciation for...
Wolf Energy = Connection
The concept of ‘wolf energy’ has been ping-ponging around in my brain ever since I saw this beautiful wolf in BC in early June. I made brief eye contact with him, and a powerful energy entered my being. I know that sounds kind of ‘out there’ - the energy was not good...
Game of Thrones + Eastern Screech Owl photo illustrate the foundation of creative vision
I could barely see the patterned contours of the owl sitting within the fractured edges of a small cavity, likely chiseled into the thick skin of the large Aspen tree by the strong beak of a woodpecker.
Part 2: Celebrity northern saw-whet owl saves my sanity
The crude and calloused wood of a hole in a mature cottonwood tree stood in perfect contrast to the delicate features and finely manicured feathers of the tiny owl tucked inside. When I first saw this unbelievably adorable owl, my heart swelled with appreciation and I...
Part 1: Celebrity northern Saw-whet owl saves my sanity
I lost my balance and fell bum-first into the snow, for the second time within a five-minute period. This time, however, I was unable to re-position my camera before impact. My lens went glass-first into the snow - the solid, cylindrical hood protected the glass from...