Welcome back! This weeks Sunday edition is the second part of my favourite shots from 2018. I was fortunate to encounter a number of new species both furred and feathered during my photography outings last year.
I spent a lot of time with foxes at least until they started denning in preparation for the birth of the next generation. It seems that around April, foxes just vanish for a few weeks until they emerge from the den with their little ones. I’m hoping to track down a den to observe in 2019 in order to capture the kits during their first ventures out into the wild.
Ravens are always around and some of them aren’t afraid of the camera. In early November I met a raven with a sweet tooth (?) who was plundering one of the bins at the dump for Halloween candy. This one gave me a demonstration on how to unwrap a mini Mars bar and taunt a photographer before flying off to snack in peace.
I am always grateful for the experiences I have with wildlife who are often as curious about me as I am about them. Last year, this mutual curiosity was exemplified by an American mink who swam right toward me while I was kayaking. I thought for sure I would be taking on a small furry passenger but he turned and swam back toward shore once he got a better look at my face! It took me a bit to properly identify what species of long skinny fur creature tried to hitch a ride. I wasn’t sure if it was a marten, a mink or a weasel. Thank goodness for the Google who can help you learn practically anything!
While in Ulukhaktok this year, I spent a lot of time looking at and for birds. I spotted a yellow-billed loon, American Pipit, Glaucous Gulls, snow buntings, and my first ever Horned Lark! I was hoping to catch a glimpse of one of them during my time up there and I did though it wouldn’t let me get very close before flying off.
My favourite encounter of 2018 was with a white wolf that I spotted one night, just outside of the city. It was quite dark at the time but the wolf streaked up a small hill and looked back toward me with the City lit up behind it. I saw the image I wanted in my mind’s eye and lucked out when the wolf stopped long enough for me to get a focus lock on it. The image was in focus but underexposed. I did what I could in post but that shot has made me wonder what options I might be able to afford to improve my image quality in low light.
So that was my 2018 in wildlife photos. I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings! Follow along on the journey by liking my page – only if you want though, no pressure.
Have a great week and we’ll see you next Sunday!