Stare Bear

Napping while he waits for the salmon to start moving upstream.

Laura Croft

We had a visit from a young cub who belonged to Trump and tended to test limits. She came over to us and settled in the midst of our bags and camera equipment. Despite her presence, there was no sign of any attempt to take or disturb anything. It seemed that she was seeking refuge from adult bears that were persistently chasing her away. We were happy to offer her a safe haven while she hung out with us.

Trump

I first met her in the summer of 2013, and I must admit I was pretty nervous around her. She often blocked my path, sometimes even with my husband, whenever we walked the area. One morning, I arrived at the beach just as the tide was receding, and the rocks were extremely slippery. As I tried to navigate my way through, I slipped and fell, injuring my hand on the sharp barnacles. As I lay there bleeding, I was surprised to see Trump walking towards me, but she stopped at a distance of 20 feet and watched me with great interest. To my relief, she eventually wandered off to eat some grass, and I was able to make my way back to my husband for some much-needed first aid and comfort. This photo was taken in 2021.

Trump

She blocked our exit to the path, we backed up and patiently outwaited her. After a few minutes she wandered off. Perhaps it is a power play? I’m not sure if she is curious or she does it because she can. She is the bear with an agenda.

Braveheart

Stands anchored against the force of the water.

Trail Bear

Occasionally I don't have to look for bears. They find me :)

Spa Day

Nothing like a bit of grooming and a good soak to make one feel better. Mother Nature provided the unscented seaweed wrap, river stone foot massage, sandstone exfoliating scrubs and jacuzzi without the annoying timer. Life is grand!

Georgina

Chasing fish.

Locked and Loaded

with a killer stare down lol

Sea Wolf

We were driving a backroad when two wolves ran in front of the vehicle. Instead of heading for the bush, they stayed on the road for about one kilometre. This one stopped and watched us as we got out of the truck—a big crop but clearly a wolf.

Cooper's Hawk juvenile

Focused on its next meal and unafraid.

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

The only species of Chickadee on Vancouver Island.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

A winter visitor to Vancouver Island.

Western Sandpiper

It was selecting wiggly edibles from the sandbar.

A big catch.

I watched this Kingfisher contemplate how it would get the fish down for half an hour. He did it.

Great Horned Owl and Owlet

She had two little fuzzballs in the nest. What a treat to watch and photograph them.

Great Horned Owl

Fluff and Stretch

Mother Owl prepares to move while the two Owlets nap.

Great Horned Owl

She hunts from the nest while her two little ones sleep.

Post Hunt

If looks could kill. She must have thought we were there to steal her meal.