Northern gannet bringing back a mouthful of seaweed to its nest on Bonaventure Island, Quebec.
This has been a wonderful year for wildlife photography but two experiences in particular stand out. The first was visiting North America’s largest northern gannet colony on Bonaventure Island, near Percé, Quebec. See our posting Wildlife Adventure on Quebec’s Bonaventure Island for details on visiting this special place and several more images.
The other highlight was travelling to Squamish, BC in December where hundreds of bald eagles gather in early winter to feed on salmon in the Squamish River. We just recently returned, so watch for a more detailed posting on this adventure and more photos in the New Year. A short trip to Grasslands National Park in the fall was quite productive and, as always, we find a lot of great wildlife opportunities close to home. It’s hard to pick out only 10, but these proved some of our favourties.
Bald Eagles, Squamish BC
The challenge. A bald eagle is dining on bits of salmon while two others swoop in to try to snatch some of the grub. On the banks of the Squamish River near Squamish, BC.The most unusual encounter we saw was a great blue heron wandering among the eagles. The eagles didn’t like the intruder and would let it know in no uncertain terms. But the heron didn’t seem to be intimidated. On the banks of the Squamish River near Squamish, BC.Here comes trouble. A bald eagle flies in to challenge another eagle. On the banks of the Squamish River near Squamish, BC.Three eagles fight over a piece of salmon on the snow near the banks of the Squamish River near Squamish, BC.
Northern Gannets, Bonaventure Island, Quebec
One of the most fascinating northern gannet behaviours is how they land on a crowded nesting colony. They will often hover above to get lined up then drop down to their nest site. Bonaventure Island, Quebec.This gannet seemed to have mastered the landing procedure as it hovered then dropped almost straight down into place. Bonaventure Island, Quebec.We managed to get a few flying gannet photos, but this one seemed to coming straight for us. Bonaventure Island, Quebec.
Saskatchewan
Black-tailed prairie dogs are frequently very affectionate. This adult and youngster are having a hug. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan.We don’t always have travel far to find great opportunities for photographing wildlife. This Bohemian waxwing was right in our backyard in Saskatoon.
