{"id":7,"date":"2023-12-27T04:23:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T04:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/?p=7"},"modified":"2023-12-27T05:47:31","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T05:47:31","slug":"local-wildlife-fall-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/local-wildlife-fall-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Local wildlife \u2013 Fall 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pilots engage in regular simulated flying sessions to stay proficient and confident in their abilities. I photograph local wildlife to keep my shooting technique muscle-memorized and blow the dust off my equipment. Whether it be an airborne emergency or an elusive moment, we&#8217;re all doing our <em>skills maintenance<\/em> to be ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This fall, I had a handful of opportunities to offer the local wildlife of Burnaby Lake and Maplewood Flats unsolicited modelling experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Burnaby Lake<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1710\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-1024x684.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-768x513.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-1536x1026.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07544-2048x1368.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Burnaby Lake with Metrotown in the distance.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To the birds of Piper Spit at Burnaby Lake, a person holding a handful of birdseed is a veritable cornucopia. The ducks respond to a zip-lock bag like iron filings react to the introduction of a magnetic field \u2013 except iron filings don&#8217;t quack up a cacophony. The enthusiasm and comfort of these animals around humans means that they are great target practice for my relatively short 120-300mm telephoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0034-2048x1153.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wood duck wants some privacy as it grooms itself in the early morning light.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0032-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>&#8216;Lovebirds&#8217; watch the sun rise over the jetty as its rays touch their heads.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Trevor&#8217;s disappearance, wood ducks have been the bookie favourites for local beauty pageants, owing to the vibrant palette of their plumage. Trevor was a famous mandarin duck that lived in Burnaby Lake from approximately 2018 to 2022. Wood ducks are related to mandarin ducks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My enteric nervous system is trying to figure out the connection between mandarin ducks and Peking duck. People in Beijing (Peking) speak mandarin, strictly speaking a dialect of it called Pekingese \u2013 which is also a dog breed? I digress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some other contestants were wise to enter in the non-duck category:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07626-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Outstanding on one leg.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1710\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-1024x684.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-768x513.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-1536x1026.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07716-2048x1368.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An American coot races it&#8217;s reflection. Nitro Narcissus?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0081-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>There&#8217;s always a plumper pigeon.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0030-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>For my friend Luke, who wanted to see Stellar&#8217;s jays.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/DSC07586-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Red-winged blackbird caught &#8216;red-winged&#8217; as it raids a pile of birdseed.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Still Burnaby Lake, but colder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0009-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fog gathers where Still Creek flows into Burnaby Lake.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing seasons bring about shifts in light, palettes, and atmosphere. Occurrences of steam fog and frost later in the fall transformed the photographic flavour of Burnaby Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0024-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A frosty feather amidst grass gleaming with glistening grace.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0028-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Thanks to these guys for the feather, I guess.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0019-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Geese contrast bath.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier in the morning, I was watching geese do in-formation take-offs \u00e0 la the opening scene of Top Gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0043-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>&#8220;I feel the need&#8230;&#8221;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0042-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>&#8220;&#8230;the need for speed!&#8221;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0044-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;No. No, Mav, this is not a good idea.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0054-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>&#8220;Sorry, Goose, but it&#8217;s time to buzz the tower.&#8221;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Shooting into the sun isn&#8217;t something I do often, so you&#8217;ll enjoy a diversity in my image adjustments courtesy of good ol&#8217; on-the-job learning. I wanted to bring out the haziness of the fog even as it was juxtaposed with the stark sunrise contrast. Nevertheless, the lighting was thoroughly breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-300x169.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-1024x576.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-768x432.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-1536x864.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0055-2048x1152.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A scene straight out of the sounds of Also sprach Zarathustra.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-1024x683.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-768x512.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-1536x1024.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0040-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Morning vibes.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maplewood Flats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" data-id=\"41\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-300x300.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-1024x1024.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-150x150.webp 150w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-768x768.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-1536x1536.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4073-1-2048x2048.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" data-id=\"42\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-300x300.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-1024x1024.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-150x150.webp 150w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-768x768.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-1536x1536.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_4079-1-edited-2048x2048.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><em>Some phone camera snapshots for context (since I didn&#8217;t bring my GR).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For a change of scenery, I visited Maplewood Flats, which is where the Wild Bird Trust of BC is based. There&#8217;s a nice, wooded loop trail around the conservation area that follows the northern shore of Burrard Inlet for its southern leg before swerving north to meet a small reed-y pond with just a few mallards and wood ducks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the day, I ran half the loop with my lens out, to no avail, since every passerby was building my expectations towards seeing a young deer further down the trail that never materialized. With half the trail left and no doorbuster-style duck gatherings for fish-in-a-barrel target practice, I slowed down to a cautious shuffle, consciously scrutinizing my surroundings for photo opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-300x225.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-1024x768.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-768x576.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-1536x1152.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0065-2048x1536.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A spotted towhee spots me through the trees.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-scaled.webp 2560w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-300x225.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-1024x768.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-768x576.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-1536x1152.webp 1536w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0067-2048x1536.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>As a kid, I thought ABBA were singing about these little guys in Chiquitita. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-scaled.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-576x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46\" style=\"width:406px;height:auto\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-576x1024.webp 576w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-169x300.webp 169w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-768x1365.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-864x1536.webp 864w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-1152x2048.webp 1152w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_0069-scaled.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Large gray squirrel feed-or-flight response.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrap-up<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Skills maintenance is as much repetition as it is continuous learning. Some things I learned while shooting the photos featured in this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Remembering to get low, in particular for swimming ducks. The lower angle yields a more intimate, eye-to-eye perspective. Furthermore, it helps make dirty water less noticeable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When blown-out highlights are unavoidable, be sure to keep the shift from non-saturated to saturated regions smooth and gradual; keeps things looking natural.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We sometimes over-associate wildlife photography with exotic locales, elusive species, or expensive safaris. Having lived in pigeon-infested downtown Toronto, I was slightly taken aback when I read that the grand prize of this year&#8217;s Audobon photography awards went to a photograph of a pair of rock pigeons. It&#8217;s a pleasant reminder that mastering the light, creating a strong composition, and anticipating the moment forms the recipe for an outstanding photograph, even when photographing seemingly &#8216;ordinary&#8217; species. Discovering the distinctive behaviours and poses of each subject adds a rewarding learning dimension to the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What better way to conclude than with a bonus picture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2043\" height=\"1360\" src=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73\" srcset=\"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image.webp 2043w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-300x200.webp 300w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-1024x682.webp 1024w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-768x511.webp 768w, http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-1536x1022.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2043px) 100vw, 2043px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mistimed the burst but got a good look at a duck&#8217;s pit hair.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Till the next one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pilots engage in regular simulated flying sessions to stay proficient and confident in their abilities. I photograph local wildlife to keep my shooting technique muscle-memorized and blow the dust off my equipment. Whether it be an airborne emergency or an elusive moment, we&#8217;re all doing our skills maintenance to be ready. This fall, I had [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7\/revisions\/74"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/homepage.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}