We are all Wild Things on this earth. — Jay Brescacin Photography

Wild things!

I love nature, and being in the wilderness. There’s something special about connecting to the natural world. More and more, people seem to be at odds with wildlife. When I’m outdoors, I take the perspective that we are all wild things, and we all need each other.

During my May long weekend wildlife trip, I woke up in my camper and stepped out the door with my coffee just wanting a stretch and some fresh air. Fortunately my camera was around my neck as I watched this black bear cross the road in the sunrise. You can plan and prepare, but sometimes the most magical moments just happen. The trick is to be ready for them when they do.

May long weekend 2022, I took a road trip from Kelowna to Lake Louise. I covered over 800km in three days and found 8 different bears. This was one of the grizzlies. It was massive, yet had a very calm “Teddy Bear” like quality to it’s behavior. As always I gave it lots of space and used a long telephoto to avoid getting in it’s space. Once it seemed to notice me, it was time to move on. But it made for some inquisitive shots.

A few of the black bears I encountered on my May long weekend wildlife trip

“The Big Horns” Fintry, British Columbia

While travelling to a destination to photograph a frozen waterfall I had to shift gears and turn the day into a wildlife shoot. I found a group of ewes with a juvenile, and then was able to find the males. These Big Horn Sheep have so much personality. They almost pose for the camera.

I had never heard of a ‘Ruddy Duck’ when I shot this image. When I spotted it, i almost couldn’t believe the brilliant color of its bill. I’m so glad it came through in the final image, it was almost cartoon-like in real life. And the little horns just added extra attitude points.

“Peek-a-Boo” Manning Park, British Columbia

One thing I’ve learnt about capturing wildlife, is that you always need to be ready. I spotted this beautiful black bear while on a trip that had me driving through Manning Park. Fortunately I had my camera bag sitting on the passenger seat!

I know it looks like a growl, but I promise it was yawning.

West Kelowna is fortunate to have a pair of Bald Eagles nesting in the area. This shot was captured while one of the parents was fishing to feed their two eaglets.

This Bald Eagle was defending her babies and their nest. There were 5 vultures circling and assessing the nest. Each vulture nearly as big as her, and she ferociously drove them away. It was an amazing experience, and this image really displayed her strength.

I watched this seagull for a while, initially drawn in by the color of it’s feet. But before long, I wasn’t sure who was watching who. And after many images of it just standing there, I was able to capture the essence of our interaction. It was observing me, just as much or more than I was observing it.

As I was trying to photograph this hawk in flight, it landed on a branch and looked straight at me as if to say “YES? Can I help you?” We are all animals on this earth. And sometimes it feels good to connect with the ‘wilder’ ones.