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.

On the 2022 May long weekend, I stepped out of my camper at sunrise with a cup of coffee, eager for a stretch and some fresh air. My camera thankfully around my neck when a black bear crossed the road right in front of me, backlit by the morning sunrise. Moments like this—unplanned, quiet, and perfectly timed—remind me that while you can plan and prepare, the most magical encounters often arrive unexpectedly. The trick is to be ready when they do.

Brown bear resting on snowy ground in a forest

Black bear sitting in a snowy forest among bare branches

Long weekend road trip from Kelowna to Lake Louise — over 800 km in three days and eight bear encounters. This massive grizzly stood out: powerful, yet oddly gentle, with a “teddy bear” calm about its movements. I kept a safe distance and worked with a long telephoto, then when it finally noticed me, it was time to move on. The result: a few quiet, curious portraits that captured its size and surprising softness. A moment I will never forget.

One rule of wildlife photography is "No butt shots" but this beautiful bear was kind enough to pose with an over the shoulder shot.

For early spring this massive bear was already looking solid.

Looking to interested in me so I retreated and have this bear it's space. But not before capturing this eye to eye shot.

I photographed this bear eating and seemingly oblivious to my presence, until this look. Sometimes patience is a virtue, this glance made this photo far more powerful.

“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.

Two brown bighorn sheep standing among dry brush, with the horned sheep in front facing the camera.

Close-up portrait of a brown mountain goat with large curved horns against a blurred outdoor background

Two bighorn sheep walking through snow, with a ram in front displaying large curved horns.

Close-up portrait of a brown bighorn sheep ram with large curved horns against a white background

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 was 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. 5 vultures were circling the nest just looking for an opportunity. Each vulture wasvnearly as big as her, and yet she ferociously drove them away. It was an amazing experience, and this image really captured her strength and energy.

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.