Early morning landing, Boundary Bay

There really is no substitute for old fashioned luck. For some time now, I've wanted to get a shot of a harrier landing, facing towards me, in good light, at close range. However, despite many, many hours of harrier photography, and more pre-dawn risings than I care to remember, I've had no luck - until today.

Tags:   birds nature wildlife photography bird photography bird Aves Lower Mainland Vancouver British Columbia Through-The-Big-Lens B.C. Canada Simon Richards Nikon wildlife birding Boundary Bay Delta flight hawk owl raptor northern harrier AvianExcellence

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Portrait, late afternoon, Boundary Bay

Tags:   birds nature wildlife photography bird photography bird Aves Lower Mainland Vancouver British Columbia Through-The-Big-Lens B.C. Canada Simon Richards Nikon D7000 wildlife birding short eared owl owl raptor

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After a number of unsuccessful strafes at the local ducks and sandpipers, this young falcon flew on.

Tags:   birds nature wildlife photography bird photography bird Aves Lower Mainland Vancouver British Columbia Through-The-Big-Lens B.C. Canada Simon Richards Nikon wildlife birding Boundary Bay Delta flight hawk owl raptor

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The predictions for a very cold winter in B.C. seem to be coming true. We haven't had snowy owls at Boundary Bay since 2004. This individual's early arrival suggests that conditions further north are probably very cold indeed. She was one of four that I saw today. Each attracted a large following of photographers. When a group got too close, she fortuitously flew in my direction.

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Rice fields, early morning, The Gambia

The first of many shots I will be posting from my recent trip. Particular thanks are due to Dave Montreuil, a fellow Canadian, resident in Gambia, and a keen bird photographer. He very generously shepherded me around and showed me some spectacular areas for birds - thanks again, Dave!

Tags:   birds nature wildlife photography bird photography bird Aves Lower Mainland Vancouver British Columbia Through-The-Big-Lens B.C. Canada Simon Richards Nikon wildlife birding Boundary Bay Delta flight hawk owl raptor Gambia little bee eater bee eater dawn Africa

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