Frequently Asked Questions

General photo club help

Fowl Weather

Braving the Victoria, BC, wet, soggy winter, I ventured out to one of my favorite birding spots. This male hooded merganser was also out and about, and in spite of having his hood up, it wasn't doing much to keep his head dry!

Whimbrel Silhouetted in Golden Hour

A striking, backlit photograph of a wading bird, likely a Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), standing in short, dew-covered grass during the golden hour. The bird is centered and facing forward, showcasing its characteristic long, downward-curving bill and finely patterned, scalloped plumage. The sun is low and behind the bird, creating a bright rim light that outlines its head, neck, and body, giving it a luminous, halo effect. The foreground grass is illuminated with a warm, golden glow, while the background is a deep, dark green or near-black, making the subject pop dramatically.

Redhead Ducks: Male and Female Portrait

A vibrant, close-up photograph capturing three ducks—most likely Redheads (Aythya americana)—swimming closely in bright blue water. The central bird is a striking adult male, easily identified by its smooth, brilliant reddish-chestnut head and neck, contrasting with its light gray bill and dark eye with a bright yellow iris. Flanking the male are two females (or possibly a young male), which have a more uniform, warm brown plumage on their heads and necks. The low angle emphasizes the gentle ripples and texture of the deep blue water. The bright, sharp focus on the subjects, with a blurred background, creates a dynamic, layered portrait.

Short-eared Owl Pair Against a High-Key Sky

A bright, high-key image featuring two Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) perched together on a bare, twisted branch, set against a completely white, featureless background, likely an overcast sky or snow. The adult owl on the left gazes directly at the viewer, showcasing its cryptic brown-and-buff plumage and prominent yellow eyes. The second, slightly smaller owl (perhaps a juvenile or mate) is perched closer, with one wing partially extended, adding a sense of action to the portrait. The composition is clean and minimalist, isolating the subjects and the dark, skeletal structure of the branch to highlight their patterns and striking

Great Gray Owl in a Winter Snowstorm

A compelling, tightly framed portrait of a Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) sitting stoically during a heavy snowfall. The owl occupies the central foreground, facing the camera with an intense, steady gaze, its piercing yellow eyes contrasting with its mottled gray and white plumage. Its feathers are dusted with snow, emphasizing its large facial disc. The background is a soft, light-gray blur, serving as a clean canvas that is textured by numerous, large, falling snowflakes. The image captures the resilience and majestic presence of the owl in its harsh winter environment.

Sleek Line of Avocets at Water Level

A minimalist, low-angle photograph capturing a tight, horizontal line of Rare Visitor to Mississauga,Ontario, American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) swimming or resting. The frame is dominated by the reflective surface of the water in the foreground, creating a large, smooth area of negative space that emphasizes the birds clustered along the top edge. Only the birds' heads, necks (displaying their rich, cinnamon breeding plumage), and the white-and-black patterns of their backs are visible above the waterline. Their long, upturned black bills are clearly visible, and the overall composition highlights their formation and uniform appearance against the blurred, dark background.

Safe and sound

Two of 6 Cygnets this proud Mute Swan hatched. I was lucky enough to be able to see them hatch as well!

Blonde Coyote

I think one of my very favourite photos I've taken of a Coyote to date. It was walking across a parking lot towards the treeline nd turned around to have a look at me. How lucky was I!

Synchronized Takeoff

A tight group of American Avocets gathers in shallow water, wings raised in near-perfect unison as they prepare to take flight. Their warm cinnamon heads contrast beautifully with crisp white bodies and bold black-and-white wings, creating a rhythmic pattern across the frame. The low perspective and soft background isolate the moment, highlighting the elegance, coordination, and energy of these shorebirds during a brief pause between feeding and flight.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles are magnificent and I was lucky enough to spot this one as I was driving along the Niagara Parkway! It was at the top of the tallest tree surveying it's surroundings.

Our Parks

Our parks in Ontario give us the chance to capture Landscape and Wildlife in one trip.

Pied-billed Grebe

A lovely juvenile Pied-billed Grebe that was just floating/snoozing on the water an allowed me to take some photos before heading off to look for food.

Short-eared Owl

This Short-eared Owl was all but invisible until it turned it's head to have a look at me! Just look at that beautiful face! I watched it plummet down and land on an unsuspecting Vole! Such amazing hunters!

Watching me watching you

I just recently had the pleasure of finding three Short-eared Owls. I've been having a wonderful time sitting in my car watching them successfully hunt together! This particular one has caught a Vole.

Peregrine Falcon

I have been watching and photographing this Peregrine Falcon family for years and last year they disappeared as there was a construction tent put up where they always roosted. Well, a few months ago the tent was moved along to a farther away location and they returned!!

Peekaboo!

I see you! We were hiking along when my daughter said, is that an owl up there or is it just the way the tree looks? Yes! It certainly was an owl! An Eastern Screech Owl, Red Morph soaking up some vitamin D

Leusistic Eastern Grey Squirrel

One of my very favourite squirrels to photograph! She's been around for years I'm happy to report.

On the move

Early morning on the Lake of Two rivers.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Someone had put out some peanuts so I stood and watched for a while to see who would turn up! Such a colourful background for such a beautiful bird!

Who can resist that lovely face!

This beautiful Raccoon decided to sit on a tree branch and pose for me. Couldn't have been more adorable!!

Photo contests and competitions

Fowl Weather

Braving the Victoria, BC, wet, soggy winter, I ventured out to one of my favorite birding spots. This male hooded merganser was also out and about, and in spite of having his hood up, it wasn't doing much to keep his head dry!

Whimbrel Silhouetted in Golden Hour

A striking, backlit photograph of a wading bird, likely a Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), standing in short, dew-covered grass during the golden hour. The bird is centered and facing forward, showcasing its characteristic long, downward-curving bill and finely patterned, scalloped plumage. The sun is low and behind the bird, creating a bright rim light that outlines its head, neck, and body, giving it a luminous, halo effect. The foreground grass is illuminated with a warm, golden glow, while the background is a deep, dark green or near-black, making the subject pop dramatically.

Redhead Ducks: Male and Female Portrait

A vibrant, close-up photograph capturing three ducks—most likely Redheads (Aythya americana)—swimming closely in bright blue water. The central bird is a striking adult male, easily identified by its smooth, brilliant reddish-chestnut head and neck, contrasting with its light gray bill and dark eye with a bright yellow iris. Flanking the male are two females (or possibly a young male), which have a more uniform, warm brown plumage on their heads and necks. The low angle emphasizes the gentle ripples and texture of the deep blue water. The bright, sharp focus on the subjects, with a blurred background, creates a dynamic, layered portrait.

Short-eared Owl Pair Against a High-Key Sky

A bright, high-key image featuring two Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) perched together on a bare, twisted branch, set against a completely white, featureless background, likely an overcast sky or snow. The adult owl on the left gazes directly at the viewer, showcasing its cryptic brown-and-buff plumage and prominent yellow eyes. The second, slightly smaller owl (perhaps a juvenile or mate) is perched closer, with one wing partially extended, adding a sense of action to the portrait. The composition is clean and minimalist, isolating the subjects and the dark, skeletal structure of the branch to highlight their patterns and striking

Great Gray Owl in a Winter Snowstorm

A compelling, tightly framed portrait of a Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) sitting stoically during a heavy snowfall. The owl occupies the central foreground, facing the camera with an intense, steady gaze, its piercing yellow eyes contrasting with its mottled gray and white plumage. Its feathers are dusted with snow, emphasizing its large facial disc. The background is a soft, light-gray blur, serving as a clean canvas that is textured by numerous, large, falling snowflakes. The image captures the resilience and majestic presence of the owl in its harsh winter environment.

Sleek Line of Avocets at Water Level

A minimalist, low-angle photograph capturing a tight, horizontal line of Rare Visitor to Mississauga,Ontario, American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) swimming or resting. The frame is dominated by the reflective surface of the water in the foreground, creating a large, smooth area of negative space that emphasizes the birds clustered along the top edge. Only the birds' heads, necks (displaying their rich, cinnamon breeding plumage), and the white-and-black patterns of their backs are visible above the waterline. Their long, upturned black bills are clearly visible, and the overall composition highlights their formation and uniform appearance against the blurred, dark background.

Safe and sound

Two of 6 Cygnets this proud Mute Swan hatched. I was lucky enough to be able to see them hatch as well!

Blonde Coyote

I think one of my very favourite photos I've taken of a Coyote to date. It was walking across a parking lot towards the treeline nd turned around to have a look at me. How lucky was I!

Synchronized Takeoff

A tight group of American Avocets gathers in shallow water, wings raised in near-perfect unison as they prepare to take flight. Their warm cinnamon heads contrast beautifully with crisp white bodies and bold black-and-white wings, creating a rhythmic pattern across the frame. The low perspective and soft background isolate the moment, highlighting the elegance, coordination, and energy of these shorebirds during a brief pause between feeding and flight.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles are magnificent and I was lucky enough to spot this one as I was driving along the Niagara Parkway! It was at the top of the tallest tree surveying it's surroundings.

Our Parks

Our parks in Ontario give us the chance to capture Landscape and Wildlife in one trip.

Pied-billed Grebe

A lovely juvenile Pied-billed Grebe that was just floating/snoozing on the water an allowed me to take some photos before heading off to look for food.

Short-eared Owl

This Short-eared Owl was all but invisible until it turned it's head to have a look at me! Just look at that beautiful face! I watched it plummet down and land on an unsuspecting Vole! Such amazing hunters!

Watching me watching you

I just recently had the pleasure of finding three Short-eared Owls. I've been having a wonderful time sitting in my car watching them successfully hunt together! This particular one has caught a Vole.

Peregrine Falcon

I have been watching and photographing this Peregrine Falcon family for years and last year they disappeared as there was a construction tent put up where they always roosted. Well, a few months ago the tent was moved along to a farther away location and they returned!!

Peekaboo!

I see you! We were hiking along when my daughter said, is that an owl up there or is it just the way the tree looks? Yes! It certainly was an owl! An Eastern Screech Owl, Red Morph soaking up some vitamin D

Leusistic Eastern Grey Squirrel

One of my very favourite squirrels to photograph! She's been around for years I'm happy to report.

On the move

Early morning on the Lake of Two rivers.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Someone had put out some peanuts so I stood and watched for a while to see who would turn up! Such a colourful background for such a beautiful bird!

Who can resist that lovely face!

This beautiful Raccoon decided to sit on a tree branch and pose for me. Couldn't have been more adorable!!