Beluga Whale Feeding Frenzy – Churchill, Manitoba – In summer, at the mouth of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay, Belugas congregate to take advantage of fish concentrations. When conditions are ideal, a feeding frenzy might emerge. Expect fast action and thrills during such events.
Canada is renowned for its abundance of wilderness. Our vast nation includes many uninterrupted habitats and ecological zones. Unfortunately, most wild animals tend to avoid humans. Finding them is always a challenge, especially when placing them into pleasing compositions for the camera. Regardless, with persistence and determination, you’ll find something around. The good news is some days are better than others. However, even on good days, activity blends moderate excitement with memorable awe-inspiring moments. It helps to anticipate animal activity and to recognize when all factors align. Be prepared for those rare epic experiences that stand out way above the rest.
Adult male Evening Grosbeak – Ontario – With its extreme conditions, Canada’s winters are notoriously inhospitable. However, many species thrive in our cold. A few species become more visible with the snow. But each winter is different. Finches, owls and other hardy animals, sometimes erupt into Southern Canada when their food supply dwindles on their Northern breeding grounds. These “eruptions” happen in cycles. During high cycles, these rare northern animals become very common.
Animal survival relies on finding food and shelter, breeding successfully, and avoiding predators. During these times, the creature might behave predictably, be distracted, or lose their fear of human observers. Moving carefully, with methodically deliberate movements, you might get close enough to your subject for an effective photo. Beware that wild animals can potentially be aggressive and belligerent, especially when perceiving any type of threat, even if there’s none. It helps to minimize eye contact and always move slowly. Although it’s not easy, learn to control your excitement, and pretend like you’re not interested. Most importantly, it’s recommended to behave ethically with nature’s interest as your priority.
Unfortunately, predicting wildlife’s actions is like weather forecasting. Regardless of experience, it’s impossible to achieve total success. Even with thorough preparations, it helps to have some luck. Enhance your luck by improving your awareness, especially by studying animal behaviour and understanding their individual preferences.
Greater Snow Geese- Eastern Ontario – Many animals use staging and overwintering areas in Canada. While many species migrate in secret, or in small numbers, others move in huge flocks reaching beyond the tens of thousands. Being in proximity to an abundance of wildlife can leave you astounded.
Each species has its unique habits. Within each species, there’s also some variation. Learn how feeding, breeding, roosting, comfort/grooming, preferred habitats, weather type, time of day, and time of year influence their actions.
Research your local patches for consistent staging and overwintering grounds.
Make serendipitous discoveries by studying maps, satellite images and exploring unfamiliar roads.
Regardless of where or when, finding and photographing cooperative animals is among the most satisfying experiences imaginable. With a thorough understanding of your local environment and its residents, you’ll improve your success rate of capturing dramatic wildlife images.
Great Gray Owl – Eastern Ontario – Although wildlife can stir at any time, dawn and dusk typically inspire more activity than other times. Although warm tones can be attractive, especially as a background colour, I sometimes use cooling filters to minimize the setting sun’s excessively warm cast.
King Penguins – South Georgia – Breeding Colonies harbour an abundance of life and diversity. Many remote or protected areas are teeming with tame animals oblivious to humans as potential predators.
Wild Turkey – Ottawa, Ontario – Breeding behaviours typically occur in spring but can happen at any time depending on the species and environmental conditions. Sometimes, it continues throughout the year including the fall rut and general family bonding. Some birds begin nesting as early as winter. Use all your senses to detect any territorial displays, vocalizations or aggressive behaviours. During this activity, animals are focused on attracting mates and vanquishing competitors, so much so that they can become vulnerable to predators.
Scarlet Ibis – Caroni Swamp, Trinidad – The transition between day and night inspires much animal activity. While nocturnal creatures begin to stir, diurnal wildlife seek shelter and rest. It’s a thrill to watch large numbers of animals in tight groups. The Scarlet Ibis roost in Trinidad is among the most visually stunning spectacles anywhere.
Sandhill Cranes – Navan, Ontario – Even outside the breeding season, bonding behaviours can potentially linger. Throughout migration and on the wintering grounds, Sandhill Cranes continue social interactions including jumping, dipping and calling.
Plains Zebra at a watering hole – Kenya – Where there’s water there’s life. Throughout the world, watering holes attract countless animals of all shapes and sizes. It’s most effective in arid environments like deserts, plains or grasslands.
North Atlantic Right Whale courtship – Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick – Similar to a feeding frenzy, whale courtship is a frantic affair. This group of highly endangered North Atlantic Right Whales included one female avoiding 8 persistent males. These nimble giants moved surprisingly fast with their backs arched and enormous tails thrashing about.
American Goldfinch – Southern Ontario – It’s easy to attract wildlife with a well-stocked Bird Feeding Station. Normally set up for winter visitors, it can work well throughout the year. Expect different species to show up as they pass through your neighbourhood. It helps to modify your property to accommodate the feeders. Each yard requires a unique strategy. Ours includes the removal of invasive plants while cultivating native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers throughout our property.
Long-billed Dowitchers – Kindersley, Saskatchewan – Although severe weather impacts breeding success, alters habitats and reduces feeding opportunities, a simple change in weather can bring the animals into the open. Rain provides animals comfort from thirst or heat. A strong wind on the back of migrants can push large numbers forward. A storm front moving against bird migration can ground anything flying towards it. These Long-billed Dowitchers were grounded after a storm passed by. Always check your weather forecast before heading out.
Adult Atlantic Puffin pair courtship – Machias-Seal Island, New Brunswick – During the breeding cycle, pairs frequently display amorous bonds. Look for these types of behaviours wherever wildlife occurs, especially in spring and summer.
Red Fox – Eastern Ontario – Animals remain extremely focused during the hunt. Both predator and prey move with intensity as the chase ensues. Sometimes, their focus makes them unaware of surrounding photographers.
Adult Red-tailed Hawk – Eastern Ontario – Avian predators like hawks and eagles often behave predictably. Some hawks and falcons will hover while hunting. Eagles, vultures, other scavengers, and various mammals will congregate at carcasses. While migrating, hawks form large kettles at specific locations. If you’re present under ideal conditions, you’ll see hundreds of raptors take to the air twisting upwards into columns as they catch morning thermals.
© Tony Beck 2024
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony Beck is an award-winning, Nikon Ambassador, Vortex Ambassador, and freelance photographer based in Ottawa.
He teaches birdwatching and nature photography courses.
Follow Tony’s adventures at www.AlwaysAnAdventure.ca
