In retrospect, I was setting myself up for a bit of a letdown. I first visited London when I was fresh out of school. At that time, I was only planning to spend a few days there, and then hop on a bus to take a drunken camping tour to Morocco. As it happened, the …
Sometimes people ask me what kind of photographer I am. “The talented kind ” I want to reply, but somehow I don’t think that’s what they are asking. I have been a wildlife photographer, a scenic photographer, a travel photographer, a portrait photographer and, for a short time, a wedding photographer. (I actually love wedding …
I’ve spent a fair bit of time crossing this country from one end to the other, and I’ve come to realize that to really understand this nation, there are a few experiences that every Canadian should have at least once. Every Canadian should be in Ottawa for Canada Day, for example. Everyone should drink Caribou …
Read more “Fishing in the Whiteshell: The Perfect Canadian Getaway”
Nature and culture in one of South America’s great cities, Buenos Aires I am a very enthusiastic walker. I take tremendous joy in getting around at my own speed, under my own power, on my own terms. And I consider myself doubly blessed to have found someone to share my travels with, who shares not only …
Read more “Walking Buenos Aires: Beautiful Birds and Barrios”
Vancouver’s Coal Harbour is one of my favourite spots to watch the seasons change. Late this afternoon, I was walking towards Stanley Park for a meeting at the Stanley Park Ecology Society, where I volunteer. (You should support them—they do kickass work.) Anyway, walking out of downtown into the park is always a pleasure. You leave …
Visiting St. Petersburg by cruise ship feels like a bit of a tease: so much to see, so very little time. All cruising is like that, of course, and you learn to make the most of the time you have. But the Russians add a layer of complexity to the issue: you’re not allowed to …
Read more “From St. Petersburg, With Love (And Reservations)”
I’ve been a naturalist long enough to know that as soon as you project human values on the animal world, it’s going to come back and bite you. Let’s face it: eagles are far from noble, no matter how much they look the part. Owls are no wiser than any other bird of prey, and …
They’re loud, greedy, invasive, polluting and aggressive. They eat anything that moves and a lot of things that don’t. Hate them if you will, but seagulls are 100% badass. Here are the secrets to their astounding success. 1. Communicate. Loudly. Oh, I know what you’re thinking. “They screech and they squawk; you call that communicating?” …
Apparently river otters never got the memo about staying in the rivers. I’m a compulsive explainer. Wait, let me explain: I have worked as an interpretive naturalist for a very long time, and I really love what I do. So when I’m out for a walk, just minding my own business enjoying the fall colours, …
When you walk the same route every week of the year, you become finely attuned to the passing of the seasons. I spend at least part of every day wishing I had my camera with me—walking by scene after scene, trying to emblazon it on my memory, resolving that next time I’ll have my Nikon. …