close your eyes and hope for the best

Vancouver Island Marmot. One of the most critically endangered species in the world.
(click image to enlarge)

It’s strange to be humbled by a creature not much larger than the average men’s hiking boot.

Day One
It took me a while to fully comprehend that the small bundle of fur sitting alone, gazing up at me, represents around 3% of the total wild population of her species. Within a few hundred yards I would see several more of what constitutes 25% of all wild Vancouver Island Marmots.

I’ve just hiked with a researcher into the mountains near Nanaimo BC into an ecological reserve inaccessible to the public. When I consider that I’m the first photographer allowed access, I feel privileged and excited.

There’s something very, very special about being in a wild place and seeing an animal in it’s natural habitat. Even better when there is no one else around, where every moment is private. Special can’t begin to describe how this feels when you are with one of only about 35 of these animals. I wonder if the marmots know. What would they do if they knew?

(more…)

The annual Capelin roll, Cape Bonavista Newfoundland Canada.
(click image to enlarge)

The frenzy will last along these beaches for about 2 days as millions of capelin roll in with the surf where the females spawn and the males fertilize the eggs before they too die.

There are certain dates in one’s life that leave a lasting impression. We remember in finite detail the events leading to the implantation.

Such was the case on July 2, 1992 when The Honourable John Crosbie stood on a soapbox in Newfoundland and announced: “It’s not my fault. I didn’t take the fish out of the God damn water.” Give Crosbie his due, whether wise or not, he faced the music and stood before a lynch mob after his neck.

(more…)