Tag Archives: Nature photography

The Wisdom of the Chickadees

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"Ah, yeah, yeah, I'll do that, my little chickadee."

Mae West
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn

It is very thrilling, to me at least, when the sweet sound of chickadee-dee-dee dances in my ears. This beacon is all it takes to make me stop in my tracks, drop what I am doing, and turn my attention towards finding the delightful source of the clamour. Adorable and powerful, the tiny chickadee is one of the sweetest creatures I have ever encountered. It is also one of the boldest and most confident. I find their tiny bravado very inspirational and a refreshing change from all the human anxiety and trepidation being shared wide and far these days.

Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn

Human’s aren’t capable of fully understanding the mysterious complexities of life despite all our claims of superiority. I am quite obviously no exception to this rule and have had to learn all of my lessons the hard way, which is through trial and failure. One vital thing I learned through this method is that it is always wise to avoid those who claim to be all knowing as they always turn out to be the most dishonest dullards you ever had the misfortune to spend time with. However not the Chickadee; the Chickadee is always a delight to hear and see, the Chickadee never bitches or complains, the Chickadee never puts others down to build itself up, the Chickadee is never confused, and finally the Chickadee moves with the grace and confidence of one of Mozart’s musical compositions as it goes about its business, never hesitating or questioning its purpose.

Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn
Adorable little Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) on a Sunflower photograph by TS Ni hUiginn

Within those large, wise Chickadee eyes, hold the truth and answers to the riddle that I will never be able to comprehend, much less answer. And that being, how, despite their petite size and being so low on the food chain that most other creatures will be happy having them for dinner, they still announce themselves with their delightful “Chicka-dee-dee-dee” when entering the scene? Despite their being limited by a lack of proper society with chickadee infrastructure, along with advanced economic systems to ensure them lifelong support, complete with cool devices and handy gadgets, they are far from meek or timid, nor are they dull-witted. In fact, they are rocking their existence with great passion. Whereas human beings, despite our size and being on top of the food chain while also benefiting from our excellent human infrastructure, our numerous systems, supports, and devices, we struggle with meekness and helplessness. We are far too anxious and fearful, for creatures who aren’t daily being hunted for dinner by many others. Our problems arise from being seemingly trapped in a dysfunctional codependent nightmare of our own creation which isn’t very superior of us at all.

These are very difficult times for many people who are struggling with grief, fear, and constant violence in many of our communities, along with the ongoing drone of negativity and hatred being spewed about these days. That is why I am instead sharing the joy and beauty of Chickadees with everyone out there, in the hopes that their songs and sights will lift the spirits of some other person and do them some good, even if only for a few precious moments. Life is fleeting, and we tend to over complicate and waste it chasing illusions, ever fearful of criticism or rejection that we readily heap onto each other daily. Instead of embracing ourselves and being like the Chickadee: proud, bold, and comfortable in their own natural feathers, and making the best of life with what you were born with, like your ancestors did, which is technically the reason any of us are here at all.

The Herons Snack

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"A water snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side; and it swam the length of the pool and came to the legs of a motionless heron that stood in the shadows. A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head, and the beak swallowed the little snake while its tail waved frantically."
- John Steinbeck

This is a photo illustration essay of a heron with which I had the good fortune of spending some quality time while it enjoyed a snack. The images tell the story, so I will refrain from redundant blathering. Nature is not always kind or gentle, but it is always beautiful and humbling. It is not easy to sneak up on a heron; they actually are very thin-skinned and temperamental at times. Stealth is something that the heron and I share, and both of us used it to great success on this day: the heron to get its snack and me to capture these images.

© TS Ni hUiginn

The Thrill of the Fog

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“Love is a fog that burns with the first daylight of reality.”
-Charles Bukowski

The human spirit is a very curious thing indeed; it never seems content, particularly when the climate is fair and the days are lovely. Perhaps this is not something that afflicts all of us, or maybe it is a symptom of my own cantankerous nature, because I often observe a multitude of souls laid out upon the beaches like lazy sea lions, soaking up the sun. I never tend to join them, even though I know it would do me good. This does not mean that there is anything wrong with them or me; it is only evidence that humans are diverse and varied individuals, not two-dimensional stereotypes being pumped out for the benefit of some corporation’s consumer expectations. Although I am not a sun person, I get a serious thrill when all the loveliness of fog alters the reality I once existed in, in such indescribably delightful ways, particularly when the water droplets highlight the seasonal efforts of our eight-legged friends.

These beautiful delights are very precious and incredibly brief; you have to move fast to beat the sun, who is vigorously pushing back the clouds to reclaim its domain. After the sweetness of light and shadow in the mist is burned away, you will find that everything is slightly different than before the fog. Everything is less lively and bright because the mildew and decay of winter have begun and will continue until all the pretty blossoms have all been obliterated.

When confronted with the fogs of trauma or adversity in our lives, the same fundamental truths hold true. Upon emerging from the engulfing haze that once shrouded our souls, we are inevitably confronted with a reality forever altered, unable to return to its former state. Change, much like the ever-shifting weather, is an inherent constant in our lives, albeit emotional fogs may not impact us all in equal measure. It is in this juncture that we, including myself as no exception, run the risk of squandering our existence in pursuit of what was, yearning for petals long since withered. A healthier alternative lies in embracing forward-looking optimism, as opposed to incessantly mourning the irretrievable past, or succumbing to the manipulative coercion of those who exploit our lingering pain for personal gain. Admittedly, perhaps due to my purported simplicity, it took me a considerable duration to embrace such a basic and rational principle: to acknowledge and even derive satisfaction from the fogs that befall my own life, and to accept the inevitable, splendid changes that accompany them.

© TS Ni hUiginn

Respect for our Mother Bears

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'Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.'

Proverbs 17:12
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

As I stood on the side of the road with my camera attempting to capture photographs of the majestic eagles, I couldn’t help but sense the watchful gaze of Mother Bear. I shifted my focus and shifted my attention towards the direction from which she appeared, maintaining a composed demeanour despite the mere few meters that stood between us. It is crucial to emphasize the necessity of maintaining rationality and remaining calm in unanticipated encounters with a Mother Bear and her cubs. Bears, contrary to certain misconceptions, are not mere brutish creatures, but rather exhibit a level of complexity and intelligence. Mother Bears are particularly renowned for their unwavering dedication to and protective nature towards their offspring, surpassing that of any other species on our planet, or so I am told.

Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

I must admit, I have not personally experienced being assaulted by a bear, whether it be by a male or female specimen, and therefore may not possess expert knowledge on this subject matter. However, I have encountered these majestic creatures during solitary excursions in the forest, with limited means of escape, and am well aware of the prevailing narratives surrounding the ferocity of nature. Surprisingly, though, I have never encountered an aggressive bear or felt threatened by any apex predator, except for encounters with certain human individuals whose conduct deviates from rationality and defies both the laws of nature and common sense.

Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

The bear in question was demonstrating a profound sense of maternal care and protection for her cubs, a behaviour that mirrors the innate instincts of humans when it comes to safeguarding our own children. This natural inclination is both admirable and understandable, resonating with our shared sense of parental responsibility. In nature or human communities, predators often exhibit a distinct preference for the disruption of the parent-child bond, as it serves their personal interests. These principles hold true across various ecosystems and social contexts.

Black Bear Cub in the Bush taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear Cub in the Bush taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

After she determined I was no threat she moved back into the forest allowing me to get a glimpse of her charges. One of the adorable young cubs displayed a greater sense of curiosity and took a better look at me, while expelling a small piece of litter it had picked up. Meanwhile, its more reserved sibling opted to stay close to its mother, preferring to remain concealed from view.

A Coastal Salish Native Black Bear and Salmon Design Created by TS Ni hUiginn
Click on the Image to Visit our T Spring Shop

This unexpected encounter was a truly exceptional privilege, among many. I have always held a deep affection for bears, and my interactions with them have consistently been delightful and profound. The mother bears I have encountered serve as a powerful symbols of the profound parent-child relationship, particularly in the realm of nurturing and caring for offspring. Given my own personal experiences with a limited parental bond in my youth, the presence of Mother Bear in both my life and artistic creations holds significant meaning. She stands as a tribute to all parents across different species, embodying their roles as protectors and caregivers for the young and vulnerable. In our human society, mothers and fathers play vital roles, sharing equal responsibilities in safeguarding their children. Therefore, this design is equally fitting for parents of both sexes, as well as for grandparents, aunts, and uncles, celebrating their inherent roles as guardians and protectors of children. I firmly advocate that parenthood is a noble endeavour deserving of increased recognition and comprehensive support in our modern society, just as it has been in our traditional societies.

Click on the Image to Visit our T spring Shop

This design holds immense symbolic significance as it represents the profound bond between parents and children. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to those dedicated guardians who tirelessly ensure the well-being of their offspring. Mother Bear is symbolic of their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of the young ones, ensuring their future and our ongoing survival as a species. Mother Bear, with its profound symbolism, is proudly made available for purchase on a variety of useful items through our T-Spring shop. By patronizing our shop, not only do you support us, but also contribute to the livelihood of other individuals such as printers, shippers, and other hardworking professionals who play an integral role in keeping our economies and societies functioning.

© TS Ni hUiginn

Bird and Bee Refreshment and Hygiene Station Construction

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The summer months in these regions are characterised by high temperatures. While they can be enjoyable, the arid conditions pose certain challenges, especially in areas that lack access to natural sources of water. We couldn’t ignore the thirst-inducing conditions faced by our feathered friends, insects, as well as the neighbour’s stuck-up cat. Although it’s a jerk that frightens the birds, it still doesn’t deserve to suffer. Determined to spread joy and quench their longing for water, Charles and I embarked on a mission to craft a charming concrete birdbath. Now, these delightful creatures can revel in moments of bliss, splashing around and basking in the warmth of the summer season, and we can film them with our handy little wildlife camera.

The birdbath was constructed using a combination of materials, including premixed cement, carefully chosen maple leaves and ferns, and dry soil. Our process involved meticulously creating a mold by shaping the soil to the desired depth and form. Subsequently, we adorned the mold with thoughtfully arranged maple leaves and ferns, following a circular pattern with a central petite leaf. Lastly, the premixed cement was liberally applied by gloved hands, ensuring a substantial layer before being left to cure for a few days to make sure it was good and strong.

We were thrilled when it didn’t crumble in our hands and couldn’t wait to witness the birds’ enthusiastic response, so we set up the birdbath in a peaceful corner frequented by our feathered friends, with a wildlife camera to capture every moment. We cordially invite you to peruse the accompanying imagery, wherein you shall witness the positive outcomes of our initiative.

Furthermore, an insightful video captures the sheer delight exhibited by our feathered friends as they engage with their newfound sanctuary. This undertaking, requiring minimal effort and financial investment, not only enhances our local community but also fosters harmonious coexistence with the diverse fauna in our midst. We wholeheartedly endorse this activity and encourage others to partake as well.

The Birdbath Symphony

When you watch this video be aware that the lovely songs of birds are complemented by an exquisite musical composition, “Bear in the Berries,” crafted by the talented Paul Clifford of Jawshop Adventure Recording fame. Soon, it, along with other unique and lovely audio gems, shall be available for purchase at the soon-to-be-launched Spicerack royalty-free loop shop and haberdashery.

© TS Ni hUiginn

The Value of Eating a Little Crow Now and Again

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     "If you have to eat crow, eat it while it's young and tender."
    
Thomas Jefferson

The Crows had been harassing the Ravens early in the morning when this Eagle struck. I did not witness it; I heard it and went to investigate. The Crows were especially irate, whereas they had been quiet earlier as they hid from the Ravens who were soaring overhead, warning them to back off. It was likely when they were distracted by the Ravens that the Eagle struck. I peered towards the commotion and saw the Eagle on a branch, tucking into its feast on a tree in a backyard up the way. Unwilling to trespass on the sleeping dweller’s property, I made my way up to the street that ran past the property to capture these few images. There was great tearing of flesh, breaking of bones, and plucking of feathers while the crows looked on helplessly as their loved one was consumed for breakfast. The Eagle heard and saw me but, after checking me out, decided that I was nothing to be concerned about and tucked back into its rather unappealing meal.

Eating Crow for breakfast does not sound very enticing, and it is not a common dish for humans. Despite this, I have eaten a lot of crow (not an actual corvid, that would be disgusting). The crow I am referring to is the one we must eat after being found out to be a complete ass. Despite how utterly vile it is to have to eat crow, to choke back our humiliation and shame, it should not be avoided. You will only feel better once you have done so. It is best done while the crow is fresh. Trying to avoid it or skip it is impossible as the crow waits and rots, becoming less and less appealing. If you hold your nose and do it, you will find that eating crow is actually fortifying, edifying, and will help you grow and expand. It builds character and helps you on your journey to fulfilling your full potential and become as magnificent and powerful as the Eagle.

© TS Ni hUiginn

Snipe Hunting

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'Remember, the snipe call is this: "Woo loo loo, woo loo loo." '

Hank Hill (Cheryl Holliday - King of the Hill)

I am not sure when, or why Snipes became lumped in with Snarks and Questing Beasts of Old. However the truth is, mirth aside, I have been known to enjoy a good Snipe Hunt on occasions, albeit rather rare ones. Rare, not due to their being too few snipes but because they are not known to tolerate humans. The truth is that going on a Snipe Hunt is very often a fools errand particularly if you try to call them, they are very elusive birds. On this particular occasion, he was not aware of my presence when he arrived to feed near where I was waiting with my gear and I took care not to alert him to my presence. Their beautiful song is common and I have heard them often however this is one of the few times I have seen one and I feel very blessed to have been able to take these few photos. If you are yourself interested in hunting Snipe they tend to stick to marshes and bogs where they feed, but move gently and respectfully less they take offence to your presence and make haste to safer grounds.

© TS Ni hUiginn

Dreadful Yet So Lovely Found upon a Leaf

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"Everything is determined, the beginning as well as the end, by forces over which we have no control. It is determined for the insect, as well as for the star. Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible piper." 

- Albert Einstein

Recently I spied this dreadful yet so lovely little creature posing perfectly on a leaf in a urban garden waiting to be discovered. What can one say about those huge dreamy eyes, those delicate wings and spiked long deadly legs that could do them justice?

Actually this Robber Fly was not waiting to be discovered in order to become a social media sensation, he is actually waiting for something to fly by to mug, thus the name Robber Fly. And they do not steal pollen or nectar off the passing bug and send them on their way bruised and disgruntled. They steal lives and their prey includes Bees, Flies, Dragon Flies and even another Robber Flies, they aren’t picky eaters. You may now be thinking right now if I know this then why did I not swat it instead of admiring and photographing it? Those would be very reasonable questions or responses to coming across something that is lying in wait for an innocent victim that is is going to consume alive. However it is not my place to do so, nature is far wiser and quite qualified to manage herself, far better I, a mere human is, in fact.

Nature is a gift, something to respect and appreciate, it is something we are a part of and not a simple possession we have total dominion over. The Robber Fly is a necessary predator, they do their part to keep insect populations under control, even their own. This helps balance matters meaning that the grasshoppers do not over populate and wipe out crops leaving famine for the rest of us. We are very fortunate that Robber Flies exist and they are such an important and necessary part of nature that they exist on every corner on this planet. We need to respect them because they help us in their own ghoulish way as well as the fact that I for one do not want to have to eat grasshoppers, humans are not meant to do the jobs of Robber Flies.

Gone Picking

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"If you would know the flavor of huckleberries, ask the cowboy or the partridge. It is a vulgar error to suppose that you have tasted huckleberries who never plucked them. A huckleberry never reaches Boston; they have not been known there since they grew on her three hills. The ambrosial and essential part of the fruit is lost with the bloom which is rubbed off in the market cart, and they become mere provender. As long as Eternal Justice reigns, not one innocent huckleberry can be transported thither from the country's hills."

- Henry David Thoreau

Tangy and sweet, hanging in thick clusters, the mere sight of plump red berries bursting on the branches is enough to get any hunter gatherer’s heart thumping and blood pumping. This doesn’t only apply to humans, the bears and birds are also pretty keen to get to the berries before they are gone so the competition is pretty fierce. Just as it was in Thoreau’s time it takes some effort to get to the berry patches, or even find them for that matter. Success is also contingent on the weather and their receiving the proper amount sun and rain and if these conditions are not met the season is spoiled. That is not the case this year so I am particularly thrilled. That is because I find berry picking to be one of the most pleasant and practical ways to spend time, the whole experience is medicine. The berries are by far more delicious than anything you could purchase in a store plus you get the bonus of fresh air and exercise. It is far better and more practical than a combined trip to the doctor, gym and grocer’s, plus money is not part of the equation, it is the ultimate all natural experience.

© TS Ni hUiginn

In The Caterpillars Lair

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"'Are you content now?' said the Caterpillar.

'Well, I should like to be a little larger, sir, if you wouldn't mind,' said Alice: 'three inches is such a wretched height to be.'

'It is a very good height indeed!' said the Caterpillar angrily, rearing itself upright as it spoke (it was exactly three inches high)."

-Charles Lutwidge Dodgson AKA Lewis Carroll

It isn’t likely that anyone will destroy this silky creation being the alder that host’s it is little more than a roadside weed that no one will step into rescue. This includes myself as it is not my place to interfere in the relationship between tree and caterpillar, for all I know they both may be benefiting from each other. It doesn’t look good though to see the leaves all chewed away and barren and many would say their presence spoils the view.

Many people find these types of creatures unpleasant and unsightly however there is beauty found glistening off of their intricate silky home. There is beauty in everything which you will eventually find if you carefully look for it. It is indeed a pretty wondrous and impressive to be able to weave such an amazing abode and to be able to spend your summer in such a scenic and comfortable location simply through your own effort. This is something as humans, even if we could do, we would never dare reduce ourselves to do. Instead we would create rules against performing such practical and natural activities in order to sate our egos by separating us from the lowly animals as well as stimulate our ever failing economies.

© TS Ni hUiginn