Tag Archives: Nature photography

Ground Feeding Songbirds in the Snow

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"Resourceful, powerful and tougher than me, 
 Tiny birds foraging is an incredible sight to see."

It was the dishevelled state of the ground and needles on the walkway during a recent snowfall alerted me to this being an excellent area to monitor for ground feeding birds.

  • Two Varied Trush Birds perched in alder trees taken by TS Ni hUiginn
  • Black eyed junco foraging taken by Coastal Salish Artist TS Ni hUiginn
  • A varied trush taken by coastal salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin
  • Spotted Towhee on fence taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Black eyed junco perched on a branch taken by Coastal Salish Artist TS Ni hUiginn
  • Song sparrow on snowy branch taken by Coastal Salish Artist TS Ni hUiginn
  • Black eyed junco perched on a branch taken by Coastal Salish Artist TS Ni hUiginn
  • A Varied Trush perched in alder tree taken by TS Ni hUiginn

The birds who visited this site to forage were the varied thrush, black eyed juncos, sparrows and spotted towhees. You will see that these ground foragers are very aggressive with each other, preferring not to share even with their own kind. We are pretty pleased to be able to share this for those who love birds and nature to be able to enjoy. Moments like this are medicine, they help strengthen our spirits and our souls which we all need a steady supply of.

Be good to each other!

Reflecting on Reflections

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  • Clouds reflecting and buildings reflecting on building by by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Clouds reflecting on bc hydro building by by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A heron perching on an apartment building by by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn

Modern Architecture it is lighter and brighter than it once was. It makes everything seem bigger by reflecting the beauty of nature but I cannot help wonder what the modern birds think about all of these new artificial skies.

Minnie the Hep Cat

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“Minnie’s a hep cat now.”

Cab Calloway

No one I know is aware of Minnie’s background but I met this particular Tabby not that long ago when the kitty was homeless. Homelessness is not only a human affair, pets share these realities with their owners and perhaps it is easier to discuss this problem using a kitty as the subject rather than a person.

  • A photograph of a stray tabby taken cat by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin
  • A photograph of a stray tabby taken cat by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin
  • A photograph of a stray tabby taken cat by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin

When I first became acquainted with Minnie, she was officially Skinny Minnie having been out on her own for who know’s how long but she hadn’t eaten properly for some time by the looks of her. A little girl who lived in the community let me know of the kitties plight. Little girls are often kitty sensitive but this kitty would not eat the food she left out. Minnie was not a Moocher, she was definitely a Hep Cat so it was not until I made friend with her that she would come and dine on the kibble I brought her. She was also very fond of Cab Calloway tunes which we found we both had in common and we became fast friends.

  • A photograph of a stray tabby taken cat by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin
  • A photograph of a stray tabby taken cat by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin
  • A photograph of a stray tabby taken cat by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiggin

After that it whenever I went out Minnie tagged along, she was outdoorsy and rather proud, the question was would she adapt to being inside or would she freak out and run away. I carefully brought her inside, prepared to be ripped to shreds. Fortunately for all parties she did agree to indoor life and a lovely widow adopted her and the two of them are very cosy and happy today.

Homelessness, inflation and despair is now the norm in western cultures. For many years now housing insecurity and ever growing numbers of people being left homeless for no fault of their own and with no end in sight is adding to the ever increasing stress in our communities. The homelessness crisis is largely ignored by governments and the media but we all know it is very real and it affects all of us daily. It is important not to add to the despair by being unnecessarily cruel to those who are truly vulnerable and instead put energies into working together with others to fix the systematic and legislative ills that are creating these hardships for all of us.

Wandering on a Snowy Day

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'Wandering on a snowy day,
Wondering which way,
To go and play!'
  • Snowy Path by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Snowy Path by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Snowy Trees taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Icicles hanging off of an old fence by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Snow by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

Snow is incredibly delightful but fairly rare so when it falls it is like magic. The only trouble is deciding which way to go exploring before it melts.

Down at the sea shore it began to snow heavily and was very cold but the seagulls and geese didn’t mind. It is at this time that rational people go indoors and wait for the weather to break, I however opted to pull out my sweet little wildlife camera and tripod and record a bit of the storm for everyone to enjoy.

  • Snow by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Snow by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Snow by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Frozen Inlet by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Snow by the Sea Shore taken by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

It is always amazing to me how incredible and different the snow makes everything look, it is like taking a holiday without going anywhere. The hush and silence that the snow brings with it is just as brilliant and also a welcome change. It was a wonderful day tromping around in the snow and photographing lovely sites and getting soaked and cold. On my way back I took another short video of the same location, albeit shot from different vantage point of the same region that the snow had been falling on shortly before, what an incredibly difference and a perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Tiny Anna’s Hummingbird on Snowy Branch

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Sitting on a snowy branch,
Waiting for the spring,
Dreaming of the bright flowers,
And the happiness they bring.
  • Anna's Hummingbird on a snowy branch taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Anna's Hummingbird on a snowy branch taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Anna's Hummingbird and a Sunflower taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

While I was out taking these snowy shots a man approached me to inquire about what I was taking pictures of. I responded that I was shooting a hummingbird and he looked at me like I was insane and informed me that hummingbirds do not arrive until the spring. He was not right and he was not wrong, the Rufus hummingbirds arrive in the spring, however the lovely Anna’s live here year round. They are very tiny, and people don’t expect to see them in the snow but they are incredibly tough little birds, and I am very fond of them.

Raccoon Fight

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“We don’t have to go to wild places to find wildlife. A surprisingly wide range of species can be found in our cities and towns, from familiar animals like the raccoon to more exotic ones like the mountain lion.“

Roger Tory Peterson
  • Raccoon in Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoon in Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Raccoons fighting in a Tree taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

It was the crows that drew my attention to a little Raccoon in a tree that sits between a drug store and a parking lot. The crows were squawking loudly so it couldn’t get to sleep and I stood beneath the tree and just as rudely started taking pictures. I had only taken a couple shots when another Raccoon unexpectedly arrived upon the scene. This intrusion was too much for the now cranky original Raccoon to tolerate and the fur began to fly. Unfortunately I was not present at the end of this event as they ran off in a flash with the violated in pursuit of the offender. Friends of mine witnessed the pair on the next block running fast but they also are not aware of the conclusion. Who knows perhaps they are running still but it I do know it is highly unlikely that I will stumble across a raccoon fight again especially with my camera ready to shoot.

Salish Seagull Life

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Down by the bay,
the Seagull's play,
dressed in their fine feathers,
of black, white and grey.
  • Seagull splashing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull splashing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull splashing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull splashing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull splashing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull swallowing a Starfish taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull with a Starfish taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull with a Starfish taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

Seagulls are not always the most admired birds at the beach, one tends to overlook them for Eagles or Heron. The reason for this is unlike the others they are far more numerous and so common that they fail to turn many heads.

“As I watched the seagulls, I thought, that’s the road to take; find the absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust.”

Nikos Kazantzakis
  • Seagulls diving for starfish in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagulls diving for starfish in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagulls diving for starfish in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull with a Starfish taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A Seagull taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull with a clam taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagull with a Starfish taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagulls in the Surf taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

The Seagull is not only considered common by some it is also often scorned by others but that is only because they tend to let loose unpleasant showers of their faeces that no one wants to wear. The trouble with being disgruntled with this is that it is usually human beings that instigate this behaviour in the first place by feeding them.

“Do you remember you shot a seagull? A man came by chance, saw it and destroyed it, just to pass the time.”

Anton Chekhov
  • Flying Seagull taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Flying Seagull taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Flying Seagull taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Flying Seagull taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagulls bathing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagulls bathing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Seagulls bathing in the Salish Sea taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A flying Seagull taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

Seagulls can also be delightful, clever and amusing and bring many people comfort and joy. Their voices wake us every morning, they clean up our beaches and are our faithful companions on and off of the sea. They are familiar, comforting and have served as the muse and inspiration for artists and poets throughout history and with the many cultures that co-exist with the incredible seagulls.

“You do not ask a tame seagull why it needs to disappear from time to time toward the open sea. It goes, that’s all.”

Bernard Moitessier

A Tree Grows out of the DTES

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  • A tree and fern growing out of a a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A fern growing out of a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A tree and fern growing out of a a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A tree and fern growing out of a a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A tree growing out of a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A tree and fern growing out of a a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A tree and fern growing out of a a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A fern growing out of a a building in the DTES taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn

Nature photography is not strictly a rural affair. It is important to pay attention to what is actually going on around you and not to overlook the details. These strong and determined little plants make up one of the most delightful places I have ever spied.

Water Spirit

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Little frog,
little frog, 
snugly sleeping in the bog.

So petite,
with flippered feet,
catching tasty bugs to eat.
'Water Spirit' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.

Charles J. Craigan’s Water Spirit design is a celebration of the spiritual and physical relationship between the frog and fresh waterways. The Frog is symbolic as spiritual keepers of fresh water and waterways and it is a reminder of that we must show appreciation for these brilliant creatures and the water’s they protect.

  • Leaves on a forest pond taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A forest pond taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • Mountain Lake taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A fishing Heron taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn
  • A fishing Heron taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn

We think too small, like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view.

Mao Zedong

Frogs are important creatures, they are culturally significant and powerful to some, whereas others have far less respect for them. Some associate frogs with being unattractive or stupid but I have always found those comparisons unfounded. Frogs have proven themselves to be clever, resourceful and capable of survival when may of us would be challenged to do likewise. They are also a tasty treat for some although not to my personal taste, the heron however is far more fond of them than I. It won’t be long now until their beautiful voices rise in unison again announcing spring’s arrival once again, and spring without them would be unthinkably sad and lonely.

'Water Spirit Water Bottle' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit T-shirt' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Tank Top' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Phone Case' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Hoodie' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Long Sleeve T-shirt' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Pillow' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Blanket' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Mug' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
'Water Spirit Shopping Bag' a Traditional Pacific Northwest Native Frog Design by Sechelt Artist Charlie Craigan.
If you would like to support our artists, Charles Craigan’s Water Spirit Design is Available for purchase at his T-spring store. Clicking on any of the images will take you to his store.

That is the way it is done, the way it has always been done. Frogs have every right to expect it will always be done that way.

John Steinbeck

Beautiful Snowy Beaches and Trees

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Winter always touches the world,
in magical ways.
It lifts the spirit
and brightens the day.
  • A windswept snowy beach taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A snow falling on a beach taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A snow covered bull kelp (Nereocystis) on a beach taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A windswept snowy beach taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A snowy beach taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A snow covered tree taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A snow covered trees taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
  • A snowy day duck pond taken by Salish photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

There is something amazing about winter days, I love how day to day the weather and the scenery is always exciting and new. We mainly have rain and wind storms but the snow falls are few and far between. At the sight of fresh falling snow boots and camera’s are immediately equipped and the traipsing about before it melts begins. So here is a bit of winter’s beauty and the results of a day of these efforts that I am sharing with you today!