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Fine Art Prints { 35 images } Created 18 Oct 2022

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  • Photographer:  Liron Gertsman<br />
<br />
The annual salmon run on the British Columbia coast brings one of my favourite spectacles in nature: a huge gathering of Bald Eagles! Tens of thousands of them are drawn to the rivers and streams of southwestern British Columbia, where they scavenge on the carcasses of spawned-out salmon. I've visit the gathering for 8 years. On one particular day, I spent the morning waiting on the edge of a river. My patience was rewarded when an eagle flew down to a salmon carcass washed up in some grass. Eagles often watch other eagles to find out where food is, so it wasn’t long before an "aerie" of seven eagles (six of which were in this image) were on the ground, squabbling over the carcass.
    An Aerie of Eagles
  • Photographer:  Ray Maichin<br />
<br />
The Western Red Cedar is an iconic cultural keystone species and is the official tree of BC. The Coast Salish story of the tree’s origins follows a generous man that was constantly giving away his food and possessions to those in need. The “Creator” acknowledges the man’s benevolence and decides that when the man dies, a red cedar will grow where he is buried allowing him to continue to provide for the people.<br />
<br />
I did my best to capture the sheer enormity of this ancient coniferous giant, but it is another thing entirely to see it in person. Unfortunately, trees such as these continue to be unsustainably harvested. Pressure continues to mount on the BC government to put an end to old growth logging, specifically at Fairy Creek where over a thousand arrests have been made of environmentalists peacefully protesting the irreversibly destructive practices of old growth logging in the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation.
    Ancient Giant
  • Photographer:  Shane Gross<br />
<br />
A close up portrait of the mouth and oral disc of a rose anemone (Urticina piscivora) in Browning Pass, Queen Charlotte Strait, British Columbia, Canada.
    Anemone
  • Photographer:  Ray Maichin<br />
<br />
Walking on a trail in the woods I thought I was alone, until mama bear poked her head out from the bush! I kept my calm and continued to walk along the path until I was clear of her, what I didn't see was that she was with two cubs! From a safe distance I took out my camera and began shooting which resulted in this tender moment between mom and cub. I came away very happy with the result, the green background with large trees and ferns representative of a natural pacific northwest scene. Although this situation ended safely, it is important to always consider being aware of your surroundings and practicing bear safety. Bear attacks are rare, but that doesn't mean we shouldn’t respect their space, especially when a mother is with her cubs.
    Bear Necessities
  • Photographer:  Mark Williams<br />
<br />
Witnessing this mother and daughter breach together was a special moment. It was a foggy day, visability extremely low and I went out to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve in the assumption that it would be the only place I may find some wildlife. As I left the reserve, still moving slowing through the dense advection fog, I could hear the unmistakeable blow of killer whales to the west. I slowly continued in that direction and then spotted this pair, the mother breaching with her young calf. There are many theories as to why orcas breach, from removing unwanted skin parasites to communication with other whales or even for finding out their location relative to land — but to me, it looked as if the mother was teaching the calf to jump and they were having a great time If they are using breaching for communication it makes me think of what an acoustic world they live in. The visibility in the water is often so low that a whale may not even be able to see its own tail. Instead they use sound, as water is such an ideal medium for transmitting sound waves. Echolocation is used for navigation; for locating prey; and even for identifying objects or to differentiate between fish species. They have very complex languages with different dialects which they use to distinguish between different pods. Underwater noise pollution from shipping and tankers is getting worse every year, making it hard for a number of cetaceans to find each other, creating myriad other issues that can cause a decrease in their population. This issue needs more awareness so we are able to improve with quieter propellers (which furthermore would cause less carbon emissions) and better regulations.
    Breach
  • Photographer:  Liron Gertsman<br />
<br />
Travelling through a region in the northwest of my home province of British Columbia, Canada, I spotted a brown figure moving through the shrubbery out of the corner of my eye. I pulled over, and moments later, a mother Grizzly Bear emerged from the forest, leading her cubs across the highway. The young cubs seemed both curious and intimidated by their unknown surroundings. Animals frequently show me that they are so much more complex and may have much more emotion than we often give them credit for.
    Curiosity
  • Photographer:  Donna Feledichuk<br />
<br />
Every January a pair of mating great gray owls make their way back to a location close to my home to being their preparation to lay eggs and raise a new group of owlets. I frequently see the pair out hunting together from the end of January until mid-March when the eggs would be laid. The pair were working their way down a field, landing mostly on fence posts as there were few trees along the one edge of the field they were hunting. The female found a temporary perch on a solitary tree, bending the branches as it sat to listen and watch the snow-covered field. The setting sun gave a slight pinkish-purple tinge to the sky. I personally love this photo because it is so rare to see a great gray owl so out in the open. Usually, most photos of great gray owls show them in trees with dark or busy backgrounds. The openness of this image, the look of the owl out to vastness just gives me a feeling of tranquility.
    Enjoy the Quiet Times
  • Photographer:  Chelsie Xavier-Blower
    Fire Waves
  • Photographer:  Shane Kalyn
    Hummingbird Symmetry
  • Photographer:  Dave Sandford
    Innocence
  • Photographer:  Donna Feledichuk<br />
<br />
This second-year coastal brown bear cub always was at its mother side during a trip to Lake Clark, Alaska. According to the locals, two of its siblings had been killed by a male early in the spring. The mother was understandably overly cautious and kept a close eye on her last remaining cub. Frequently female bears with cubs will get uncomfortably close to people to avoid males. As the mother started off to hunt for salmon, she left the cub close to my location, almost like I was anointed its babysitter, and then she walked about 100ft away to the mouth of the nearby stream. The cub lay patiently in the rain and waited for its breakfast. I love this photo because it reminds me of my own children. Like most kids they quickly become bored when the parents are hard at work, this cub looks like it hates being there, hates the rain, and just wants mom to hurry up and finish. Although it is a bear it had such great expressions almost human-like at times that allowed me to feel a connection to this cub.
    Is it Friday Yet?
  • Photographer:  Shane Kalyn
    Island in the Sky
  • Photographer:  Shane Gross<br />
<br />
School of black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) shelter in a Bull kelp forest (Nereocystis luetkeana). Browning Pass, Port Hardy, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Queen Charlotte Strait, North East Pacific Ocean.
    Kelp and Rockfish
  • Photographer:  Dave Sandford<br />
<br />
SVALBARD  - JUNE 24:  Arctic adventures around Svalbard.  (Photo by Dave Sandford/One Ocean)
    Lucy
  • Photographer:  Chelsie Xavier-Blower
    Mighty Perspective
  • Photographer:  Justin Taus<br />
<br />
A pair of Northern Gannets greet each other at their nest on Bonaventure Island, in Quebec, Canada. Gannets are monogamous for life and re-unite with their partners every breeding season after spending their winters apart. Whenever the pair reunites after a separation, they take part in “mutual fencing”. This consists of both birds facing each other, shaking their heads and clacking their bills together while calling. Eventually they bow and take part in mutual preening. <br />
Exploring this island, which is home to North America’s largest Northern Gannet colony with an estimated population of 110 000 birds, will definitely go down as one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
    Northern Gannets
  • Photographer:  Liron Gertsman<br />
<br />
On the coast of British Columbia lives a unique group of Grey Wolves. Sometimes known as coastal wolves, sea wolves, and rain wolves, their diet and behaviours differ from their inland relatives. They survive primarily off of food from the sea. It took five wildlife photography trips over many years to their habitat Vancouver Island, where I took this image, before I caught a glimpse of this remarkable animal. This individual was the first wolf I’d ever seen. The encounter felt magical. Watching this beautiful animal emerge from the forest cover and walking out onto the shoreline was a gift I won’t soon forget.
    Of Land and Sea
  • Photographer:  Mark Williams<br />
<br />
A beautiful female grizzly bear forages along the intertidal zone in first light of the day. She moves gracefully but efficiently, as she turns huge rocks effortlessly, looking for food, making the most of the morning low neap tide.
    Old Soul
  • Photographer:  Zach Baranowski
    Orcas
  • Photographer:  Zach Baranowski
    Preston Lake Lillypad
  • Photographer:  Josh DeLeenheer<br />
<br />
The return of salmon to the coastal rivers of British Columbia bring with them other forms of wildlife in search of their nutritious value. Among those in search of the salmon are black bears, who wander the river banks looking for ideal locations to catch a meal. This lone black bear found a pool in which several spawning salmon were swimming. Finding salmon is relatively easy; catching them is something else entirely. As I watched the bear charged into the cold waters, hoping to pounce on one of the panicked chum salmon startled by the sudden activity. Despite the bear's best efforts, they were not rewarded with a meal. After a couple attempts it moved on to find another pool where it might have more success.
    Rain Maker
  • Photographer:  Shane Kalyn
    Raven Love
  • Photographer:  Justin Taus<br />
<br />
A Red fox mother and her kit interact near their den in southern Quebec in May 2021. I felt incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to observe this fox family this spring and summer.  A great deal of research in the field enabled me to discover how and why they utilized different areas of their territory and at which times of the day they were most likely to be active in particular areas. Finding strategic vantage points from which to observe the family without bothering it was essential to ensure the well being of the animals, and also allowed me to witness natural behaviours such as nursing, hunting, rest and play. Often considered to be a dangerous pest by people in urban and rural communities alike, I hope that my photographs of these incredibly dedicated, courageous and busy parents caring for their offspring will change a few minds. 
    Red Foxes
  • Photographer:  Josh DeLeenheer<br />
<br />
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is a protected area for marine mammals, birds, and a multitude of other life forms that have found home on the islands. Marine protected areas are vital to the long-term survival of aquatic species. By providing safe spaces for animals to rest, breed, and feed they enable wildlife to exist unencumbered from human threats. Race Rocks is a prime example of how successful protected areas can be.
    Safe Haven
  • Photographer:  Shane Gross<br />
<br />
Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) migrate up river on Vancouver Island, Canada.
    Salmon
  • Photographer: Kristian Gillies<br />
<br />
A grizzly bear looks ahead whilst on the hunt for spawning salmon in Toba Inlet. Salmon feed a variety of species throughout British Columbias coastal ecosystems and bears like this one are no exception. Without better management of our coastal fisheries, these delicate ecosystems will crumbled.
    Searching for Salmon
  • Photographer:  Kristian Gillies<br />
<br />
A northern-resident killer breaks the surface on a still morning in the Johnstone Strait. Unlike their southern cousins, the northern population of fish eating killer whales are doing slightly better with over 300 individuals spread across three unique clans. With more fish to eat and less underwater acoustic disturbances it is easy to see why the numbers are northern resident are growing steadily, as apposed to their critically endangered cousins.
    Silent Waters
  • Photographer:  Chelsie Xavier-Blower
    Still Horizon
  • Photographer:  Dave Sandford<br />
<br />
CHURCHILL, MB - OCTOBER 29: Polar Bears on October 29, 2019 in Churchill, Manitoba. (Photo by Dave Sandford)
    The Bear Hug
  • Photographer:  Josh DeLeenheer<br />
<br />
Roosevelt elk were nearly exterminated from coastal British Columbia due to overhunting and poaching. Fortunately, their populations are slowly recovering, numbering about 5400-5600, of which 4200 live on Vancouver Island. Despite the low numbers the government of B.C. continues to issue hunting permits, which adds pressure in addition to the natural predation that occurs. Poaching also continues to threaten the elk populations as unethical hunters kill the animals, sometimes leaving the unharvested carcas to rot.<br />
<br />
Wanting to highlight the challenges faced by the Roosevelt elk in the province I have made many trips to locate and photograph them. In posting images of them, I include as much information as possible to inform people of their circumstances and encourage others to report poaching when encountered. This beautiful bull elk was a member of a small herd of males. It regarded me cautiously but continued to forage as I photographed it. A primary objective in all my photography is not to disturb wildlife or cause them stress. I was grateful to have the opportunity to observe it without disruption.
    The Crowned Prince
  • Photographer:  Mark Williams<br />
<br />
Sitting with my engine off I heard this killer whale approaching before I had set eyes on him. For most of the time I had seen him he had been doing long dives, surfacing every 6 minutes or so, then something changed. There was some were some unusual splashes in the water and my educated guess was that he had killed a porpoise as there was a very small slick of oil on the surface and the seagulls started to dive in the water to eat the leftovers. After this he continued on his way, heading west but with 3 huge breaches, its easy to incorrectly anthropomorphize when it comes to wild animals but to me it looked like he was celebrating after his kill.<br />
<br />
There are many theories as to why orcas breach, from removing unwanted skin parasites to communication with other whales or even for finding out their location relative to land — If they are using breaching for communication it makes me think of what an acoustic world they live in. The visibility in the water is often so low that a whale may not even be able to see its own tail. Instead they use sound, as water is such an ideal medium for transmitting sound waves. Echolocation is used for navigation; for locating prey; and even for identifying objects or to differentiate between fish species. They have very complex languages with different dialects which they use to distinguish between different pods. Underwater noise pollution from shipping and tankers is getting worse every year, making it hard for a number of cetaceans to find each other, creating myriad other issues that can cause a decrease in their population. This issue needs more awareness so we are able to improve with quieter propellers (which furthermore would cause less carbon emissions) and better regulations.
    The Lone Wolf of the Sea
  • Photographer:  Donna Feledichuk<br />
<br />
It was early morning late in the fall and the summer birds had started to migrate. Living at the intersection of two major migratory pathways I see over two hundred different bird species annually. On this morning many different species of pipers were along the shoreline. There was a mist that morning that laid low just barely above the lake, filtering the colors of the sunrise. The sandpipers were actively foraging along the shoreline when this trio lined up perfectly. The peacefulness of this morning is what I love about this photo. The stillness of the water, the soft colors, and the alignment of the pipers could not be more calming. Not since this photo was taken have I come across such perfect conditions to allow such pastel sky colors paired with totally calm waters.
    Tranquil Moments
  • Photographer:  Justin Taus<br />
<br />
The Trumpeter swans’ range historically spanned from Alaska on the west coast of North America through to the border of Ontario and Quebec in the east before they were hunted to near extinction in the early 1900’s. Today they survive mostly along the west coast although there are small populations that reside year-round in the US midwest and in Ontario thanks to re-introduction projects spearheaded by the Trumpeter Swan Society and their partners.<br />
<br />
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to photograph these magnificent birds in Northern Ontario. This particular population was re-introduced to the area in 1996 using eggs collected in Alaska and Alberta, and it continues to evolve with numbers currently estimated at 1,200 throughout the Canadian province. <br />
<br />
The trumpeter swan is North America’s largest flying bird, with males averaging over 26 pounds and reaching 6 feet in length.
    Trumpeter Swan
  • Photographer:  Kristian Gillies<br />
<br />
J38, one of the 74 remaining southern resident killer whales porpoising in the open ocean. These whales have had a tough few decades, initially being targeting for capture and distribution to seaworld amusement parks in the late 60's, these whales now face a shortage of their primary food source - chinook salmon, unprecedented levels of underwater disturbance and a high rate of infant mortality. The future looks bleak for these last remaining whales
    Wild and Free
  • Photographer:  Ray Maichin<br />
<br />
Every year near 100 mile house British Columbia, I visit a nearby lake bustling with wildlife. Among beavers, toads, deer, and countless species of birds are the Common Loons. One mother loon makes a point to nest on a small island in the middle of the lake every year. Respecting her distance, I took a paddle boat out towards the island while she sat on her lone egg. After leaving her post to forage, she would emerge from the water in a spectacular fashion after diving for fish and other lake creatures. It was during one of these moments after watching her pop out that I pointed my camera in her direction after emerging from the green and blue water. Ridding herself of water on her back and wings, the loon extended her wings and shook herself off. With a fast shutter speed I was able to capture her in motion, with water droplets shooting off the wings in a watery spectacle.
    Wingspan