The Dream Shot

This was almost too good. We had watched these bears for a few hours, and we needed to pass them on our way back downriver. I switched to a wider lens, hoping to frame both bears and the waterfall. It was incredible timing that the bear stood up to watch us pass. Camera info: Sony A1 with Sony 70-200 G @ 70mm | 1/2000 f/4.0 ISO400

Mom and Cub

It was a relief to my friends at @wildwaterways_adventures to see this grizzly mother and cub because they didn't look ready for winter after a disappointing salmon run last fall. They feared it might have been a long hard winter, but this first sighting showed they're healthy and growing. They're also spectacular! Spending time photographing them in their habitat was a magical experience. I cannot wait to go back!

First Sighting

This was our first sight as we hit the mainland. While the team at Wild Waterway Adventures knows where they're likely to find bears, there are no guarantees, so it's always a relief to spot the first one during a long tour.

Learning the Ropes

Grizzly cubs stay with their mom for at least two years, so this yearling is likely spending one more summer and winter hibernation before setting out on her own.

Coastal Grizzly Bears

In December 2018, the BC government permanently closed grizzly bear hunting across the province. It was a welcome decision and an instrumental step in protecting these keystone species.

Grizzly Cub Portrait

When the BC governmnet ended the Grizzly bear hunt, they included an economical argument for their decision. It turns out that Grizzly bears boost the tourism industry, bringing in 12x more tourism income through eco-tourism than hunting tourism.

Photographing Bears

It's impossible to say that these bears are unaware of our presence, but Wild Waterways does an incredible job of minimizing our impact. The rules are simple. When a bear is spotted, the tour finds a safe place to stop and watch. They don't approach bears. Instead, they view the bears from a safe distance and allow them to continue their normal behaviour, which sometimes means they'll come closer or disappear into the distance. If you are on your own, it's best practice to stay at least 100m away, never approach the animal and watch for behaviour changes. If your presence affects the bear, it's essential to move out.

Feeding on Sedge Grass

In the spring, Grizzly bears feed on Sedge Grass. It's a nutritious meal, too, as sedge grass is up to 25% protein and forms an integral part of the coastal Grizzly bears' spring diet.

Coastal Black Bear

On the return trip from the mainland to Campbell River, we spotted this Back Bear along the coast. We only stopped briefly, but the sunlight cooperated beautifully for this image.

Convocation of Eagles

During a flood tide, tidal rapids near Campbell River force hake to the surface. Eagles know when it'll happen and they line up along the nearby shoreline waiting for their opportunity. Once the fish hit the surface, it's quite the feeding frenzy. Spent yesterday exploring with @wildwaterways_adventures. In just four hours, we saw a bit of everything - bears, dolphins, eagles, sea lions, and harbour seals.

In Flight Eagles

It was incredible to watch. More than 100 eagles sat perched on trees surrounding the coastal rapids. When the flood tide pushed the first Hake to the surface, they all seemed to take flight simultaneously.

Fed and Fleeing

The flood tide didn't bring as many fish to the surface as expected, so it wasn't long before the eagles were all flying away in search of their next meal.

In Flight Meal

It was incredible to watch as the eagles swooped down to catch Hake off the surface of the water. They can't waste time eating, as other eagles will dive in to steal their fish if they're not fast enough.

Nature's Process

This eagle feeding frenzie is a regular occurance near Campbell River, where opposing currents create strong tidal rapids. When Hake are forced to the surface quickly, they become trapped because their swim bladders expand. It makes an easy meal for eagles.

Juvenile and Immature Bald Eagle

Everyone across North America will recognize a Bald Eagle for its adult plumage with a white head. The definitive plumage isn't fully developed for 4.5-5 years. Based on this plumage, this eagle will likely be close to 1 year old.

Wing Damage

When a few hundred bald eagles compete for the same meal, it can get a bit physical. This mature eagle shows its battle signs on its right wing.