There’s a unique stillness at 0500am that few people experience. The world is quiet, and the promise of a new day holds a special allure for a wildlife photographer. This morning, I set out for Island View Beach with high hopes of capturing black and white ducks in the soft dawn light.
Upon arriving, the beach was devoid of the ducks I sought. Frustration began to creep in as I wondered if the early wake-up had been worth it. Just as I was lamenting my situation, I spotted a majestic heron perched high in a tree. The sight lifted my spirits. Moments later, a bunny appeared. While I managed to photograph one, the rest scattered into the brush as I crunched through the gravel, thwarting my attempts at stealth.
As I continued my walk, a commotion of crows caught my attention in the distance. Curious, I took off running towards the source of the noise. As I neared, I hit the jackpot: two bald eagles perched in separate trees and a brown eagle, which I believe was a golden eagle! Excitement surged through me as I captured this incredible sight through my lens.
A brown eagle is commonly referred to as a golden eagle. Golden eagles are known for their dark brown plumage, with lighter golden-brown feathers on the back of their heads and necks, giving them their name. They are one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in North America.
One of the eagles I captured is silhouetted against a white sky background due to the rising sun. The backlighting from the dawn light caused me to lose details in the eagle while photographing, creating a striking yet elusive silhouette that emphasizes its majestic form.
Eagles of any kind are truly majestic and magical. Their incredible skills and striking beauty never cease to amaze me. Whether it's the way they soar effortlessly through the sky, their keen hunting prowess, or the regal presence they command, eagles embody a sense of wonder that words can hardly capture. Seeing an eagle in real life is an indescribable experience; there's an almost ethereal quality to their presence that leaves me in awe every single time. Each encounter feels like a rare and precious gift, a moment of pure connection with the wild that I cherish deeply.
The return journey to my car was graced with encounters of crows and smaller birds, adding to my collection of the day’s photographs. I was thrilled to test out my new Sony A7R V, which performed smoothly, though I’m still honing my skills to achieve perfect crispness with my 600mm lens. Birds move fast, presenting an exhilarating challenge.
Not content with ending the day there, I headed to Esquimalt Lagoon to test my camera further on herons. Though they were distant and difficult to focus on, I managed to capture three beautiful reflections and some close-ups. The lagoon didn’t offer the variety of birds I had hoped for, but the morning’s success with the eagles more than made up for it.
Herons are incredibly statuesque. They stand so still in the water that you might not even realize they are alive, but they are. Despite their feathers, they have no problems being wet. They are also incredible fishers, using their sharp beaks to swiftly spear fish with remarkable precision. Their patience and stealth make them highly effective hunters, often waiting motionless for the perfect moment to strike.
This experience reinforced the value of early mornings. There’s something magical about connecting with nature in solitude, just me and the birds. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love wildlife photography. Each outing is an opportunity to improve my skills and deepen my appreciation for the natural world right in my own backyard.
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