I did some “wingshooting” on this gorgeous Great Blue Heron at Deer Lake in #Burnaby, BC, today, and then watched it fish for awhile.

Here’s an example of using exposure compensation to get the look you want. These plants were at the edge of a pond at Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC.

I had the camera on a tripod, and took several shots, dialing in more and more negative, or minus, compensation with each shot.

EV – 0.7

EV – 1.3

EV – 2.0

EV – 2.7

EV – 3.3

EV – 4.0

All DSLRs should be able to do this, and many pocket cameras. Check your manual if you don’t know how to use these controls. It’s usually a button with a +/- sign on it. On my Nikon DSLRs it’s right next to the shutter button (that’s how useful it is!), and on my teeny pocket Canon, it’s right on the back next to the movie button. On some cameras, it’s unfortunately buried in a screen menu.

Enjoying the imminent onset of autumn? Are you nuts?

Nope, I love autumn. The coolness, the colours, the crisp and crunchy sound of leaves underfoot.

Autumn is a great time to view and photograph wildlife. Animals are active, knowing winter is coming, with some stocking up for the leaner months ahead, others migrating.

Here on the west coast of Canada, autumn also brings the iconic salmon back to local streams and rivers. It’s the season streamkeepers anticipate with hope for strong, healthy returns.

Belted Kingfisher

Autumn Stream of Dreams

There were lots of photographers at the Richmond Raptor Festival today. No wonder, it was a great opportunity to get some cool photos.

A spectacular Spectacled Owl.

Even the bee was going in for a closer look : -).

Falcon and trainer

Falcon in flight — damn they’re fast!

Closest I’ve ever been to a Turkey Vulture

Took my cameras for walks at Deer Lake Park and Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC, today. Lots of wildlife and sunny views.

Not sure if this is a “good” frog or a young invasive bullfrog sitting on a piece of wood floating in one of the Fraser Foreshore ponds

Great Blue Heron hanging out near the mouth of Byrne Creek

Lots going on around the Fraser Foreshore Ponds

Deer Lake Park is overrun with invasive Policeman’s Helmet, but the bees sure love it!

These frogs also look a bit big and bulbous… Invasive?

Despite the rain Yumi and I enjoyed a slow walk around Rice Lake in North Vancouver this afternoon. The rain made everything look lush and reflective.  Photos here.

What a treat on a rainy walk in south Burnaby — Yumi spotted this barred owl near Byrne Creek and we spoke to it gently while I fished my wee pocket Canon out for a few shots.

Yumi took the day off to work on her CPA program, and after five hours of stuffing her head decided she needed a break.

We are so fortunate to have such a lovely oasis of urban biodiversity right out our back gate!

It’s doing that ‘looking at you backwards’ thing that owls do so well.

Took a three-hour photo stroll along Fraser Foreshore Park in South Burnaby today.

Sparrow

American Robin

Oh yeah! There. Right there… Ah….

Spotted Towhee

I am song. Hear me sing.

Mallards

Northern Flickers

Flashing a bit of sleeve. This could set off a kimono duel… : – )

Cedar Waxwing

Tree swallow