Category Archives: Photography

Photography, Streamkeeping

Fire on Byrne Creek in Burnaby, BC

There was a fire at Byrne Creek in SE Burnaby today.

Thanks to a regular trail walker for reporting it and then contacting streamkeepers.

And a big thank you to @BurnabyFire for a swift and effective response!

It was on the high trail, and firefighters were still up there ensuring no sparks were left, so I stayed out of their way.

Will check it out tomrrow.

byrne creek fire burnaby bc

Nature, Photography

Peregrine Falcon on Byrne Creek in Burnaby, BC

Interesting how perception works, and how your mind can filter what you’re seeing.

peregrine falcon byrne creek burnaby bc

I photographed this raptor on July 28 in an area between the tennis courts and Brynlor Dr. on the Byrne Creek trail in Burnaby, BC.

I remember thinking “some kind of hawk” and then forgot to post the photos anywhere. Well, now the iNaturalist hive mind points out it’s a Peregrine Falcon. Duh, looking again, the black cheeks are pretty obvious.

As I recall I’ve only shot a Peregrine once or twice before, one time being at Iona Beach Regional Park near YVR.

My mind just did not expect to see a Peregrine on Byrne Creek, eh?
Nature, Photography

Wildlife/Nature Photography Walk for Burnaby Parks

Here’s a handout I created for a nature walk/wildlife photography tour I led for the City of Burnaby Parks Dept. recently.

Paul Cipywnyk | @paulcip | cipywnyk.com/blog/

City of Burnaby Parks Wildlife/Nature Photography Walk

Ron McLean Park > Byrne Creek Ravine Park > Taylor Park

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Tips for Wildlife & Nature Photography

  • Take lots of photos!
  • Carry an extra battery
  • Carry an extra card
  • Use a monopod or tripod
  • Have a friend be a spotter
  • Listen
  • Take a slow pace
  • Study wildlife – read books on birding, tracking, mammals, reptiles, fish, sea life, etc.
  • Anticipate where you may see wildlife
  • Adjust your camera settings to your surroundings and lighting. For example, use a higher ISO early in the morning or evening, or in darker areas like forests
  • Even with Vibration Control, it’s good to keep ISO high enough to ensure a fast shutter speed, particularly with telephoto lenses
  • Don’t put yourself into dangerous situations
  • Be respectful of wildlife (Search “ethical wildlife photography” online)
  • Join iNaturalist to get help with ID, and share your observations

Explore different kinds of habitat

  • Streams
  • Rivers
  • Ponds
  • Lakes
  • Beach/Ocean
  • Forests
  • Meadows
  • Marshes
  • Transition zones between different kinds of habitat are wildlife hot spots

Some good areas in Burnaby

  • Burnaby Lake
  • Deer Lake
  • Barnet Marine Park
  • Fraser Foreshore Park
  • Central Park
  • Local streams

Some good areas in the lower mainland

  • Reifel Sanctuary
  • Stewart Heritage Farm
  • White Rock pier/beach, Crescent Beach
  • Centennial Beach
  • Boundary Bay
  • Check out Metro Vancouver Parks online for lots of great parks
  • Check out municipality parks department websites
Nature, Photography

Red-tailed Hawk in South Burnaby, BC

I’ve been nursing a sore foot, so Yumi headed out for a pre-dinner walk on her own. About three minutes later I got a text “Hawk by the hockey court at Ron McLean Park!”

So I grabbed a camera and hobbled over. Yumi was long gone, but I did take about 125 shots and some vid of the gorgeous raptor grooming in a tree.

Despite kids whacking balls around and loud music playing, the
hawk was completely calm. . .

red-tailed hawk burnaby bc

I didn’t even notice the Hummingbird checking out the hawk in this video until I was editing at home 🙂

Photography, Society

Edmonds City Fair & Car Show 2022

It was wonderful to have the Edmonds City Fair & Car Show back in SE Burnaby, BC, after a 2-year Covid hiatus!

It was a gorgeous day with great entertainment and lots of cool cars.

Here are a few shots of the opening with First Nations blessing, greetings from all levels of government, and a few shots of some of the cars and performers.

Thanks to the City of Burnaby, community organizers, and event staff for a wonderful day!

I was hired to document the event, so this is all I’ll post until I get my edited shots to the organizers.

Eventually I’ll put together a Flickr album as I’ve done with previous City Fairs.

UPDATE 7/27: Flickr Album here.


First Nations blessing


All levels of government greeting the happy crowd

edmonds city fair car show burnaby bc
Dedicating new basketball courts in the park


Burnaby’s fave Rainshadow which has performed at so many community events over many years!


The cop with the coolest ride! : – )