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 🙂

Society, Travel

Want a Darwin Award? Just Don’t Kill Others Doing It

I’m being repeatedly reminded of people’s stupid behaviour while guiding weekend buses taking folks on hiking tours north of Whistler, BC.

Passing on curves over double-yellow lines? Sure!

Missing head-on collisions by a few meters because of passing on curves over double-yellow lines? Sure!

Not checking your rear-view mirror and hitting the brakes for no apparent reason in your subcompact with a bus behind you? Do you have any clue how far it takes a coach bus to stop?

I’d rank half-ton and 3/4-ton truck drivers as the worst (we’re invincible!), followed by supercar drivers (way more money than responsibility), followed by motorcyclists (gotta go fast, gotta go fast, gotta go fast.)

You may all not care about being in line for a Darwin Award, but I care about the 50+ people on the bus.

You’re on a public highway, respect the rules.

Go to a track for your fun, eh?

Streamkeeping, sustainability, community, business, photography, books, and animals, with occasional forays into social commentary. Text and Photos © Paul Cipywnyk