Landscapes, Wildlife and Fireworks
After a busy 2024, highlighted by retracing the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition rescue route aboard the MV SeaVenture, we planned a more restrained 2025 travel schedule amid prior local commitments throughout the year. We began with a ski trip to Whistler, British Columbia, enjoying Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain with family. Our plans then split: Robin travelled to Uganda on a medical mission, while I spent two weeks in Zimbabwe with the WildHub conservancy near Victoria Falls, combining conservation work with wildlife photography. We later reunited in Victoria Falls and continued to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Through the summer, I focused on bird photography at Charleston Lake and tested Nikon’s 180–600mm lens (as a possible long lens replacement) . We also visited friends further north in New Liskeard, Ontario on Lake Temiskaming and photographed local fireworks events like Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy and the Lumière Gala at The Marshes Golf Club. In the fall, I undertook a solo canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park from Smoke Lake to Ragged Lake. Despite the effort, I came up empty in my search to photograph moose in the wild.
With snow guns pumping out artificial snow, Blackcomb Mountain maintains a significant base of both natural and manmade snow. Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia. Jan 2025.
Scenery like no other, Whistler Mountain, British Columbia. Jan, 2025.
The mighty Zambezi River flows over one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mar, 2025.
"Coming in hard....", WildHub Conservancy, Fuller Forest Bush Camp, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mar 2025.
My vantage point - a ground level hide. Wildhub Conservancy, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mar 2025.
Carousing Impalas enjoying an early evening romp on the 16 hole of the Elephant Hills Golf and Country Club, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mar 2025.
From Victoria Falls theater production of "Simunye: The Spirit of Africa". Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. April 2025.
From Victoria Falls Theater production of "Simunye: The Spirit of Africa". Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. April 2025.
"Ah, Damn. So close...". Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana. April 2025.
An active Black Heron, aka the umbrella bird prepares to isolate it's prey. Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana. April 2025.
African Fish Eagle in flight. Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana. April 2025.
One of several Black Rhinos resident within the Livingston and Stanley Game Reserve, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. March 2025.
Sunrise over Lake Timiskaming, New Liskeard, Ontario. Aug 2025.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Carp, Ontario. August 2025.
Female Northern Cardinal. Carp, Ontario. August, 2025.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy Finale, Ottawa, Ontario. August 2025.
Lumière Gala fireworks. Ottawa, Ontario. September 2025.
"Leap of faith...", Great Blue Heron, Charleston Lake, Ontario. September, 2025.
"Time for grooming...", Great Blue Heron, Charleston Lake, Ontario. September 2025.
"Make room...", White Backed Vulture - deemed Critically Endangered, October 2015. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. April 2025.