Kaz Lans

Our local hummingbirds have been visiting my yard since the day we moved here about 7 years ago. Though I’ve seen them practically every day since then, it wasn’t until a few days ago when I finally got the kind of shots I’ve been looking for.

Patience, timing, experience & a little luck go a long way. I’m really proud of all the photos in this set, but this one in particular is by far my favourite.

The expression in the eyes makes this beautiful spike bull look like a big puppy dog.

Don’t be fooled though, these majestic beasts should be given their space if you want to avoid meeting the pointy end of those antlers. If you get the chance to see them, remember to keep yourself at a respectful distance, after all that’s what zoom lenses are for.

-Mid Island

Despite seeing turkey vultures quite often, their naturally shy disposition makes them wary of humans, more so than other birds I’ve photographed. Perhaps because in nature they’re used to being chased off of carcasses by larger scavengers and predators.

It took a couple tries for him/her to realize I wasn’t there to take away any food, but eventually I managed to get some clear shots of this awkwardly beautiful bird.

This species displays little to no s*xual dimorphism so I was unable to determine the s*x to add to the description, as apparently it’s nearly impossible to do so without a DNA test!

Male California Quail perched beautifully upon a fence post

Though this species is not native to Vancouver Island having been introduced many years ago and even though I see them almost daily, I still find it’s always a treat to admire them going about their daily quail activities and watch them raise their brood each year. They are my personal favourite quail species, I find them to be the most beautiful; With the male’s striking feather pattern, black mask and fantastic plume on the top of their head.

They’re funny little birds, and I love them.

It wasn’t until writing out this caption that I realized I was so busy looking into the piercing eyes of this Great Gray Owl to notice the puff of feathers, not even during the live flight demonstration.

All though they are the largest owl in North America, they’re surprisingly light weight birds despite their size (Which was immediately apparent when I got the chance to hold one.) weighing less than their smaller cousins, the Great Horned Owls.

Though this species ranges all across Canada, it’s unfortunately not one you’re going to come across naturally here on Vancouver Island. So if you’re looking to get a glimpse of this magical bird for yourself, check out