My most favourite subjects to photograph are animals, birds, and all species of wildlife.

I enjoy spending long times observing and making images of wildlife. But the hardest part is finding them.

National parks are some of the best locations to find wildlife. Here it is also easier to photograph them because they are usually unafraid of humans. But this does not ensure success. I still need good conditions and accessible animals.

On our journey out west this winter, our first stop was in Yellowstone National Park.

W_23_0005 This large herd of bison was photographed at the north end of the park, near Gardiner, Montana.

The only road that is open in Yellowstone in winter runs from Mammoth through the Lamar Valley to Cook City.

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This drive was not very productive, though I did photograph a few bison along the road

I saw no Bighorn Sheep and few elk, and that was it. Having one day in the park versus having time to return means that I have to be very lucky to spot the wildlife and have them in interesting locations, or to witness typical behaviour.

W_23_0001 This elk I photographed near Gardiner, by the north entrance.

Our visit to Banff National Park was the next wildlife photo opportunity.

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Along the Minnewanka Road I found a group of bull elk, or wapiti.

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Along the Bow Valley Parkway I found this cooperative magpie.

You can find wildlife in places other than national or provincial parks, if you know locations that they frequent.

One of these spots is on the west side of Okanagan Lake, between Vernon and Kelowna.

_D7A0189 I got lucky on my first foray, coming across a group of ten Bighorn rams.

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_D7A0202 On two subsequent trips along this road, I encountered no sheep.

It's a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

W_23_0040Pheasant Sometimes there are these serendipitous moments, like this pheasant I spotted perched in this pine tree behind the house in Coldstream. I was able to photograph it from the living room, a luxury seldom experienced in wildlife photography.