I'll just go ahead and say what's been said a billion times already... this hasn't been a typical year!
Between a few minor health issues (I'm all good now!) and of course the Covid-19 pandemic, opportunities for travelling and capturing images have significantly dropped from previous years in 2020.
Having said that, I did do a few small photography projects, including a little drive around the neighbourhood to capture some families on their front steps, which was a fun (and physically distant) way to meet some of my neighbours.
I also managed to travel a bit and get a few shots that I really like and am happy to add to my nature photography portfolio. Below are my 5 favourite wildlife images of the year:
Atlantic Puffin
By far my most enjoyable photography experience this year, I got to visit Machias Seal Island, a migratory bird preserve located south of Grand Manan Island, not too far from the state of Maine. This is a special protected place and not too many people are allowed on that island, so I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to go!
At one point, this particular puffin came up real close to the blind I was hiding in and made eye contact with my lens for a moment, and it ended up being one of my favourite shots of the day.
Great Horned Owls
Mama and baby great horned owl found a tree they liked, not too far from the downtown area where I live. I never thought I'd see owls in such a busy part of town, but there they were! And they stayed there for a few weeks!
While it was nice to have easy access, it also made me worry a bit because the word spread quickly and crowds were gathering around that tree. I'm a big proponent of not impacting wildlife by stressing them when I photograph wild animals, and in this case I witnessed a lot of people get way, way too close.
For this shot, I had a focal length of about 800mm, so that's why it looks like I was close. I saw some people trying to get a similar shot with their phones, literally! It drove me nuts! You can't do that with wildlife! Always keep a good distance and avoid stressing the animals.
Wood Duck
This colourful species of ducks is super beautiful and photogenic, so I went to the municipal park a few times to get photos of them throughout the spring... but on this day, the way the golden light from the sun hit the water, it made for a mosaic of blue and gold tones that I just love!
Harbour Seals
This is another shot from my trip to Machias Seal Island. These seals look like they're vacationing, just hanging out by the water and enjoying the view. There were so many of them, the boat kept moving rather quickly as we passed near them, so I wasn't able to get as many shots as I would have liked, but I managed to snap a few decent ones :)
Red Fox
Came across this little fella during a short family trip with my two sons. He really has a distinctive face. I just love his face! I was hesitant between posting the colour or the black and white version for this list, but I ended up going with the black and white since it's not how I edit most of my photos... but it really works for this one!
I wish you all a happy, healthy new year! All the best in 2021!
PS: Don't be a dick. Wear your masks and get your vaccines! Thanks!