Last week I shared with you my Top 10 Landscape Photos of 2017. But only half of my work is landscapes. I love wildlife photography too.
I do most of my wildlife photography during my summers in British Columbia where I spend most of my time in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. We have a fantastic spot on the estuary there where I can watch the birds come and go.
Then I go out in my little boat, Snoopy, and photograph orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and eagles.
This year I had an extra treat! I spent one week on board a sailboat in Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, in northern British Columbia, where I photographed grizzly bears. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I loved the bears so much that I have more bear photography planned this year!
When I pick my top 10, I only take into account the photographs I finished processing during the year. (I still have tons of grizzly bear photos to do!) And then I simply pick my favourites. I usually don’t try to pick a variety of animals, but I have to admit that this year I could have filled all the spots with grizzly bear photos!
You’ll have to forgive me for filling 4 of the spots with grizzly bears. But some of my favourite photos of other animals were also done in 2017. It was truly an outstanding year for wildlife photography!
# 1, 2, 3 & 4: Grizzly Bears in Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, British Columbia
See more grizzly bear photos from Khutzeymateen, British Columbia
# 5. Mute Swan, British Columbia
I was really glad that I spent some time doing a photo essay about Larry, our local mute swan, since it turned out that he died shortly after this photo was made. He was a gorgeous bird with a big personality.
# 6. Hummingbird, Arizona
This is the lone photo that was not made in British Columbia!
# 7 & 8: Orca in British Columbia
Orcas are so difficult to photograph! Even though I don’t have very many keepers percentage wise, going out on Snoopy to photograph them is one of my all time favourite things to do.
See more photos of Orcas in BC.
# 9. Pacific White Sided Dolphin, British Columbia
Dolphins are an absolute riot! It’s a real challenge when I’m driving the boat at the same time.
See more photos of dolphins in BC.
# 10. Bald Eagle, British Columbia
Another one of my favourite subjects, the bald eagles are plentiful in BC.
See more photos of eagles in BC.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my some of my favourites from last year. If you have a list of top 10 photos from 2017, leave me a link in the comments below. I’d love to see them.
Love the eagles. I’ve been imaging them on partially frozen Mississippi River. Great fun catching the areal combat!
Hi Kris, I would love to be able to photograph the arial combat scenes! That must be amazing to see. Thanks for your visit and comments.
Great selection, Anne! I loved the story of Larry the Mute Swan! And, have always loved bald eagles!
Much appreciated Larry! We really miss our other Larry (the swan). Thanks for your visit and comments.
The 4th grizzly bear photo is amazing! great photos
Thank you Dan! That 4th photo is one my favourites from the trip 🙂 At least so far. I haven’t finished processing them all yet! Thanks for your visit and comments.
Amazing photographs & fine writing. Very simple & impressive. Eagle pic is awesome.
Thank you very much Mukund, I appreciate it! 🙂
Great shots. How exciting to get up close and personal, (with a telephoto lens) and enjoy the interaction of those bears. You have inspired me.
Thanks Lisa, the bears were absolutely awesome!
Great wildlife photos! I would be a bit afraid of those bears though. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you very much Donna! The bears actually weren’t scary at all, but I was with a bear guide 🙂
Awesome photos i love wildlife photography. Thanks for sharing such a attractive photos.
Thank you Jason, much appreciated 🙂
When i was in college i have shoot some wildlife photos. You are looking professional in photography that’s why you have taken these awesome photos.
Many thanks William!