As I looked through my files for my favourite wildlife photos it became obvious that there would be far too many for one post. Here then is the rest of the collection:
Thanks Paige. Some of them blow me away because of the pure serendipity at work. There’s no way to make it happen – like the owls in the forest, the wolf, the deer in NZ. It’s like a magic blessing every time.
Alison xo
Thanks so much Darlene. Sometimes it feels as if some of them posed just for me and that always feels miraculous. It makes me feel speechless and blessed. Those kangaroos were fabulous. We watched them doing their kangaroo thing for about an hour. So much fun!
Alison
An absolutely wonderful collection, Alison. So many good shots, like the kangaroo mom. And a great pelican capture! But I would have been pleased to have taken any of the photos. –Curt
Thanks Curt. How lucky we’ve been to see such things, and it always feels a bit miraculous to me when those unexpected encounters happen that I actually have the camera on the right setting! I was so pleased with that pelican pic. I took many but that was the best of them.
Alison
A bit of luck and more than a little bit of skill, I’d say, Alison. Serendipity tends to come to those prepared for it, at least it sure helps. Of course wandering to so many groovy places in the world helps, too! 🙂 –Curt
What a collection of photos and in a round the world portfolio. The Andean wolf is really special what a lucky sighting. That male wood duck is so gloriously colourful.
Thanks so much Liz. Once or twice I’ve seen a Chinese wood duck (at Reifl Bird Sanctuary near Vancouver) and they are even more outrageously colourful, but the “plain” wood ducks in Burnaby Lake Park are plenty colourful enough. Nature always amazes me. Seeing the Andean wolf was a very special moment that’s for sure.
Alison
Your love for animals seems to attract those birds, reptiles, seals, and kangaroos to pose for you. Those are some amazing shots, Alison! I would be happy to be half as good as you when it comes to wildlife photography.
Thanks Bama. Perhaps it is my love of the natural world that attracts the birds and animals to me. I hope so. I do think there’s a kind of mutual serendipity happening. There’s nothing I can do to force it. All I can do is be open to it. It always fills me with joy.
Alison
Some absolutely incredible photos. So professional. You must a seriously good camera always at the ready because I bet for some of these shots you only had moments. Brilliant.
Thanks so much Jonno. For most of these shots I had an “average” camera- not even a full DSLR – but still it performed pretty well. I’ve just upgraded to a mirrorless. I definitely only had moments for some of these shots, and every time that happens I’m just thrilled that the camera was already on the right settings. Believe me I’ve missed many shots because the camera settings weren’t right for the situation. There’s always the one that got away. I’m still amazed that I got the shot of the deer in the woods in NZ.
Alison
Beautiful, Alison. It’s really a treat to see so much of our planet’s still flourishing beauty and abundant living presence assembled in one place. It snaps me right out of whatever world I thought I was in. Ha! Hope your trip East is going well. Can’t wait to hear about it!
Thanks Michael. It’s being in nature, and around the beauty of wildlife, that helps keep me sane I think. Glad to have snapped you back to the world of beauty. I live in a very urban environment but close by is a forest trail around a golf course. I walk there most days surrounded by nature – bushes trees birds and occasionally a coyote. It always nourishes me.
I leave for Japan a week today. Getting excited!
Alison
Thanks LuAnn. Nature and wildlife brings me such quiet joy. And then when I get a good photo it’s even better! Japan looms in a good way. Can hardly believe this time in a week I’ll be at the airport!
Alison
I so agree with your sentiment Alison. I am so excited for your upcoming trip and obviously will be following along. For our next trip Terry said he is going to let someone else do part of the planning for us. I have never been one to travel with a group but perhaps a small, active tour group would be something I could handle. Have you done all the planning for this trip by yourself?
Japan is independent travel, so yes I planned it all myself, but in China I’m doing a 3 week tour with Intrepid Travel. I’d heard from experienced travellers that China can be difficult because of language issues so chose a tour because of that. If you find the right tour and add some days either end you can get the best of both worlds.
A.
Thanks so much Pam. I’ve learnt a bit about photography over the years, and was lucky enough to have been encouraged from very young to develop my sense of design which helps with framing, but many of the best shots still feel miraculous to me.
Alison
Thanks so much DDG. Seeing those owls in the forest was such a special moment! And that whole huge mob of roos! And the seals were literally piled up on top of each other in places! They are all my favourites too. Along with all the others lol 🙂
Alison
Aww I love your enthusiasm because my feelings resonate with it. Animals and nature together bring such unadulterated joy. You just have to look. All my life, or at least since my mother once rescued a tiny owl and came home without it, I have wanted an owl. My husband however says it’s either the owl or him. I want to believe that he does not want to fight it for my affections. But well…xx
You were lucky to encounter so many of these creatures, but luck only gets you so far. Your camera skills and great eye are what allow you to take advantage of your luck; they are all incredible shots! Can’t wait to hear about Japan!
Thanks Lexie. I know my way around a camera a bit but I still feel I have much to learn and that I’m still an amateur. But getting better all the time! I will allow that! And yes, even for the best photographers luck is always an element. Six more sleeps ’til I leave for Japan!!!!! So excited.
Alison
Compilations are so much fun – not just for the beauty of the photos, but for a reminder of feet-on-the-ground mileage. You have really gotten around the place, haven’t you? Safe continued journey…
Thanks Susan. It was a lot of fun putting this, and the previous post together. It brought back so many good memories. Yes, we’ve gotten around a bit I guess 🙂
I thought I loved the first flamingo…until I saw that second, with that cool light. I don’t know how you get these shots. My shot of the Galapagos turtle is worthless. And they stand still.
Chuckle. Yes they do stand still. I get down on the ground a lot. Sometimes it’s hard to get up again 🙂 The second flamingo shot was morning golden hour – always the best light. It makes any photo better. Thanks BF.
Alison
I always enjoy your photos, Alison but this compilation really blew me away! Such a terrific way to share some of your memories of past travels and some of the wonderful wildlife you’ve seen along the way. The brown pelicans of South Texas are among some of my favorite birds with their Vee-flying formations, their speed, gawkiness and grace, so I especially loved your pelican photo but there were many that vied for favorite status. The wolf photo has an amazing feeling of a serendipitous meeting and your solo flamingo photo with its reflection is breathtaking. Loved this zigzag tour around the world with you! Anita
Thanks so much Anita! I’m so glad you enjoyed my wildlife posts. It was fun for me to go back through my photos and see what I’d collected – so many wonderful memories! I love pelicans, they’re so comical, and yet also can be graceful. Seeing the wolf was a really special experience, as was seeing the flamingoes in Bolivia and Mexico. We have been very lucky.
Alison
What an amazing collection of animals and birds you have been privileged to see and photograph. Safe journey to Japan and I’ll look forward to following you over there.
I found your comment in the spam folder! Sometimes WP is so weird.
We have been so lucky with our wildlife encounters. Often we seek them out, but sometimes it’s pure serendipity.
I’m off to Japan in only 2 days. It feels both exciting and a bit scary though I’ll probably settle down once I’m on the plane.
Alison
Hi Allison and Don, I am so moved by your wonderful wildlife photos. What a gorgeous, exciting and glorious collection from your travels. The tortoise portrait…wow. Too many to highlight, but you have a great eye for capturing the beauty in these marvelous creatures. Thank you!
Thank you so much Jane. Those tortoises in Galapagos were so wonderful – so slow and yet so full of character. I do love capturing wildlife in their natural habitat. Seeing them is magical for me – every time.
Alison
love all your critters…especially babies ❤ have fun in Japan…so looking forward to your photographs and narratives….safe journeys and enjoy ~ smiles hedy 😀
Oh my goodness I am so touched and blown away by these images Alison. Wow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Paige. Some of them blow me away because of the pure serendipity at work. There’s no way to make it happen – like the owls in the forest, the wolf, the deer in NZ. It’s like a magic blessing every time.
Alison xo
LikeLike
All amazing photographs as if the creatures posed just for you. Love the kangaroos!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Darlene. Sometimes it feels as if some of them posed just for me and that always feels miraculous. It makes me feel speechless and blessed. Those kangaroos were fabulous. We watched them doing their kangaroo thing for about an hour. So much fun!
Alison
LikeLike
Fabulous encounters! 🙂 🙂 Safe and happy trip, Alison!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jo. Getting excited about Japan now. Only week to go!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
An absolutely wonderful collection, Alison. So many good shots, like the kangaroo mom. And a great pelican capture! But I would have been pleased to have taken any of the photos. –Curt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Curt. How lucky we’ve been to see such things, and it always feels a bit miraculous to me when those unexpected encounters happen that I actually have the camera on the right setting! I was so pleased with that pelican pic. I took many but that was the best of them.
Alison
LikeLike
A bit of luck and more than a little bit of skill, I’d say, Alison. Serendipity tends to come to those prepared for it, at least it sure helps. Of course wandering to so many groovy places in the world helps, too! 🙂 –Curt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such great photos– quite a talent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Leigh.
Alison xo
LikeLike
What a collection of photos and in a round the world portfolio. The Andean wolf is really special what a lucky sighting. That male wood duck is so gloriously colourful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Liz. Once or twice I’ve seen a Chinese wood duck (at Reifl Bird Sanctuary near Vancouver) and they are even more outrageously colourful, but the “plain” wood ducks in Burnaby Lake Park are plenty colourful enough. Nature always amazes me. Seeing the Andean wolf was a very special moment that’s for sure.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what beautiful photos! Nature is amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. Yes, nature is amazing!
Alison
LikeLike
I so love your photographs. Just exquisite. You can never post too many for me!
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Annie (I’m guessing it’s Annie and not Steve). I’m glad you like them. I so love seeing animals in their natural environment.
Alison
LikeLike
Your love for animals seems to attract those birds, reptiles, seals, and kangaroos to pose for you. Those are some amazing shots, Alison! I would be happy to be half as good as you when it comes to wildlife photography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bama. Perhaps it is my love of the natural world that attracts the birds and animals to me. I hope so. I do think there’s a kind of mutual serendipity happening. There’s nothing I can do to force it. All I can do is be open to it. It always fills me with joy.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some absolutely incredible photos. So professional. You must a seriously good camera always at the ready because I bet for some of these shots you only had moments. Brilliant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Jonno. For most of these shots I had an “average” camera- not even a full DSLR – but still it performed pretty well. I’ve just upgraded to a mirrorless. I definitely only had moments for some of these shots, and every time that happens I’m just thrilled that the camera was already on the right settings. Believe me I’ve missed many shots because the camera settings weren’t right for the situation. There’s always the one that got away. I’m still amazed that I got the shot of the deer in the woods in NZ.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whatever camera you’ve used they are great pictures. The deer certainly stands out though. all about the timing I suppose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, timing (serendipity) is everything!
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favourite words (and a great film).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, I’d forgotten about that film. I loved it!
A.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a huge softy so makes me cry everytime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Alison. It’s really a treat to see so much of our planet’s still flourishing beauty and abundant living presence assembled in one place. It snaps me right out of whatever world I thought I was in. Ha! Hope your trip East is going well. Can’t wait to hear about it!
Peace
Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Michael. It’s being in nature, and around the beauty of wildlife, that helps keep me sane I think. Glad to have snapped you back to the world of beauty. I live in a very urban environment but close by is a forest trail around a golf course. I walk there most days surrounded by nature – bushes trees birds and occasionally a coyote. It always nourishes me.
I leave for Japan a week today. Getting excited!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
All amazing photos of such beautiful animals.
Happy travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Angeline. Only a week to go! Doing all the last minute prep stuff, and getting very excited!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photography never ceases to amaze me Alison…exquisite! Have a fabulous time in Japan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks LuAnn. Nature and wildlife brings me such quiet joy. And then when I get a good photo it’s even better! Japan looms in a good way. Can hardly believe this time in a week I’ll be at the airport!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so agree with your sentiment Alison. I am so excited for your upcoming trip and obviously will be following along. For our next trip Terry said he is going to let someone else do part of the planning for us. I have never been one to travel with a group but perhaps a small, active tour group would be something I could handle. Have you done all the planning for this trip by yourself?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Japan is independent travel, so yes I planned it all myself, but in China I’m doing a 3 week tour with Intrepid Travel. I’d heard from experienced travellers that China can be difficult because of language issues so chose a tour because of that. If you find the right tour and add some days either end you can get the best of both worlds.
A.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a fabulous time Alison!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a gift for “freezing” movement into a special moment in time.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Pam. I’ve learnt a bit about photography over the years, and was lucky enough to have been encouraged from very young to develop my sense of design which helps with framing, but many of the best shots still feel miraculous to me.
Alison
LikeLike
Love them all but the baby seal stole my heart! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nicole. That baby seal was totally adorable. I just melted!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such stunning photos, Alison. Enjoyed every one of them. The ones of the seals, owls and kangaroos are my favourites. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much DDG. Seeing those owls in the forest was such a special moment! And that whole huge mob of roos! And the seals were literally piled up on top of each other in places! They are all my favourites too. Along with all the others lol 🙂
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww I love your enthusiasm because my feelings resonate with it. Animals and nature together bring such unadulterated joy. You just have to look. All my life, or at least since my mother once rescued a tiny owl and came home without it, I have wanted an owl. My husband however says it’s either the owl or him. I want to believe that he does not want to fight it for my affections. But well…xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a fantastic photographer. Really, you should have a book! Tell us when you do so we can all order one! Fabulous photos!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Libbie. Maybe a book one day. I hope so!
Alison
LikeLike
You were lucky to encounter so many of these creatures, but luck only gets you so far. Your camera skills and great eye are what allow you to take advantage of your luck; they are all incredible shots! Can’t wait to hear about Japan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lexie. I know my way around a camera a bit but I still feel I have much to learn and that I’m still an amateur. But getting better all the time! I will allow that! And yes, even for the best photographers luck is always an element. Six more sleeps ’til I leave for Japan!!!!! So excited.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Compilations are so much fun – not just for the beauty of the photos, but for a reminder of feet-on-the-ground mileage. You have really gotten around the place, haven’t you? Safe continued journey…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Susan. It was a lot of fun putting this, and the previous post together. It brought back so many good memories. Yes, we’ve gotten around a bit I guess 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought I loved the first flamingo…until I saw that second, with that cool light. I don’t know how you get these shots. My shot of the Galapagos turtle is worthless. And they stand still.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chuckle. Yes they do stand still. I get down on the ground a lot. Sometimes it’s hard to get up again 🙂 The second flamingo shot was morning golden hour – always the best light. It makes any photo better. Thanks BF.
Alison
LikeLike
Such incredible photographs ~ the perspective and angle which you shot these in the light, incredible ~ and what adventures you’ve had.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Dalo. That means a lot coming from you. Yes, we have had some amazing adventures – so blessed.
Alison
LikeLike
I always enjoy your photos, Alison but this compilation really blew me away! Such a terrific way to share some of your memories of past travels and some of the wonderful wildlife you’ve seen along the way. The brown pelicans of South Texas are among some of my favorite birds with their Vee-flying formations, their speed, gawkiness and grace, so I especially loved your pelican photo but there were many that vied for favorite status. The wolf photo has an amazing feeling of a serendipitous meeting and your solo flamingo photo with its reflection is breathtaking. Loved this zigzag tour around the world with you! Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Anita! I’m so glad you enjoyed my wildlife posts. It was fun for me to go back through my photos and see what I’d collected – so many wonderful memories! I love pelicans, they’re so comical, and yet also can be graceful. Seeing the wolf was a really special experience, as was seeing the flamingoes in Bolivia and Mexico. We have been very lucky.
Alison
LikeLike
What an amazing collection of animals and birds you have been privileged to see and photograph. Safe journey to Japan and I’ll look forward to following you over there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found your comment in the spam folder! Sometimes WP is so weird.
We have been so lucky with our wildlife encounters. Often we seek them out, but sometimes it’s pure serendipity.
I’m off to Japan in only 2 days. It feels both exciting and a bit scary though I’ll probably settle down once I’m on the plane.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a safe journey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Allison and Don, I am so moved by your wonderful wildlife photos. What a gorgeous, exciting and glorious collection from your travels. The tortoise portrait…wow. Too many to highlight, but you have a great eye for capturing the beauty in these marvelous creatures. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
PS…sorry, I meant Alison. Also, Pauline’s comment went into my spam folder, too. Hmm..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jane. Those tortoises in Galapagos were so wonderful – so slow and yet so full of character. I do love capturing wildlife in their natural habitat. Seeing them is magical for me – every time.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
the sum
of these
2 parts
touches
my love
of critters
i’ve never
before seen, Alison 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks David.
Every one touched my heart.
Each resting in their
particular truth
showing the way.
Alison ❤
LikeLike
love all your critters…especially babies ❤ have fun in Japan…so looking forward to your photographs and narratives….safe journeys and enjoy ~ smiles hedy 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Hedy. Tokyo is pretty amazing so far.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh enjoy every moment Alison! 💫☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Alison these are all so gorgeous!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much TSMS.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, wow, wow!😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
Alison
LikeLike