RDow Images

04/26/2026

I finally got the shot I’ve been chasing for a few years now. With my work schedule and temperatures on the rise, today was likely my last opportunity, so I’m feeling great about that.

In addition to years of trial and error, getting this shot involved standing ankle-deep in cold marsh water during the critical dawn window. I stood at a calculated angle, hoping the Red-winged Blackbirds would get accustomed to my presence and land within the frame I had set up. I'm glad to finally check this one off the list and move on to some new subjects and challenges.

04/19/2026

04/04/2026

My process for editing RAW images [cropping focus]

02/22/2026

https://youtu.be/74LGsnLge4E

Shots taken of critters over the years from the backyard to the backroads.

02/15/2026

A "gang" of elk in Southern Manitoba. This shot captures only a fraction of the group; the total herd size was easily three or four times what you see here. While it’s convenient to get a shot like this from the shoulder of a highway, this level of wildlife activity poses a significant hazard—especially at night, in the fog, or a combination of both.

Sadly, a vehicle had struck one of these elk, and the scene was rather grim. Hopefully everyone in the vehicle is okay and the elk didn’t suffer for long.

12/21/2025

A "raft" of Steller Sea Lions with Mount Baker in the backdrop. These animals are massive, weighing up to 2,000+ lbs. They’re also Orca prey, and a pod was patrolling not far away. The sheer scale of everything out this way is hard for a prairie boy to put into perspective!

12/21/2025

An Oystercatcher stands guard over her nest. I made sure to keep a respectful distance, especially after watching her fiercely drive off bald eagles that flew too close. It’s incredible to see such a small bird take on a massive predator to protect her own.

12/21/2025

The beautiful Englishman River Falls.

12/21/2025

A male Northern Harrier surveying a field for prey. This is quite possibly my favorite bird of all for a number of reasons. This is one of several from my first decent batch of photographing this bird, and I was immediately taken aback by its facial features, which are somewhat owl-like. Their nickname is the "Gray Ghost," and they are extremely secretive and elusive. Their maneuverability, grace, and speed are impressive; it is no wonder a fighter jet was named after them.

12/21/2025

I spent a good hour studying this Swainson’s Hawk. It was looking up at its mate, which was circling a nearby field, likely in search of prey. Their behavior interests me. I’ve seen what I believe to be the same bird return to perch atop the same spruce tree overlooking a farmer’s field year after year upon its return from migration, also hunting in a pair. These birds are not intelligent by our own standards, but they do possess a form of intelligence that we may never fully comprehend.