Colin Franks Photography

Colin Franks Photography Photography (mostly birds) by Colin Franks In July of 2021, I was diagnosed with the most horrific disease imaginable - ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

A death sentence. A month later, upon retesting at another more specialized clinic, I was told that it looks like the more rare form of Motor Neuron Disease known as PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis). ALS is the premature dying of the nerve cells known as "Motor Neurons" that we all have in the brain and spinal column, whereas PLS is the same thing, but involves the Motor Neurons in the brain only,

so is slower progressing. This "less worse" diagnosis requires about four years time to be certain of it being PLS rather than ALS, and I have made it to that point. While it is possible that PLS can still morph into ALS after that four year mark, my neurologist says that she would be surprised if that were to happen in my case. Fingers crossed. This diagnosis meant selling our beloved home, in favour of a wheelchair-friendly condo, and we made that move seven months after diagnosis. It also forced me to shut down my Sign business, after 28 years in operation. Huge changes. I've continued with my passion for bird photography to the best of my declining ability, but as the disease has indeed progressed, I now cannot take a step without a walker, and also use an electric wheelchair, so I am unable to get out into the rugged terrain like I used to. I can get to a few easy locations, and can photograph the odd bird off my deck, but that's about it. If you've got your health, you've got everything. Photos are available as prints, any size.

A Mountain Bluebird busily foraging for food for the nestlings.
06/25/2026

A Mountain Bluebird busily foraging for food for the nestlings.

A tiny crab falls victim to the probing bill of a Long-billed Curlew.
06/24/2026

A tiny crab falls victim to the probing bill of a Long-billed Curlew.

Sunrise illuminates this juvenile Burrowing Owl in Washington State eight years ago. I have so many fond memories from ...
06/23/2026

Sunrise illuminates this juvenile Burrowing Owl in Washington State eight years ago. I have so many fond memories from when I was able-bodied. I'm glad I lived with passion, drive and intent, for there's so much I cannot do now. I slept in the back of my truck in order to get this shot, although it was so uncomfortable, I recall not sleeping much at all.

Bald Eagle, looking for any food opportunity. Their vision is roughly six times better than a human.
06/22/2026

Bald Eagle, looking for any food opportunity. Their vision is roughly six times better than a human.

Anna's Hummingbird on a P***y Willow I got a few months ago.
06/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird on a P***y Willow I got a few months ago.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. For the past nine days I've been quite sick with the worst cold I've ever experience...
06/15/2026

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. For the past nine days I've been quite sick with the worst cold I've ever experienced. A monster. Industrial strength. Tenacious, it just won't let go (no, it's not Covid). And for some strange reason it has exaggerated all my symptoms of PLS. It's been brutal.
So here's an older shot never posted of a Great Blue Heron taking to the air.

Red-winged Blackbird, making himself known.
06/09/2026

Red-winged Blackbird, making himself known.

The Common Yellowthroat, singing to either attract a mate, or declaring territory, or maybe both.
06/08/2026

The Common Yellowthroat, singing to either attract a mate, or declaring territory, or maybe both.

An American Kestrel taking a European Wall Lizard for its first (and last) flight.
06/04/2026

An American Kestrel taking a European Wall Lizard for its first (and last) flight.

A Western Meadowlark fills the air with music. Imagine a world without birds.
06/03/2026

A Western Meadowlark fills the air with music. Imagine a world without birds.

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