In 2023, I travelled to Scotland, the home of my ancestors. The 8 days spent on the Isle of Skye were amazing, with many opportunities to hike, photograph, and fly my microdrone. These pictures, from both my mirrorless camera and microdrone, provide the viewer with just a glimpse of the rugged beauty of this amazing part of the Inner Hebrides, on the west coast of Scotland. FYI, the Old Man of Storr, a very popular hoodoo on the Trotternish Ridge, is 50 metres tall!

This is another one of the most popular hiking areas on the Isle of Skye. It is also part of the Trotternish Ridge - a special escarpment on the northeast part of the Isle of Skye, that has partially collapsed over the millenia, adding to its ruggedness. The most prominent landmark on the Quiraing, called the Needle, is 40 metres tall!

With its Celtic translation of 'the Yellow Dagger', this picturesque landmark is often overlooked by hikers whose primary goal for the day is the very famous Quiraing. If they would look to their south instead, they will see this landmark on the Trotternish Ridge within an easy hike from the same parking lot used to climb the Quiraing

In recent years, I have had the privilege to observe and photograph the feeding habits of several birds of prey. This includes the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)in British Columbia, the White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)in Scotland, as well as Red Kites (Milvus milvus)in Scotland.

During much of January 2006, I made a clockwise circumnavigation of the Scotia Sea, starting from Ushuaia, Argentina. I was travelling with Quark Expeditions, aboard the 42 passenger Russian research vessel,Professor Multinovsky. We made the Falkland Islands our first land fall, and then did a 3 day open ocean cruise to South Georgia. There, we had a week of unparalleled wildlife and seascape photography. Our trip then continued onto the South Orkney Islands, and the South Shetland Islands. That included a rare, successful landing on Elephant Island. Last but not least, we spent a week cruising through the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Antarctic mainland at Neko Harbour. We crossed the Drake Passage a 2nd time, to complete the circumnavigation, and returned to Ushuaia.

During the 2006 circumnavigation of the Scotia Sea, we encountered 7 different species of penguin. The largest we saw was the King penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus - shown here) Other species included the Rock Hopper, the Gentoo, the Adelie, the Macaroni, the Chin Strap, and the Magellanic. Several breeding colonies of the King penguin were located on the islands of South Georgia. It was estimated that there were 250,000 birds, just counting the adults, on the Salisbury Plain beach alone!

The Scotia Sea in the South Atlantic is home to many beautiful birds, some of which are endangered

Just as National Geographic's cover story on the Spirit Bear appeared on news stands, I was heading west to start exploring the Great Bear Rainforest. The highlight was three rainy days on Princess Royal Island with the Spirit Bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), as well as the more common colour phase of the Black Bear (Ursus americanus). The gene for fur colour is either black or blonde (not albino). Only when the gene from both parents is blonde will the cub appear blonde. If the cub has 2 black fur genes or 1 black and 1 blonde fur gene, it will always appear black. As a result, only 1 in 10 black bears, in the Great Bear Rainforest, will be a blonde colour. That is why the Spirit Bear is so rare.

This area on Vancouver Island is my favourite destination in the world. The opportunities for great photos are endless; from coastal mountains, to lush temperate rainforests, to beautiful broad beaches, as well as resilient marine life, both large and small.

Formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands, this archipelago of islands 75 miles off the northern BC coast has to be seen in order to be fully appreciated. The rich, colourful history, culture and artistry of the Haida First Nation, are almost equaled by the colourful beauty and diversity of the temperate rainforest and marine ecosystem wildlife.

This pristine coastal estuary, and the Khutzeymateen River watershed behind it are located just a short flight north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The name Khutzeymateen comes from the Tsimshian First Nation's language, meaning 'place of the salmon and bears'. The Reserve is home to approximately 50 grizzlies, some weighing up to 400 kgms (850 lbs) I was lucky enough to spend 4 days in May 2009 discovering many interesting habits of these large powerful animals. Having just come out of hibernation, and being true omnivores, the bears spent hours every day eating mostly sedge grasses! Until salmon runs later in the year, the bears' diet is 75% sedge grass(25% protein content), with intertidal life making up the other 25%. The large hump between the shoulders is muscles - not fat. They are needed to dig into the mud at low tide where they find clams and crustaceans.

During the week around Labour Day 2017, I traveled to the Yukon Territories for the first time. While the wildlife was rather scarce, the landscapes were amazing, with fall colours on full display.The stunning aerial mountain vistas over Kluane NP, were the icing on the photography cake (see separate gallery)

Just after Labour Day 2017, I was able to take a 1.5 hour Logan Super Tour flight over Kluane NP. I flew with Kluane Glacier Ice Tours, based in Haines Junction, YK. Conditions were 10/10 for both flying and photography. We saw Canada's highest mountain peaks, including Mt Logan. We also saw the largest, non polar glaciers, anywhere in the world.

Over the last few years, I have taken up more of an interest in birds, as the main focus of an intimate wildlife image, rather than a small integral part of a larger nature scene. Most of these I was able to capture along the Toronto area waterfront. Enjoy!

This is a large Canadian Shield Island about 4 hours drive north of Toronto, near the village of Killarney. It separates and protects Killarney Provincial Park from 'the big water' of Georgian Bay, sometimes called the 6th Great Lake. The local weather and waves for the average kayaker or canoeist can be challenging. But the sunrises and sunsets from innumerable camping spots were well worth the paddle.

These narrow canyons, carved out of the Navajo sandstone, in northern Arizona, are nothing short of breathtaking. By arriving very late in the year - over Halloween - I managed to avoid almost all the other tourists, and spent several hours virtually on my own, finding natural abstract shots, every step of the trail.

This is one of my favourite US destinations, with lots to see, any season of the year. It would make a great location for photography workshops. ;-)

Just a short drive east of Zion NP, is another amazing national park. This one is full of sandstone columns called Hoodoos. To do Bryce Canyon NP justice, you have to get down to the floor of the Canyon, and hike the easy trails, as well as take in the vistas from many great vantage points around the Canyon upper rim. There is lots to see and shoot, from sunrise to sunset.

This is another American National Park, located in the eastern California. Most of these shots were taken near Stovepipe Wells,during a single 12 hour day, from sunrise to sunset. The number of natural abstract shots is limitless!

Some reflections are very obvious and striking, while others are very subtle or fleeting. Both forms are equally beautiful.

The vivid colours seen during the fall season in many parts of North America are always a source of inspiration and amazement, particularly for the nature photographer.

We can all learn to transform our 'looking', into 'seeing' something in nature. Its simply a matter of time - time to slow down, time to focus [pun intended], and time to be inquisitive.

Over the course of my adult life, I lived in Toronto for almost 15 years, and holidayed there over many more. Some pictures in this gallery are somewhat 'iconic'. Others simply bring back great memories - from the Beaches in the east to Mississauga in the west, as well as the amazing Toronto Islands, and the waterfront.

Whether on the tabletop beside you at home or in a country on the other side of the globe, there are always interesting shots to be found. Just let the imagination run wild!

This annual festival over Labour Day weekend, takes place in Gatineau, Quebec - immediately across the Ottawa River from the Canadian Prime Minister's house. The festival is one of the largest of its kind in North America, with more than 50 balloons taking off twice each day (if conditions are favourable). Many of them will take you for a ride!

Formerly known as the Experience Music Project (EMP) and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP/SFM). Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen Designed by Frank Gehry A total of 21,100 specially shaped stainless steel and aluminum plates on the building's curved exterior. It is located right beside to the Seattle Space Needle.