Wildlife

California Photo of the Day Wildlife

Double-Crested Cormorants Go To War

These two juvenile double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) are fighting by clicking their beaks against each another. A tempest in a teapot. Juvenile double-crested cormorants sparring with beaks.Image ID: 19932Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritusLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

Phil CollaDecember 11, 2007

Elk National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Photo of Elk Flehmen Response

This bull elk (Cervus candensis) had a fine harem of females along the Madison River. He was bugling often and loudly, raising his head and lowering his antler rack behind him as he did so. Note how the bull's upper lip is curled back. This is an example of the…

Phil CollaDecember 6, 2007

Hawaii Humpback Whale Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Humpback Whale Peduncle Throw

Another example of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) peforming a peduncle throw. In this case, rather than flicking the fluke sideways, the whale has lifted its fluke and peduncle vertically, slinging water in all directions. Notice the rake marks on the underside of the whales fluke, which are almost certainly…

Phil CollaDecember 3, 2007

Hawaii Humpback Whale Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Humpback Whale Tail Throw

Here we see a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) peforming a tail throw, also known as a peduncle throw or tail lob. While at the surface, the whale pivots around its long pectoral fins, suddenly flicking its powerful fluke and peducle out of the water while dipping its rostrum. This behaviour…

Phil CollaDecember 2, 2007

Elk National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Photos of Yellowstone Elk

Ok, here is the last photo of the bull elk (Cervus candensis) that I photographed just outside Mammoth Hot Springs. Bull elk in sage brush with large rack of antlers during the fall rut (mating season). This bull elk has sparred with other bulls to establish his harem of females…

Phil CollaDecember 1, 2007

Elk National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Photo of Bull Elk in Sage

Here is another look at the fine bull elk (Cervus candensis) I spent an afternoon photographing near Mammoth Hot Springs. Bull elk in sage brush with large rack of antlers during the fall rut (mating season). This bull elk has sparred with other bulls to establish his harem of females…

Phil CollaNovember 30, 2007

Elk National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Bugling Elk at Mammoth Hot Springs

The bull elk (Cervus candensis) I photographed one afternoon near Mammoth Hot Springs is seen here bugling, an audible cue and a form of posturing intended for both his harem of females and nearby males, meant to establish his dominance and access rights to the females and warn other males…

Phil CollaNovember 29, 2007

Elk National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Mammoth Elk Photos

After spending a few days in the Madison River area looking at the elk (Cervus candensis) herds there, I drive over to Mammoth Hot Springs. The bulls are bigger and have nicer antler racks there, so I have heard, but they need to be outside of town to get good…

Phil CollaNovember 28, 2007

Brown Bear National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Photo of a Grizzly Bear in Snow

A few days into my Yellowstone National Park trip I found the ursine suspect in a double murder case. I was not looking for bears, rather just cruising around and admiring all parts of the park, and I was lucky to stumble upon him and get off a few good…

Phil CollaNovember 2, 2007

Brown Bear National Parks Wildlife Wyoming Yellowstone

Yellowstone Grizzly Kills Two Other Bears

Shortly before my visit to Yellowstone National Park this fall to photograph elk, I learned that not one but two female grizzly bears had been killed, presumably by other bears. Fratricide among adult grizzlies is not particularly unusual, but two killings within days of one another is strange. Since both…

Phil CollaOctober 29, 2007

Great White Shark Guadalupe Island Mexico Sharks

Great White Shark Eyes The Camera

This is my favorite shot from my Shark Diver trip last week on the liveaboard boat Horizon to see great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) at Guadalupe Island. One shark in particular took to circling the boat clockwise and would pass very close to the starboard side cage. As it did…

Phil CollaSeptember 26, 2007

Great White Shark Guadalupe Island Mexico Sharks

Photo of a Great White Shark Dorsal Fin

This is the dorsal fin of a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) at Guadalupe Island, sticking above the water as the shark cruises at the surface. Dorsal fin of a great white shark breaks the surface as the shark swims just below. Image ID: 19493 Species: Great white shark, Carcharodon…

Phil CollaSeptember 24, 2007

Great White Shark Guadalupe Island Mexico Sharks

Great White Shark Photo

I was pretty lucky to get this photo. This is a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) that I photographed at Guadalupe Island while I was on a Shark Diver trip last week on the liveaboard boat Horizon. This one, a medium size (e.g, 12-13') male, surprised us all. We were…

Phil CollaSeptember 23, 2007

Great White Shark Guadalupe Island Mexico Sharks

Shredder

This is "Shredder", aka "Scar", a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) often seen at Guadalupe Island. In 2003 Shredder bit the anchor line of the Ocean Odyssey clean through, severing the boat from its anchor. He is named for his shredded dorsal fin. Shredder is about 13-14 feet long. Note…

Phil CollaSeptember 22, 2007

Great White Shark Guadalupe Island Mexico Sharks

Guadalupe White Shark Trip 2007

Just back from a quick trip to Guadalupe Island to photograph great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). I had heard that this season has been a particularly good one for white sharks at Guadalupe, and I managed to get a few days off to get down there for a look on…

Phil CollaSeptember 20, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Lake Clark National Parks Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Brown Bear Digging For Clams

One of the interesting behaviors of coastal brown bears (Ursus arctos) is their interest in eating razor clams. Negative low tides expose broad tide flats along the Cook Inlet coast. Brown bears are quite tuned to the timing of these low tides and will arrive at the beach shortly before…

Phil CollaAugust 27, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Lake Clark National Parks Photo of the Day Wildlife

Standing Tall

This coastal brown bear sow caught the scent of an approaching adult male. Nervous for her cubs, who could be attacked by the male, she stands in the deep sedge grass to get a better look around. A brown bear mother (sow) stands in tall sedge grass to look for…

Phil CollaAugust 18, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Lake Clark National Parks Wildlife

Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

In 2005 I received a recommendation to visit Silver Salmon Creek Lodge to see bears. I already had a trip planned to Brooks Camp so I didn't look into SSCL for a while. A week at Brooks in July 2006, with superb weather, company and bears, helped me to realize…

Phil CollaAugust 16, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Lake Clark National Parks Photo of the Day Wildlife

Brown Bear Portrait

My goal in July was to shoot portraits of bears. I scheduled my visit before the arrival of salmon so that the bears would be in the meadows eating sedge grass and staging in the area, waiting for salmon to arrive. Next trip will be a bit later to coincide…

Phil CollaAugust 11, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Lake Clark National Parks Photo of the Day Wildlife

Pretty Young Thing

This young female coastal brown bear (Ursus arctos) was often around when I was visiting Lake Clark National Park in Alaska. We saw her clamming on the tide flats and grazing on sedge grass in the meadows. She is a really good looking bear, with a thick blond coat and…

Phil CollaAugust 10, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Lake Clark National Parks Photo of the Day Wildlife

Lazy Bear

On my recent trip to photograph coastal brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Lake Clark National Park, I experienced nearly perfect weather for a full week, with just one day of light drizzle and only a few overcast days. About half the time we had full sun, with hardly a cloud…

Phil CollaAugust 4, 2007

Black Bear Minnesota Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Black Bear in a Tree

Black bear in a tree. Black bears are expert tree climbers and will ascend trees if they sense danger or the approach of larger bears, to seek a place to rest, or to get a view of their surroundings.Image ID: 18792Species: American black bear, Ursus americanusLocation: Orr, Minnesota, USA Despite…

Phil CollaJune 26, 2007

Black Bear Minnesota Photo of the Day Wildlife

Black Bear Photo

Black bear walking in a grassy meadow. Black bears can live 25 years or more, and range in color from deepest black to chocolate and cinnamon brown. Adult males typically weigh up to 600 pounds. Adult females weight up to 400 pounds and reach sexual maturity at 3 or 4…

Phil CollaJune 25, 2007

Guadalupe Island Marine Life Mexico

Photo of Cortez Chub

Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe) straddles both tropical and temperate fish ranges and offers a unique mix of species to see. It is not uncommon to see Panamic fanged blennies and red-tailed triggerfish alongside blacksmith and garibaldi. Shown here is a small school of Cortez chub (Kyphosus elegans) that was stationed…

Phil CollaJune 20, 2007

Black Bear Minnesota Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Black Bear Cub

Black bear cub in a tree. Mother bears will often send their cubs up into the safety of a tree if larger bears (who might seek to injure the cubs) are nearby. Black bears have sharp claws and, in spite of their size, are expert tree climbers.Image ID: 18746Species: American…

Phil CollaJune 4, 2007

Black Bear Minnesota Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Cinnamon Black Bear

Black bear portrait. American black bears range in color from deepest black to chocolate and cinnamon brown. They prefer forested and meadow environments. This bear still has its thick, full winter coat, which will be shed soon with the approach of summer.Image ID: 18742Species: American black bear, Ursus americanusLocation: Orr,…

Phil CollaJune 3, 2007

Black Bear Minnesota Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Black Bear Climbing a Tree

Black bear in a tree. Black bears are expert tree climbers and will ascend trees if they sense danger or the approach of larger bears, to seek a place to rest, or to get a view of their surroundings.Image ID: 18745Species: American black bear, Ursus americanusLocation: Orr, Minnesota, USA Unlike…

Phil CollaJune 2, 2007

Black Bear Minnesota Photo of the Day Wildlife

Minnesota Black Bear

Phil CollaJune 1, 2007

California La Jolla Photo of the Day Sea Lion Wildlife

Photos of Sea Lions in La Jolla

La Jolla is well known for its population of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), but it boasts California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) as well. When the movable feast of market squid (Loligo opalescens) arrives to lay its carpets of eggs on the edge of the undersea La Jolla Canyon, California…

Phil CollaMay 8, 2007

California Photo of the Day Wildlife

Bad Hair Day

This double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is displaying typical winter mating plumage. Sweet do. Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), mating plumage.Image ID: 18549Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritusLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

Phil CollaMay 7, 2007

Alaska Brown Bear Katmai

Brooks Lodge Bear Viewing, Katmai, Alaska

Some Thoughts on Visiting Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska to See Coastal Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) Coastal brown bear (Ursus arctos), near the bridge, Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska Brooks Camp is located in the heart of Katmai National Park, Alaska. Long famous for its world-class fishing, spectacular…

Phil CollaMarch 30, 2007

Pelicans of La Jolla San Diego Seabird

Photo of a Brown Pelican Soaring

See our Guide to Photographing Pelicans in La Jolla. This brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is soaring over the ocean, riding the morning updrafts along the cliffs of La Jolla, California. Brown pelican in flight. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the…

Phil CollaMarch 7, 2007

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Photo of a Brown Pelican Landing

See our Guide to Photographing Pelicans in La Jolla. This brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is spreading its wings to slow down, just before landing on seacliffs. Early morning, La Jolla, California. California brown pelican spreads its wings wide as it slows before landing on seacliffs. Image ID: 18228 Species: Brown…

Phil CollaMarch 2, 2007

California La Jolla Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photos of Cormorants in Flight

Cormorants (Phalacrocorax sp.) flying low over the ocean, speeding offshore before sunrise to forage for food before returning to rest on cliffs later in the day. La Jolla. Double-crested cormorants in flight at sunrise, long exposure produces a blurred motion.Image ID: 15280Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritusLocation: La Jolla, California, USA…

Phil CollaFebruary 16, 2007

California Photo of the Day Wildlife

Sunrise Seagull

A Western gull (Larus occidentalis) in pink predawn light, 30 minutes before sunrise, La Jolla. Western gull, early morning pink sky.Image ID: 18394Species: Western gull, Larus occidentalisLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

Phil CollaFebruary 15, 2007

California Elephant Seal Wildlife

Happy Valentines Day

Elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) showing extreme sexual dimorphism (difference between sexes). Male elephant seals can be 3-4 times as massive as females. Central California. Elephant seals in the surf, showing extreme dimorphism, males (5000 lb) are triple the size of females (1700 lb). Central California.Image ID: 15497Species: Elephant seal, Mirounga…

Phil CollaFebruary 14, 2007

Hawaii Humpback Whale Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Humpback Whale Singing

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) singing, Hawaii. This was shot under research permit as part of the research activities of the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation. It is virtually certain that only male humpback whales sing since genetic sampling of singers has never revealed a female. This one was hanging motionless…

Phil CollaFebruary 11, 2007

California Ocean Sunfish Photo of the Day San Diego Wildlife

Photo of a Mola Mola and Diver

Here's my friend Mike Johnson photographing a large ocean sunfish (Mola mola) offshore of San Diego. Ocean sunfish and freediving photographer, open ocean.Image ID: 03491Species: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaLocation: San Diego, California, USA More ocean sunfish photos.

Phil CollaJanuary 31, 2007

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Pelican Portrait

See our Guide to Photographing Pelicans in La Jolla. Another stop at the California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) in La Jolla before running an errand in San Diego. This time testing the sharpness of a 500mm f/4 and a 2x teleconverter. Here is a snap. Brown pelican, winter adult breeding…

Phil CollaJanuary 19, 2007

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

California Brown Pelican Photo

See our Guide to Photographing Pelicans in La Jolla. I went down to one of my favorite spots in La Jolla yesterday morning, one I have visited each winter since the late '80s, to test out a lens combination on the California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) that rest along the…

Phil CollaJanuary 16, 2007

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