Although I spend a fair amount of time photographing nature, it’s not very often I encounter wildlife, especially birds that are close enough to photograph.

While in Calgary, Canada, I encountered many geese with their young goslings in late spring along the Bow River (above).

Last summer, I ventured into the forests of Oregon.  I think I got a little too close to the nest of this guy, as he became quite vocal.

bird, tree, Oregon, Steve Bruno

During one of my trips to Seattle, I met this beggar.

bird, gull, Seattle, Pacific Ocean, Steve Bruno

No tree is an island, but this one came close, and provided a nice resting spot for these white birds near Hilo, Hawaii.

birds, Hawaii, gottatakemorepix

While in Texas last spring, I was able to witness this beautiful heron at the end of the day.

heron, Texas, gottatakemorepix

In the unlikeliest of places, on several visits, I have seen ducks in this side canyon of a major hiking trail in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada.  The water stays year round, but the largest pool is not that big, and the canyon walls are not tall enough to provide constant shade in the 100 degree temps of summer.

ducks, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, Steve Bruno