Daniel Proulx

Male Pileated Woodpecker perched in winter branches, bright red crest visible, eating small berries during light snowfall in a quiet forest.

Quiet walk today. Not many birds once I went deeper into the forest, but this Pileated Woodpecker caught my eye. I managed to capture it while it was feeding on fruit. 🪶#birds

A Northern Saw-whet Owl perched on a bare branch, fluffed up against the cold, eyes half-closed as it sleeps. The small owl shows brown and white spotted feathers with a softly blurred woodland background

So we saw three different species of owls on the same day. Incredibly lucky, as all of them were firsts for me, both to see and to photograph. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is such a cute little furball, sleeping in the open and very small, about the size of a grapefruit.
🦉 #bird #raptors #owl

Great Gray Owl perched on a bare tree branch in winter facing the camera with intense yellow eyes surrounded by leafless forest.

Yesterday I spotted 3 owl species, from the largest Great Gray Owl to the smallest Northern Saw whet Owl all in the same day.
Here's the Great Gray.
🦉 #bird #raptors #owl

Two teal ducks swimming side by side in a calm pond, surrounded by floating green and yellow lily pads. Their plumage is mottled brown with hints of green on the wings, and their large dark bills are partially submerged in the water as they forage.

This year I found the spot where the teal are taking a break before their long journey south 🪶 It’s so nice to see them. Someone walking by said, “Oh look, baby ducks,” not realizing that at this time of year there are no babies and this was actually another species.
#birds #wildlife #migration

Two colorful male Wood Ducks standing on a log at the water’s edge. Their iridescent green and blue feathers, red eyes, and bold white markings contrast with the muted browns of the marsh background.

🪶 Wood Ducks, perfectly dressed for this season. #birds

🪶 A mallard at sunset, sharing the pond with a teal, while the water reflects the last fire of the day.

📷 Canon R5 · 800mm · f/9 · 1/500s · ISO 4000

#birds #wildlife #nature #duck #canada #photography #ornithology

Two Green-winged Teals swimming in the shadowy part of a pond at sunset. Their plumage is mottled brown with faint green speculum. Reflections ripple across the dark, cool-toned water, creating a twilight atmosphere.

🪶 Green-winged Teal (Sarcelle d’hiver)! They were in the shadowy part of the pond at sunset.

📷 Canon R5 · 800mm · f/9 · 1/500s · ISO 4000

#birds #wildlife #nature #duck #canada #photography #ornithology

Three Green-winged Teals swimming on rippling water in low light. Their plumage is mottled brown, with one showing a green speculum on the wing. Reflections of light and color ripple across the surface.

🪶 First time seeing a Green-winged Teal (Sarcelle d’hiver)! Light was so low I had to shoot at ISO 5000, otherwise no shot at all. The reflections on the water turned out more interesting than I expected. #birds #wildlife #nature #canada #photography
📷 Canon R5 · 800mm · f/9 · 1/500s · ISO 5000

A small black-and-white Eastern Kingbird perched on a tall spike of purple loosestrife flowers, with a blurred pink and green floral background.

🪶 Tyran tritri (Tyrannus tyrannus) perché sur de la salicaire pourpre (Lythrum salicaria).

Eastern Kingbird perched on Purple Loosestrife.
July 2023, One of my first wildlife photos with my very first zoom lens.
#birds #wildlife #nature #ornithology #birdphotography #canada

A bright yellow male Goldfinch perched on a dried sunflower head, with blurred green stems and a blooming sunflower above. The vertical crop shows both the bird and flowers, highlighting the contrast between new bloom and faded seed head.

I prefer not to crop too tight when the background adds to the story. Here, the Goldfinch stands out against the sunflowers, the bloom above and seed head below make it a portrait of both bird and its environment. 🪶 #bird #wildlife #nature #photography

A vibrant male Indigo Bunting perched on a thorny branch, with a small snail clinging to the stem just above it. The bird’s feathers are a striking blue, standing out against the dark blurred background.

I was just cleaning some old cards and found so many photos I had taken but never looked at. This one is from July 2024 of an Indigo Bunting. It was the first time I encountered one and there’s a bonus snail. 🪶 #birds #wildlife #nature #photography

A Yellow-rumped Warbler perched on a branch, surrounded by warm sunset autumn tones.

This yellow-rumped warbler was feeding on nearby autumn seeds. 🍂 Watching these small birds in action reminds us how much we can learn about our environment through photography. #birds #warbler #wildlife #photography #nature #naturalist #autumn #fallcolors #birdwatching #canada

A beaver swimming across water glowing bright red from autumn leaf reflections, its head and ripples breaking the smooth mirrored surface.

Justin the Beaver, caught in Canada’s autumn glow. 🍁🦫 Quite possibly the most Canadian photo I’ve ever taken. #beaver #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #canada #canadianwildlife #autumn #fallcolors #animals

Three Wood Ducks sharing the same pond, each with their own colors and patterns, yet moving together in harmony. Nature reminds us that diversity is not something to fear but something that gives life its beauty. In a time when division is loud, the quiet water shows another way. #birds 🪶

Last evening I watched egrets glide across the sky, their wings glowing in the last light. Migration is natural and timeless, a movement for survival and renewal. In a world of borders, birds remind us that migration is life itself. #birds 🪶

A few Wood Ducks as the sun was setting. In the soft light of fall their colors came alive, the green crests shining and the chestnut feathers glowing against the water. The reflection in the warm golden surface gave the scene a painterly look. It almost felt surreal to be in that moment. #birds 🪶

Spotted what I thought were bees entering a tree high above the ground. Rare to see a hive in the wild since most of the time it’s wasps. Took the shot despite the distance and caught one entering the hive. Look closely near the entrance… 🐝🌿 #photography #naturephotography #wildlife

Almost missed this Green Heron at sunset, perfectly hidden in the shadows until the light caught its eye. #bird 🪶

Took this shot a few days ago. I’ve noticed that merlin falcons often come to the marshes in late summer to feed on dragonflies, since many of the small birds they usually hunt have already migrated south. It’s always fun to watch how agile they are. #birds #Raptors 🪶

Osprey and its Carp. Carpe Diem, seize the day, seize the fish. #Raptors #birds

A few weeks ago, a young Merlin falcon landed on my roof with its fresh catch. Pausing for a meal and a short rest right above me. #raptors 🪶 #bird

Every year the Merlins visit us, and this was the last time I saw the couple that nested nearby. Each year we have a nest close to us, and just hearing them every day makes me happy. I look forward to seeing them again next year. #birds #raptors 🪶

A Downy Woodpecker hangs upside down from a leafy branch, picking pale greenish-white elderberries from bright red stems. The background is soft green foliage.

I feel very lucky this Downy Woodpecker was just there enjoying some unripe Red Elderberries. Always fun to learn more about birds through photography. 🪶 #bird

A Common Yellowthroat perched on a branch, its bright yellow chest contrasting with its olive back and distinct black mask. The bird is alert, surrounded by lush green foliage.

Last summer, I had a special encounter with a Common Yellowthroat. I stayed still, blending into my surroundings, and with patience, the birds came to me. Observing them up close is always rewarding! 🪶 #birds

A Baltimore Oriole with striking black and orange plumage perches on a branch among golden spring leaves, its beak slightly open as if calling. The bright background highlights its vivid colors.

Last year, I had the chance to see many Baltimore Orioles at a new spot, and it was such a joy to observe them! They usually stay high in the trees, and their song is so distinct. I can't wait to go back again this year! 🪶 #bird

A Turkey Vulture perched on a dead tree branch with its wings fully spread against a bright blue sky. Its dark feathers fan out symmetrically, showcasing intricate patterns and impressive wingspan. The red, featherless head and sharp beak add to its striking presence

After landing, this Turkey Vulture spread its wings perfectly, giving me the ultimate shot. A stunning display of power and elegance. Nature always rewards patience! 🪶 #birds #raptors

Thanks! I cropped this a lot but with the R5's 45 megapixels, there was plenty of detail. Seeing a new bird is exciting and learning their song makes it even better. Now I know what to listen for and where to look. Hopefully, I’ll see them again this year.

A Turkey Vulture perched on a dead tree branch against a clear blue sky. Its dark feathers contrast with its red, featherless head, and its sharp, curved beak is visible. The sunlight highlights the intricate patterns on its wings and the powerful talons gripping the branch.A Turkey Vulture perched on a dead tree branch against a clear blue sky. Its dark feathers contrast with its red, featherless head, and its sharp, curved beak is visible. The sunlight highlights the intricate patterns on its wings and the powerful talons gripping the branch.

Last summer, I finally saw a Turkey Vulture up close after years of only watching them soar. It landed on a dead tree in my brother’s backyard, giving me the perfect shot. A reminder that with patience, luck finds us. 🪶 #birds #raptors

Thank you! I love the sound they make, you can hear them all the time, but they don’t come out much. And when they do, it’s only for a few seconds! Definitely a challenging but rewarding bird to photograph.

A Marsh Wren, a small bird with brown, white, and black plumage, is perched between two cattail stalks, gripping them with its feet while spreading its legs wide. The background consists of blurred green reeds and foliage. The bird's head is slightly tilted, and its beak is pointed forward. The texture of the cattail stalks contrasts with the smooth feathers of the bird. The overall color palette is earthy and natural, with shades of green, brown, and beige.

Captured a serene moment in nature last summer. 🌿 This little marvel, perched elegantly among the whispers of the reeds, reminds us of the quiet beauty that surrounds us. Take a moment to breathe, observe, and connect with the natural world. Every creature, no matter how small, has a story. #birds 🪶