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Lens First Photography

Beautiful Policeman’s Creek

Policeman’s Creek, nestled in the picturesque town of Canmore, Alberta, is a serene, crystal-clear stream that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the creek is framed by towering mountain peaks and lush alpine forests, offering a tranquil escape for visitors. The creek is part of the Bow River system and is famous for its vibrant, turquoise waters that sparkle under the sun. It meanders through Canmore, with charming walking paths and bridges that invite locals and tourists to enjoy peaceful strolls along its banks. In the spring and summer, the surrounding wildflowers and dense greenery create a lush, colorful landscape, while in the winter, the creek’s frozen waters and snow-covered surroundings transform into a magical winter wonderland. With its rich wildlife, including birds, fish, and the occasional deer, Policeman’s Creek is not only a scenic gem but also an important part of the area’s natural ecosystem. Whether for a peaceful hike, photography, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, this creek is a must-visit for anyone exploring Canmore.

A few Birds

California Condor

Snowy egret

Red Tailed Hawk

California Condor

The California condor, once widespread across the western United States, faced near extinction in the 20th century due to hunting, habitat destruction, and lead poisoning from ingesting bullets in carcasses. By the 1980s, only 27 birds remained in the wild. In 1987, a controversial decision was made to capture the remaining condors for a captive breeding program to save the species. After years of conservation efforts, including breeding and reintroducing birds to the wild, the population has slowly increased, though the condor remains critically endangered. Today, wildlife organizations continue to monitor and protect these majestic birds, with around 500 California condors living in the wild and captivity.

Snowy Egret

The snowy egret is a striking, graceful wader bird known for its slender white plumage, bright yellow feet, and sharp black bill. Found in wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas across North and South America, it hunts small fish, insects, and crustaceans with swift, precise movements. During the breeding season, the snowy egret flaunts delicate, wispy plumes on its head, neck, and back, adding to its elegance. Once heavily hunted for its feathers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is now protected and has made a strong recovery, continuing to charm birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with its beauty and poise.

Red Tailed Hawk

The red-tailed hawk is one of North America’s most recognizable birds of prey, known for its powerful build and striking appearance. Its mottled brown and white feathers, along with the signature reddish-brown tail, make it easy to spot soaring high in the sky or perched on a tree branch. A skilled hunter, the red-tailed hawk primarily preys on small mammals, like rodents and rabbits, but will also hunt birds and reptiles. Found in a variety of habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban areas, this hawk is highly adaptable. With a sharp, screeching call that echoes across its territory, the red-tailed hawk is a symbol of strength and agility in the wild. Its population is stable, and it is often seen as a symbol of freedom and power in many cultures.

Morning light

A Golden Misty Morning at Heritage Lake, Morinville

There’s something magical about the way the world feels just before the day fully begins, and Heritage Lake in Morinville, Alberta, offers one of those rare moments where time seems to slow down. On a cool autumn morning, the air is crisp, and the lake greets visitors with a soft golden mist drifting lazily across its surface.

As the first light of the sun rises above the horizon, it filters through the haze, painting the water in shimmering tones of amber and gold. The tall grasses along the shoreline catch the glow, swaying gently in the breeze, while the trees surrounding the lake stand like silhouettes wrapped in a veil of light.

The scene is quiet, broken only by the occasional call of a loon or the rippling splash of a fish breaking the water’s surface. For early risers, this is a reward few get to experience: a tranquil moment where nature shows off its quiet strength and beauty.

Heritage Lake has always been a local gem for the Morinville community—a place for walking trails, birdwatching, and simply finding peace away from the bustle of the day. On mornings like these, however, it transforms into something truly breathtaking. The mist lends an almost dreamlike quality, inviting you to pause, breathe deeply, and take it all in.

Whether you’re an avid photographer hoping to capture the perfect shot, a walker enjoying the serenity of the trails, or someone who just wants a few minutes of calm before the day begins, a golden misty morning at Heritage Lake is a reminder of nature’s simple wonders. It’s Alberta at its most peaceful, right in the heart of Morinville.

Magical

mother nature at her best.

The Beauty of Madera Canyon

In Green Valley Arizona’s Madera Canyon, a wooden bridge crosses over a seasonal creek fed by snowmelt from the peaks above. Shaded by graceful sycamores, the waters bring a fleeting music in spring, then fade to stones and silence—yet always carry the promise of return.