Post Your Best 2023 Wildlife Photos

[Larry S.]

First and foremost, it needs to be stated that there is some amazing work on this thread. Every photographer who has posted their work should feel proud of what they've done and shared... I am just amazed by the vision of my friends and colleagues here.
As for me, my year was one filled with great loss. As many of you know, I lost my beloved wife of nearly 33 years in April, and this forum has been a refuge for me during periods of extreme grief. Like Steve and Rose, Tamy was my photographic partner. She went where I went, took pictures by my side and afar, and loved to be on adventures that took us everywhere from deep country backpacking, roadtrips, and international excursions. As Tamy declined, I'd continue to shoot whenever I could find a subject within a few miles of my home. Her gradual decline from fully functional to physical/cognitive impairments lasted for about 18 months, and photography was the one piece of therapy that I gave myself. Pursuing nature photography was so important to me during this time that I recently wrote an article about the "Therapeutic Power of Nature Photography" that was published in the current issue of Nature Photographer Magazine.
With all of that stated, my year's work represents a mix of 20 minutes of shooting here and there, to long hours of sitting and watching nature as I grieved the loss of my one true love.
Just last week I returned from Bosque del Apache. This was my first real trip without Tamy, and was a trip that almost never happened. Tamy had always been my travel companion and I left on an 8 day road trip with the fear that I would not be able to do this on my own. Fortunately my golden doodle Luca, was there to keep me company and I endured... making the trip happen. I think some of my best work of the year was made at Bosque, but... with the exception of a few pictures, the work is currently unedited. The last picture in this series was posted earlier in the week, and is among the best shots I've made in a long time... so I present it here as well.
Ok... that's a huge confession of life's reality. These 8 photos are presented in the order they were taken.
Good shooting and Happy New Year to you All!!
bruce
View attachment 77209
View attachment 77210
View attachment 77211
View attachment 77212
View attachment 77213
View attachment 77214
View attachment 77215
View attachment 77216

Bruce, I feel that I may speak for the community of fellow photographers on this forum when I/we express sorrow for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. That you and Tamy shared so many great years exploring a shared passion should give you solace going forward. Thank you for sharing with all of us……

 

[Art Rourke]

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Cristobal]

Your mountain gem is spectacular... wow!

Thank you very much!

 

[AlanB313]

It's getting towards the end of the year and I thought it would be fun to post some of our best / favorite shots from the last twelve months. Only post images you captured this year and please keep it to eight photos or less (I know, it's tough if it's been a busy year). I can't wait to see what you captured. I'll start with some of my favorites

View attachment 77067

View attachment 77069

View attachment 77068

View attachment 77070

View attachment 77071
View attachment 77072

View attachment 77073
View attachment 77074

Wow indeed! I love the intimacy of the burrowing owl especially!

 

[Steve]

Wow indeed! I love the intimacy of the burrowing owl especially!

Thanks!

It's actually a Costa Rican Pygmy Owl, but pretty much the same idea - small owl, super cute

 

[NorthernFocus]

... the talon study is very unique!

Necessity is the mother of creativity? Most of the bird was clipped out of the frame. It seemed like a shame not to use that detail for something. So the talon shot was born....

 

[sh1209]

Bald Eagle by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Sharp Shinned Hawk by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Carolina wren by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Rough wing swallow by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Northern rough wing swallow by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Pileated woodpeckers by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Robber fly by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Halloween pennant by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Feather legged fly by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Arrowhead spider by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Sedge Wren by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Belted kingfisher by Steven Haddix, on Flickr
Redheaded duck by Steven Haddix, on Flickr

 

[Ralph]

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[MrFotoFool]

First half of year is already transferred to hard drives and deleted from computer and I am too lazy to plug in hard drive. So, I grabbed eight from second half of year that are still on my computer.

August 1, Madera Canyon, Arizona​	September 4, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.	You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
September 27, Garden of the Gods, Colorado​	October 10, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.	You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
November 26, Starr Pass (Tucson), Arizona​	November 30, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.	You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
December 5, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​	December 18, Madera Canyon, Arizona​
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.	You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Lance B]

1) Eastern Rosella

Z9 + 800 PF, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso400

2) Azure Kingfisher

Z9 + 800 PF, 1/640s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso720

3) Striated Heron

Z9 + 800 PF, 1/320s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso800

4) Restless Flycatcher

Z8 + 800 PF, 1/5000s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1100

5) Nankeen Kestrel

Z8 + 800 PF, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1250

6) Antechinus - I stress, not a mouse but is a marsupial like a Kangaroo, Koala, Wallaby etc, and quite a rare tiny animal.

Z8 + 800 PF, 1/1600s f/7.1 at 800.0mm iso1000

7) Peregrine Falcon

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1250

8) Little Lorikeet Canoodling

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1250

9) Red Browed Finch

Z9 + 800 PF, 1/640s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso400

 

[BLev65]

First half of year is already transferred to hard drives and deleted from computer and I am too lazy to plug in hard drive. So, I grabbed eight from second half of year that are still on my computer.

August 1, Madera Canyon, Arizona​	September 4, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​
View attachment 77295​	View attachment 77296​
September 27, Garden of the Gods, Colorado​	October 10, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​
View attachment 77297​	View attachment 77298​
November 26, Starr Pass (Tucson), Arizona​	November 30, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​
View attachment 77299​	View attachment 77300​
December 5, Sweetwater Wetlands, Arizona​	December 18, Madera Canyon, Arizona​
View attachment 77301​	View attachment 77302​

I love the silhouetted buck adjacent to the red-rock mountain... really nice!

 

[Ralph]

First and foremost, it needs to be stated that there is some amazing work on this thread. Every photographer who has posted their work should feel proud of what they've done and shared... I am just amazed by the vision of my friends and colleagues here.
As for me, my year was one filled with great loss. As many of you know, I lost my beloved wife of nearly 33 years in April, and this forum has been a refuge for me during periods of extreme grief. Like Steve and Rose, Tamy was my photographic partner. She went where I went, took pictures by my side and afar, and loved to be on adventures that took us everywhere from deep country backpacking, roadtrips, and international excursions. As Tamy declined, I'd continue to shoot whenever I could find a subject within a few miles of my home. Her gradual decline from fully functional to physical/cognitive impairments lasted for about 18 months, and photography was the one piece of therapy that I gave myself. Pursuing nature photography was so important to me during this time that I recently wrote an article about the "Therapeutic Power of Nature Photography" that was published in the current issue of Nature Photographer Magazine.
With all of that stated, my year's work represents a mix of 20 minutes of shooting here and there, to long hours of sitting and watching nature as I grieved the loss of my one true love.
Just last week I returned from Bosque del Apache. This was my first real trip without Tamy, and was a trip that almost never happened. Tamy had always been my travel companion and I left on an 8 day road trip with the fear that I would not be able to do this on my own. Fortunately my golden doodle Luca, was there to keep me company and I endured... making the trip happen. I think some of my best work of the year was made at Bosque, but... with the exception of a few pictures, the work is currently unedited. The last picture in this series was posted earlier in the week, and is among the best shots I've made in a long time... so I present it here as well.
Ok... that's a huge confession of life's reality. These 8 photos are presented in the order they were taken.
Good shooting and Happy New Year to you All!!
bruce
View attachment 77209
View attachment 77210
View attachment 77211
View attachment 77212
View attachment 77213
View attachment 77214
View attachment 77215
View attachment 77216

Bruce, my sincere condolences. I hope that your family and and your photography will help you get through this difficult time. The wonderful memories with your wife will always be with you.

 

[kontrolla]

Some great photos in this thread, thanks for sharing them.

My favourites of 2023 in no particular order and taken with the Z9 and Z 600 f4 TC:

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Viathelens]

I have waaayyy too many images that I love and think are my best of... So, I went with a recent trip to Antarctica and chose some of the best from the 350 I've processed, with way more to go. It's very hard to choose our best...

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Abinoone]

Some really great images in this thread, representing outstanding talent! I humbly offer a few of my own from 2023 trips.

ALASKA:

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

YELLOWSTONE:

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY:

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[davepalmerphotography]

A Sandhill Crane captured Jan 28/2023 at George Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, British Columbia. It was a cloudy day and the crane was standing in the pond area which provided a perfect background for this shot. Minimal post work done, just some removal of some debris in the water.
Nikon D780, 300mm F2.8 Lens
- 1/1250 SS
- f/2.8G
- Iso 220

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Tony B]

Really beautiful series with the dark and moody background... fantastic set of images!

Thank you very much. So glad you like the photos!

 

[Tony B]

First and foremost, it needs to be stated that there is some amazing work on this thread. Every photographer who has posted their work should feel proud of what they've done and shared... I am just amazed by the vision of my friends and colleagues here.
As for me, my year was one filled with great loss. As many of you know, I lost my beloved wife of nearly 33 years in April, and this forum has been a refuge for me during periods of extreme grief. Like Steve and Rose, Tamy was my photographic partner. She went where I went, took pictures by my side and afar, and loved to be on adventures that took us everywhere from deep country backpacking, roadtrips, and international excursions. As Tamy declined, I'd continue to shoot whenever I could find a subject within a few miles of my home. Her gradual decline from fully functional to physical/cognitive impairments lasted for about 18 months, and photography was the one piece of therapy that I gave myself. Pursuing nature photography was so important to me during this time that I recently wrote an article about the "Therapeutic Power of Nature Photography" that was published in the current issue of Nature Photographer Magazine.
With all of that stated, my year's work represents a mix of 20 minutes of shooting here and there, to long hours of sitting and watching nature as I grieved the loss of my one true love.
Just last week I returned from Bosque del Apache. This was my first real trip without Tamy, and was a trip that almost never happened. Tamy had always been my travel companion and I left on an 8 day road trip with the fear that I would not be able to do this on my own. Fortunately my golden doodle Luca, was there to keep me company and I endured... making the trip happen. I think some of my best work of the year was made at Bosque, but... with the exception of a few pictures, the work is currently unedited. The last picture in this series was posted earlier in the week, and is among the best shots I've made in a long time... so I present it here as well.
Ok... that's a huge confession of life's reality. These 8 photos are presented in the order they were taken.
Good shooting and Happy New Year to you All!!
bruce
View attachment 77209
View attachment 77210
View attachment 77211
View attachment 77212
View attachment 77213
View attachment 77214
View attachment 77215
View attachment 77216

Beautiful images with thoughtful compositions. So sorry for your loss.

 

[ButlerKid]

A Sandhill Crane captured Jan 28/2023 at George Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, British Columbia. It was a cloudy day and the crane was standing in the pond area which provided a perfect background for this shot. Minimal post work done, just some removal of some debris in the water.
Nikon D780, 300mm F2.8 Lens
- 1/1250 SS
- f/2.8G
- Iso 220View attachment 77366

Excellent image! Welcome to BCG!

 

[Dinusaur]

Wow awesome set of images from everyone - I can spend hours looking at them. I mostly do bird photography and these three images are my favorite because they reflect strength, courage and determination in overcoming life's challenges.

1&2: A Bald Eagle with a Raccoon for lunch. A raccoon can weigh anywhere between 5-20 kg - even at the lowest end the eagle was showing its strength. Then something funny happened. As the eagle settled on a nearby tree branch it lost the grip and lost its meal in the forest below.
3. A pair of Cardinal fought valiantly against a Common Grackle to protect their chicks in a nearby nest. The fight lasted almost 20 seconds before the Grackle moved on.
4. A Red-tailed Hawk who has only one leg, has overcome its limitation and adapted well to live up to adulthood.

 

[Eldon]

A few of mine...

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Cliff]

Spectacular shots everyone! Love being part of this community. These are all from Vermont.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Larry Shuman]

Here a few of my best

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[gnpToday]

All of the previous images are fantastic! I hope these are half as good!

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Anjin San]

There are…a lot…of truly excellent images in this thread. Thanks to all for sharing them…I could look at full res versions of a lot of these for a long time I think.