The gift shop at the Campbell River Museum has the last copy of my first book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey and the last copies of my second book Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot.
If you would like to complete your collection of my photo books, be the first to contact them because these two books are no longer available and I won't do a reprint!
Contact the Campbell River Museum gift shop at https://crmuseum.ca/
In the summer of 2023 as I was processing photos in my home office, I heard an unusual call coming from outside. I was curious to find out what it was so I grabbed my camera and went looking for that mysterious bird. Running under the cover of thick bushes was a family of Northern Bobwhites. The adult male and female were trying to keep control of their brood by calling them but the young bobwhites were more interested in exploring their environment than listening to the adults.
This summer, I heard them again. They must have survived the winter and I wondered where they were coming from. The Northern Bobwhite is a non-migratory species that are only known from Walpole Island First Nation in southwestern Ontario and in eastern US. Introduction attempts in British Columbia decades ago were unsuccessful. The species is listed as endangered in Canada.
My sightings of this rare bird made the front page of the Victoria Times Colonist. I also had the honour to talk on the radio program Panorama on Radio-Canada and Vista Radio.
Male Northern Bobwhite
Female Northern Bobwhite
For several years now, I have been photographing a herd of Roosevelt elk on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I follow them through the seasons, I see the young grow and the females take care of them. I even took a rare photo of a female nursing three calves. I have always wanted to witness the rutting period, especially when the dominant male defends his harem against other males to be the sole procreator of the next generation. Since the ovulation period is short, it was important for me to be there at the right time.
This fall, I finally had the opportunity to photograph this event. When I arrived in the field, there were already about thirty Roosevelt elk: three dominant males, two immature males, females and young born this year. The dominant male kept an eye on the other males, chased them and eventually forced them across the river. He also kept a close eye on whether some females were ready for mating. His approach was simple: stroke the female's rump and neck, lick her flanks and then mate. He then lay down to rest among a few females.
I spent about 3 hours with them at a respectful distance so as not to disturb their activities. During this time, in addition to chasing rivals and copulating, some elk napped while others grazed. I eventually lost sight of them as they moved deeper into the forest.
On April 25, 2024, at 7 pm, I’ll have the pleasure to talk about my experience photographing the Vancouver Island marmot for my book, with the members of the Arrowsmith Naturalists in Parksville, British Columbia. Details here.
The Arrowsmith Naturalists was founded in 1970 to know, enjoy, and preserve nature. We are affiliated with B.C. Nature and Nature Canada. Our members are a knowledgeable, committed, and welcoming group who enjoy monthly meetings, field trips, and stewardship activities.
I have donated this beautiful print of a sea otter to the Fur-Bearer’s Fall Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit Canadian wildlife. You can bid until Nov. 10
Established in 1953, The Fur-Bearers is a charitable, non-partisan organization whose goals are to end the commercial fur trade and promote solutions for wildlife coexistence in communities.
Free shipping in British Columbia and Alberta when you order my photo book Vancouver Island Marmot, the World’s Rarest Marmot. This offer ends on November 27, 2023. Enter promo code BCAB2023 at checkout.
Let me know if you’d like me to write a personal note when I sign the book.
Start your holiday shopping early, order a copy today!
“‘‘…Like Babault’s earlier book, this work is a feast for the eyes. The close-up images of marmots in the wild are charming, and the author’s keen artist’s eye has captured images of the steep mountain ridges, meadows and screes where the elusive rodents live that are delicate and colourful, evoking in their often fog-softened, flower-dotted beauty the works of the French Impressionists.’’”
As the owner of a small business that offers photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island, I am committed to supporting sustainable development:
During the tours, we photograph wildlife from a respectful and safe distance. The well-being and safety of wildlife has always priority over the photographic aspirations of the participants.
I educate participants about ethics in nature photography.
I share my knowledge about local wildlife and conservation projects.
I promote carpooling and limit the tours/workshops to five (5) persons.
I support local and sustainable businesses (hotels and tours operators).
I minimize waste by avoiding the use of non-recyclable containers for snacks and water.
These are only some of the activities that form part of my sustainable plan. Learn more.
Sometimes we are lucky enough to be interviewed by a journalist we have admired for years. That's what happened to me when I was interviewed by Margaret Gallagher for North by Northwest, CBC Radio One in Vancouver. Despite being a little intimidated, I managed to speak more or less clearly about my Vancouver Island marmot photo book, which was released last December, and the conservation efforts to save the marmot from extinction.
I invite you to listen to the interview and order a signed copy of my book.
Parfois nous avons la chance d’être interviewé par une journaliste que nous admirons depuis des années. C’est ce qui m’est arrivé lorsque j’ai été interviewée par Margaret Gallagher pour l’émission North by Northwest, CBC Radio One à Vancouver. Malgré le fait que j’étais un peu intimidée, j’ai réussi à parler plus ou moins clairement de mon livre de photos sur la marmotte de l’île de Vancouver, paru en décembre dernier, et des efforts de conservation pour sauver la marmotte de l’extinction.
Je vous invite à écouter l’entrevue et commander une copie signée de mon livre.
I was recently invited by Shaw TV for their program Spotlight to talk about my work as a nature and wildlife photographer. I also spoke about my keen interest for the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species which is endemic to the Island, and my time spent photographing them in the alpine meadows somewhere on Vancouver Island. That work in the field resulted in a photo book to raise awareness about the marmot’s plight and the recovery efforts undertaken to save it from extinction.
I invite you to watch the interview.
My photo book Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot received an incredible book review in this weekend edition of the Vancouver Sun. It is ‘‘highly recommended’’!
I am very grateful to Tom Sandborn for his kind words. Read his review.
Vancouver Island marmot pup touching nose with an adult coming out of the burrow.
I recently spoke with Gordon Darby, producer, Shaw TV Spotlight. We meet on a windy and cold day at a park in Courtenay to talk about my passion for wildlife photography, and particularly for the Vancouver Island marmot. You can watch the interview here.
J’ai récemment parlé avec Gordon Darby, producteur, Shaw TV Spotlight. Nous nous sommes rencontrés lors d’une journée venteuse et froide à un parc à Courtenay pour parler de ma passion pour la photographie animalière, et en particulier pour la marmotte de l’île de Vancouver. Vous pouvez voir l’entrevue en anglais ici.
Every year, at the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This annual event attracts a lot of mammals and birds that feed on the fish and its eggs.
Perched on tall trees, bald eagles are keeping an eye on the action, ready for an opportunity to catch a herring or something else. Minks and river otters are also on the lookout for the silver fish while gulls bicker over their biggest catch. The sea lions are also here; they are hard to ignore with their constant barking. On the shoreline, curious seals are observing the action. The presence of sea lions and seals attracts larger predators such as the orca.
Join me for a photo workshop from 13 to 15 March to photograph this spectacular event.
On 21 December 2022, I will release my new photo book titled Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot.
The Vancouver Island marmot is the most endangered mammal in Canada. Endemic to British Columbia, this marmot lives in the mountains on Vancouver Island.
In 2003, there were less than 30 marmots recorded in the wild. Thanks to the efforts of a team of dedicated experts, there are now 250 marmots roaming the mountains on the island. Through the captivating words of experts and stunning photographs, this book invites you to learn more about the Vancouver Island marmot, its plight, and the efforts that have been made to save this amazing species from extinction.
The book can only be ordered on this website.
