On Vancouver Island, in the Pacific Northwest, this time of year brings not only a change of colour and the falling of leaves, but also the Salmon spawn on the Little Qualicum River. Already, most of the salmon have spawned and thousands upon thousands of dead salmon are on the banks of the river, submerged at the bottom of the river, or have floated downstream and into the ocean.
A large number of salmon eggs also get carried down into the ocean. This spectacle brings all types of wildlife in to feed on the live and dead salmon, as well as the eggs.
I don't know my fish very well, but I think these are either Chum Salmon or Coho Salmon.
1 - 3 of 12
#1 - The estuary where the river meets the ocean.
#2 - Still alive, with only a day or two yet to live.
#3 - Trying to get by the closed gates further up river at the hatchery.
Oh I like that last one Tony, something to show kids at bedtime. Good job on this set. Sorry I didn't wait long enough. I meant #6. The rest of the set is awesome as well.
Wonderful captures of this cycle of nature. I think that number 1, 2, 7 and 9 are stunning. 4, 5 and 6 will I'm sure not be to the liking of some, but I find them an integral part of nature and very well taken and presented. Well done!
Larry
Your photography is always excellent Tony, and now I see that you're a very fine documenter as well.
This is both a fascinating and informative post in seeing the cycle of nature continue.
Excellent work, thanks so much for sharing this.
BTW, love the back lit Gull in #10... very well done.
cool documentation of the circle of life. i like the clarity of the water and the ripples on #2. interesting fleshy textures on the rotting fish. nice work on the merganser bif.
Great pics Tony with a very educational and interesting narrative. Top pics are # 9 of the BE, # 6 for its starkness and impact and # 10 of the GIF.
Martin
What a cool series Tony - great text and pics - #3 FIF (Fish in Flight) - don't see that too often. They all are great, but surprisingly I like the gulls the best. Funny how an exquisite presentation can make even the most common bird a fav.
Rob Tillyer wrote:
Oh I like that last one Tony, something to show kids at bedtime. Good job on this set. Sorry I didn't wait long enough. I meant #6. The rest of the set is awesome as well.
BearCreekLar wrote:
Wonderful captures of this cycle of nature. I think that number 1, 2, 7 and 9 are stunning. 4, 5 and 6 will I'm sure not be to the liking of some, but I find them an integral part of nature and very well taken and presented. Well done!
Larry
Good job on this set. 
Sorry I didn't wait long enough. I meant #6. The rest of the set is awesome as well.
