Urban Nature Photography

Bob Bear has done it again. Another challenging assignment, this time entitled “Urban Nature” photography. Bob did give us a definition of this sweeping term, generously leaving plenty of room for interpretation. Here’s the guidance he provided: “…juxtapositions of natural forms (flora and fauna) against man-made structures. In other words, capturing through photography examples of fauna and flora that have successfully adapted to life in towns and cities.” This assignment is appropriate for Canmore, but easier in summer when wildlife is more active and plant life is not dormant.

The obvious choice of a natural form that has adapted well to life in our town is the elk. They are so at home in our presence, I think it fitting to refer to this particular species as the Metro Elk. They’re smart. They’ve adopted Canmore as a safe haven from the predators, lying in ambush just outside of town. Here are two elk, a young bull and a cow, foraging for grass under a recent snowfall.

This photograph was taken in the Spring Creek area of Canmore. It can be difficult to believe this wintry oasis exists in an urban setting. It’s a scene you’d expect to find in a National Park. We know this pastoral scene is in a residential area; note the inverted reflection of nearby rooftops in the open water.

Policeman Creek runs right through the heart of Canmore. It is very popular with the local mallards, particularly at this location. It seems I arrived at lunchtime, served by a resident whose home backs onto the creek. It was fascinating to watch, as if the ducks had been trained to alternate, patiently awaiting their turns to be fed. I’ve walked the creek on many occasions and never seen so many ducks as I did yesterday. They have certainly learned when and where to find a free lunch.

Only a few hundred metres downstream from the ducks’ banquet, is this bucolic commercial scene. How often is a nationwide retailer like “Shoppers” able to site an outlet in such a picturesque location?

I think this sign says it all. Our wildlife even has its own network of streets and highways. These corridors exist to maintain migratory routes for the elk, bears, wolves and so on that travel through and around Canmore. Wildlife corridors are an emotive subject, particularly when developers put forward their plans for approval of residential development. It’s an important issue, vital to sustaining the balance between Canmore’s growth and preservation of its wildlife.

More to follow. Bob’s keeping us busy. What a great way to break the tedium of a winter time pandemic.