DavidMcNab

Humpback whales are among the most beautiful and awe inspiring creatures on earth. These lucky swimmers experienced a once in a lifetime thrill when they entered the water in Tonga to swim in the ocean. A pod of humpback whales came through, swimming directly at and under the whales. Humpbacks come to Tonga to breed and to bear their young. This is one of the few areas in the world where they are safe from large sharks and orcas. There are no predators for the whales in the waters around the 169 islands that make up the Kingdom of Tonga. The female humpbacks are followed by eligible males during mating season. They jostle and shove each other, trying to assert their dominance and claim breeding rights. The females aren't always receptive and these courtship rituals might occur over hundreds of miles of ocean. These swimmers found themselves right in the path of one of these events, known as a heat run. They were thrilled to see the whales passing directly beneath them. Intelligent and gentle, the whales had no interest in colliding with the clumsy humans in the water and they submerged long enough to pass under them without contact. Few people will ever come so close to such magnificent creatures in their own environment. For these swimmers to see 7 or 8 of them at once was simply unforgettable.

River is an adorable family dog who is far too intelligent for her family. She is a rescue with an unknown history so her breed is a mystery. It is believed that she is part Australian Shepherd and possibly part border collie so it is no surprise that she is craftier than the average dog. When it gets late and bedtime is approaching, River and Raven, the other family dog are given the instructions to go out for their nightly bathroom duties. Normally, they don't mind and they will obediently trot out the door, off the porch and into the grass and trees on the property. They will come back a few minutes later and settle for the night. River is not a fan of the rain and on this particular evening, she was aware that the weather was not the best. As she was told to go outside, one eye slowly opened and then shut again. She rolled over on her back and pretended to be sleeping or in a coma, unable to respond to any voice commands. River would not open her eyes or move for anything. Finally, River's owner decided to slide her across the hardwood floor towards the door. Only then did River open her eyes, but the wide-eyed look of feigned shock at being pushed is beyond comical. Finally, after a few shoves across the floor, River realized that her trip to the grass outside was inevitable. River has found her forever home after a brush with death that was closer than any dog should have. Her original family cared for her and loved her but River developed a complicated and expensive medical problem. She was brought to an emergency veterinary clinic two days before Christmas. She was deteriorating rapidly and the prognosis was not good. Her tests and diagnosis alone was unmanageable. She has a heart defect that causes her back end to become paralyzed when her heart beats rapidly. She also has a few other medical issues. Her treatment and ongoing care would be complicated and her medication costs would be extreme. River's family made the difficult choice to end her suffering and have her put to sleep. She was seconds away from her final breath when another option presented itself. Serena, the veterinary assistant had fallen in love with this beautiful soul and she knew that she had the expertise and training to manage the dog's care. Serena's mother was also a veterinarian. Between the two of them, the treatment would be manageable. River was given a second chance and a chance for a good life. Under strict medical care and with modified activity, River enjoys a wonderful life. She wanders with Serena in the forest almost every day. She has a large yard to play in, and she has another family dog to keep her company. River's life will not likely be as long as most dogs, but she has had three extra years now with no sign that her condition is worsening. River is smart enough to understand how to play on the emotions of her family, and possibly smart enough to know that feigned paralysis will help her avoid unpleasant obligations, like going out in the rain.

Raven is a big puppy with a big appetite. One of her favourite treats is a chunk of watermelon. She comes running when she is called if she smells this tasty treat. Raven's family were vacationing at the family cottage near Parry Sound. Raven enjoyed a long run through the forest earlier on the day. She explored ponds and creeks and ran free through the woods. But she worked up a Great Dane sized hunger and thirst. As she watched everybody else enjoying their watermelon afterwards, she looked like she also wanted some. Raven was given a quarter of a big watermelon. She proudly carried it over to one of her favourite resting spots overlooking the lake. She munched away on the delicious fruit with great joy. Raven is a lucky dog who has found a family full of love and adoration. Great Danes are wonderful and loyal dogs who give even more love than they receive. It's no wonder that people fall in love with the breed so easily.

Tobermory is a small town in Ontario, nestled in a quiet harbour in Georgian Bay. It is home to Fathom Five National Marine Park, which holds the wrecks of 22 wooden steamers that sank in these icy waters more than 100 years earlier. The wrecks have been well preserved by the cold water that prevents decay of the wooden structures. Scuba divers from around the continent come here, seeking the magnificent diving that this lake has to offer. The crystal clear waters provide incredible visibility, even at deeper sites. The gorgeous blue backdrop provides an excellent opportunity to create breath taking photos and videos. The ability to dive over and among the wreckage provides a look at history that cannot be imagined without seeing it up close and in person. Each of the wrecks comes with a story. As divers prepare to enter the water to explore, the captain of their boat tells them what took place a century ago to place the ships where they rest. The stories are fascinating, sometimes tragic, and each one leaves the scuba divers with an eerie feeling that many years ago, the ship's crew faced peril as their ships ran aground or broke apart on the rocks. In most cases, extreme weather and horrific waves tossed the ships around mercilessly as the crew members fought to maintain control. Some of the stories are filled with triumph as the crew battled the elements and survived through teamwork and perseverance. As the divers swim around and through the debris, the scattered remains of the ships tell a story and invite wonder and questions about what took place in those storms at the turn of the last century. Reading a history book cannot compare to the actual experience of entering this underwater world and swimming above the remains. This video brings you along on the journey to the bottom of Lake Huron and through Fathom Five Marine Park.

Smoke from a distant forest fire was being monitored by drone above cottage country. The drone was hundreds of miles from the actual fires and there was no chance of interference with aircraft that could potentially be used to fight or monitor the fires. This drone was simply collecting data about the distant migration of the smoke due to wind currents. The operator of the drone is licensed and trained to fly this piece of equipment and he was far enough from any airport or restricted air space that his flight would not pose a hazard. The drone was within the 400 feet altitude limit required by law. The operator was also maintaining visual observation of the drone and the flight area. The drone operator heard an airplane far to the north. He noticed that the sound was loud enough to suggest the plane was flying low. The noise also suggested that it was approaching his location. Planes are not generally permitted to fly under 400ft from the ground so it was not expected to be an issue. But, out of an abundance of caution, he began bringing the drone lower. He also moved the drone sideways to move away from the sound of the airplane. The noise was quickly becoming louder and the drone operator swiveled the camera to search the sky to the north. To his surprise, the airplane was coming towards the drone on a flight path that would take the plane directly past the drone, almost exactly where it had been. The plane was actually slightly lower than the drone but this was a much closer call than anyone would wish for. The airplane passing through is a float plane and it is equipped to land on water. It would have been possible for this pilot to intentionally fly this low to land on the lake under the drone, but he flew over and away from the lake. There is no other body of water close enough that the airplane pilot was preparing to make a landing as it flew so low. The only possibility in this case is that he was flying low in order to view the scenery over the cottage country beneath him. He probably did not see the tiny drone so close to him but he would have been at least as surprised as the drone operator if he had. As recreational and professional drones become more common, there will be an even greater potential for mid air collisions or near misses like this one.

The Peterborough Lift Lock was built in 1904, and it was a considerable accomplishment in many ways, especially for the time that it was constructed. It is the first lift lock built with concrete and it was also the largest structure in the world that was built from unreinforced concrete. For many years, the Peterborough Lift Lock was the tallest hydraulic boat lift in the world. What is even more remarkable is the fact that this lift lock operates without requiring any power. It operates on gravity alone, making use of the counterweight principle. The enormous tubs, called caissons, measure almost 43m (140 feet) by 10m (33 feet) and they hold more than 1 million litres of water, weighing more than 1 million kg (2,200,000 lbs). The heavier caisson lowers to raise the lighter one.The caisson that rises is set to stop 30cm from the canal water level at the top. The raised caisson then opens at the gate to allow more water in. The boat in the caisson can sail out. The lowered caisson is opened to release water, making it now the lighter one. The gates are closed and gravity can force the upper caisson down and raise the lower, and now lighter one up. By manipulating the flow of water, the weights in the caissons can be changed. This is one of 44 locks in the 386 km (240 mile) canal system, known as the Trent-Severn Waterway. It connects many lakes and rivers to allow boats to travel from the Bay of Quinte to Georgian Bay. The water system has been used for military purposes and cargo shipping, and now it is a major tourist draw for cottage country in Ontario. Over the length of the waterway, it raises boats an incredible 180m (591 feet). The history of the construction is as fascinating as the function of the lock. It is a true marvel of engineering and ingenuity. It is no wonder that the opening in 1904 drew a crowd of thousands to see it operate for the first time. It is also not surprising that the lift lock has been deemed a National Heritage Site.

This recording shows a very mysterious white object flying directly at and under a small drone that was recording the scenery around Peterborough, Ontario. The day was uneventful. It was sunny and calm with a wind that was barely perceptible. The flight path took the small drone out from the Otonabee riverbank towards a scenic train bridge. The drone operator is directly behind the drone as it begins the flight at 12m (36 feet) above the water. The drone was flying forward at 40km/h (28mph), lifting slowly, recording at 4k, 30fps. The Silver Bean Cafe is behind the drone and the only reason for drone pilot being here this day is to record the scenery around the cafe. Nothing unusual was seen when the recording occurred. But looking through the footage that evening, the owner saw a fast moving object flying through the field of view at the 15 second point in the video. Initially, he thought it was a bird, but this is extremely unlikely because birds do not like the noise of a drone and they will simply not fly so close to one if they can avoid it. Closer analysis shows that the object was visible for less than .5 seconds. Frame by frame inspection shows that it appears and clears the camera view in 15 frames. It is first visible when it dips below the tree line somewhere near the train bridge that is well over 150m (450 feet) away from the drone. A calculation estimates the speed of the object at over 1080km/h (671mph). No bird is able to travel a this speed, especially in a horizontal direction. The slowed down and enlarged footage shows that the object has no wings. It does not look anything like an animal. It is slightly translucent, like plastic and has a different shape than a bird. But litter blowing through the air cannot reach such a speed. It also cannot travel in this manner without extreme wind. A small recreational drone could not remain stable in a gust of wind strong enough to carry this object. A projectile fired from the shore could possibly reach high speeds, but this is too large for a projectile and it is not the correct shape. The object also approaches at a slightly downward trajectory that is too flat for anything that could be launched from shore. The drone shows a small peninsula with houses and a lake beyond. There are no positions high enough to fire at the drone and doing so would have caused the object to strike the cafe behind the drone, or at least the water right in front of the cafe. There is simply no explanation that makes sense enough to explain this high velocity object appearing in this video. Any suggestions or discussion is welcome. But for now, this object is complete mystery.

Humpback whales are among the most beautiful and gentle creatures on the planet. They are among the largest creatures on land or in the ocean, smaller than only a few other whale species. They are also among the most intelligent creatures to have ever lived. As recently as 100,000 years ago, humpbacks were even more intelligent than the ancestors of humans. Tonga is one of the few places on earth where people can get in the water with humpback whales. Although there are strict rules about approaching the whales and it is forbidden to touch them, the whales will occasionally approach a human out of curiosity. One look into their soulful eyes will tell you that these are magnificent creatures, full of understanding. We have long wondered how a humpback instinctively knows that they are capable of injuring a human if they strike or bump one with any force. Their massive bodies dwarf our own and they are powerful animals. Yet, they never harm humans and there are many cases of whales intentionally showing their gentle side by avoiding contact that would inflict injury. This very lucky swimmer had slipped into the water near a playful male humpback, hoping for a close look and a few photographs. The whale slowly moved in her direction, rising beneath her in slow motion. It repeatedly rolled on its back, exposing its underside and swimming close to her. This encounter went on for a full 18 minutes before the guide ended the swim so that the whale could enjoy a quiet rest. The numbers of people and the length of interaction are carefully monitored to ensure that the whales are not disturbed. Humpback whales come to Tonga to give birth and to breed. These waters are free of sharks and orcas that prey on the whales, especially during vulnerable times. Often, male humpbacks will escort or accompany the females for several weeks after they give birth. This offers the females and their young a level of protection, and it possibly provides the male with an opportunity to breed when the female is ready. It is unfortunate that these beautiful and gentle animals are still hunted in the waters around many countries. To lose them forever would be an unimaginable tragedy.

The Amazon comprises more than half of Earth's tropical rainforest. It stretches across 9 countries in South America and it is home to more species than any other rainforest on the planet. Thirty million people make their home in the Amazon jungle, with more than 60 groups of indigenous people who are largely isolated. The Amazon rainforest is at least 55 million years old and it has been settled by humans for more than 11,000 years. Incredibly, the Amazon receives more than half of it's fertilizer from the Sahara desert in Chad with the wind blowing dust across the ocean to settle in the Amazon basin. This is how the phosphorous that is crucial for plant growth is replaced each year as rain and erosion carry it out to the ocean. This is a perfect example of the delicate balance in nature that holds our planet in harmony. These guests have traveled from Canada to experience the beauty of the remote jungle in Ecuador. This trip required several flights to get them to the Napo River where they embarked on a journey in a motor canoe for several more hours. The weather varied between sunshine and intense rain over a short period of time. The guests landed along the riverbank and hiked to a remote dock where they climbed into dugout canoes for another leg of their journey along narrow creeks that snaked through the jungle to a beautiful blackwater lake deep in the forest. Sacha lodge, situated at the edge of the lake would be their home for almost a week as they were guided each day by experienced naturalists who had lived in this jungle their entire lives. Each day was another adventure as they learned about the plants and animals in the most biodiverse tract of land in the world. Walter, Anna, and Pablo shared their wealth of knowledge, their stories and experiences for a close look at one of the most fascinating and mysterious places on earth. A day hike to a giant Kapok tree provided the opportunity to climb above the canopy to see out over the rainforest for miles in all directions. An abundance of life can be found here with more species of insects and plants growing on just one tree than exists in many entire states in the the U.S. Night hikes were thrilling and intimidating. The jungle sounds were deafening and a constant reminder that the creatures that are active at night are very much at home in near complete darkness. Although a feeling of vulnerability is unavoidable, wonder and amazement soon replace any reluctance to venture farther in search of new creatures to examine. The Amazon jungle is alive with sound, sight, and colour. Every new plant and every new creature hold a fascinating story as the guides explain their role in a wonderfully complex ecosystem. Above all else, the Amazon is a place of indescribable beauty and wonder.

This hairy woodpecker has flown into a glass window and badly stunned herself. Luckily for her, the window that she chose to fly into belongs to a veterinarian. She received a quick examination and it appeared that she had no obvious injuries. She was limp and had laboured breathing. This can be a sign of internal injuries. It's also possible that birds can sustain wing or spine injuries with such collisions. The first thing that the veterinarian did was to check for bleeding and signs of broken bones. The little bird was then placed in a box with ventilation and a soft towel under her. She was given a heat pad and placed in a quiet, dark room for several hours. After a brief rest, the woodpecker was mobile again. It appeared that she would be fine without further treatment. The bird was taken outside to an area with lots of trees so she could quickly seek shelter. The moment she was free to fly, she took to the air with a chirp and headed for the evergreen trees. This was a beautiful moment for the family who had helped her. Having survived those few hours, there was every reason to hope that she would recover completely. Hairy woodpeckers are natural predators of the European corn borer moth, an insect that costs the North American Agriculture industries billions of dollars each year in crop losses. They are a friend to farmers and to vegetable consumers alike. They also eat other insects that destroy trees and bore holes in tree trunks. Male hairy woodpeckers have red plumage on their heads, while the females are purely black and white. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers entice these birds to the back yard feeders with seeds, nuts, and suet, especially in winter. They are a very pretty bird and a delight to see at the feeder.

Niagara Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and for good reason. It is the fastest flowing falls on the planet, emptying more than 28 million litres of water over the 51m (171ft) high rim every second. The water forms a pool beneath that is slightly deeper than the falls is high. The roar of the water and the mist rising above the horseshoe is breath taking. An estimated 40 million visitors come from all over the world to witness this spectacle. This is greater than the population of Canada. The falls are located on the Niagara River which borders Canada and the United States of America. Small islands divide the falls into three distinct sections. Below the falls, water rushes through the Niagara Gorge at an incredible 60km/h (40mph) making this a class 6 rapids that is deemed unpassable, even for experts. Although a few people have successfully swam the river or navigated through in a boat, these attempts have often ended in tragedy. Crossing the falls, going over the falls, or entering the river is now illegal and violations are strictly enforced. The risk to the public and also to first responders tasked with rescue efforts has been determined to be intolerable. Numerous attractions at the falls help visitors experience the magnificence and power close up. The Hornblower is a boat tour on the Canadian side that takes guests to the edge of the cascading water beneath the falls. Even the rain jackets provided will not prevent a good soaking for those adventurous enough to go to the bow of the boat. The Maid of the Mist on the American side of the falls provides the same tour from their dock. Plaques on the walls provide historical accounts of daredevils who have challenged the falls and won, as well as the many who have perished. The great beauty and unsurpassed magnificence of these falls inspires awe, while the sheer power and force commands respect. A trip to either side of Niagara Falls is something that will not be forgotten.

Gypsy moth are an invasive species in North America. They are native to Europe but should never have arrived on the continent. In 2020, the moths flourished laid eggs in record numbers on the trunks of hardwood and softwood forests throughout Canada and the U.S. The caterpillars hatched from the egg masses and began a systematic consumption of leaves at an unprecedented rate. The trees were defoliated in a matter of weeks, leaving large patches of forest completely bare. The defoliation presents a challenge to many species of tree, leaving them incapable of carrying out photosynthesis that is crucial for their survival. Without the ability to harness energy from the sun, the trees struggle to grow and to store energy for the winter. The lack of leaves changes the forest in other ways too, allowing more sunlight to penetrate the canopy and reach the plants beneath. This causes some plants to thrive and upset the delicate balance of the forest. The increase in UV light can have a harmful effect on some plants, and even some animals that do better in partial shade. Nesting birds find it more difficult because they and their offspring are more exposed to predators and also, the harmful effects of too much sunlight. The lack of leaves also wreaks havoc with moisture levels because increased sunlight and airflow will dry the soil at a faster rate. Gypsy moths were brought over from Europe in a botched attempt to breed them with silk moths in 1869. The gypsy moths were accidentally released and they quickly took hold across the continent. This drone was launched to document the damage done in a forest in Ontario, Canada. The view from above shows alarming amounts of damage in large areas where leaves have been completely stripped from the trees. In most years, this forest would be a vast expanse of trees that are different shades of green, but in 2021, some of the trees appear grey or brown. This is due to a complete lack of foliage. Gypsy moth caterpillars prefer oak, pine, and birch in many cases, although there are at least 300 other species of tree that they will readily consume. Once a tree is infested, the caterpillars eat steadily until there is nothing left. They have been the largest single cause of defoliation in the northern hemisphere. Many people have declared war ion the caterpillars, crushing them, spraying them, or wrapping the trees with burlap to prevent them from climbing the trunks. These methods have all proved only mildly effective and the devastation continued, despite the best efforts of all concerned. Fortunately, many trees were able to produce a second round of leaves. Smaller and more sparse, these leaves will not completely replace what was lost and the trees will still struggle. But most of the forest will be able to withstand one year of such unprecedented infestation.

Bernice is a beautiful cow with a wonderful personality and she has had several calves. She lives on a gorgeous farm in the hills of Millbrook, Ontario. Its one of the most perfect farms in Canada, with hundreds of acres of lush, green pasture, ponds full of fresh water, forest to take shelter in and all the freedom to wander that Bernice and her herd could ask for. Her baby could not have chosen a better place to be born. Life on this farm is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. Bernice chose a quiet spot away from the herd, lay down and gave birth like a pro. She's a seasoned mother who is familiar with how things should go. Her baby, Homer, entered the world smoothly and lay quietly in the meadow while Bernice got back on her feet and began grazing as she kept watch over him. Bernice instinctively knows that calves need a few minutes, but she expects him to be walking as quickly as possible. She licks him clean and then moves a short distance away. Cows are prey animals and they know that it is important for a calf to be walking and even running as soon as they get their balance. She knows her little one is hungry and he will follow her for some milk. As expected, he gets up and wobbles over to her. Within a few minutes, he finds her udder and latches on. When Homer stops, Bernice walks a little more. She wants to find the best spots for grazing and she wants Homer's legs to begin getting stronger right away. This first milk is crucial for his immune system as it is full of antibodies. Between licking and nursing, the two will bond and become inseparable. Over the coming months, Bernice will eat as much as possible and she will supply him with the food that he needs to grow rapidly. This is an ethical beef farm. The farmers here value herd health and wellbeing over profit and they care for their animals like they are family. The cows have enough space and food to be happy and they are protected from predators. They even have a large bull in their herd and he watches over his ladies protectively. Those who choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle have made a commendable choice, but for those who still choose to eat beef, they do not have to source their food from a factory farm with poor conditions and animal cruelty. Ethical farmers are not difficult to find. The cost might be slightly more, but it is important to support those farmers who insist on doing things correctly for their animals.

The mighty Fraser River in British Columbia is one of Canada's largest rivers. With a massive water flow and a width that reaches 50km at the mouth, it dumps water into the ocean at a rate that is more than double the entire flow of the Niagara Falls. As one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls leaves any visitor in complete awe at the sheer power and force of the river, and yet the Fraser River easily tops this in many respects. There is a narrow canyon pass on the Fraser, aptly named "Hell's Gate". One look at the raging torrent and the steep, sloping walls of the canyon leaves no doubt as to why this name was chosen. The depth of this section of river is an astonishing 64m (211 feet), carved by thousands of years of water erosion. Early explorers tried to navigate this part of the river and they deemed it so treacherous that it must be the gates of hell. It was deemed impassable for boats of any kind. Even getting around the canyon on foot was a monumental task. Salmon had used this river for many centuries to migrate to their spawning grounds in the head waters above. They could manage the water flow through this narrow cut, although they stopped to rest in the eddies before their struggle to get pas the rapids. This made it ideal fishing grounds for Indigenous people who relied on salmon for their livelihood. European settlers also congregated here and fished in the narrows for their food supply. A gold rush brought even more settlers and the area became a fur trade corridor. It was a prosperous arrangement for all concerned at the time. The increase in activity brought with it the construction of a railroad in the 1880s. A second line construction began in 1911 and a tunnel was cut into the rock face. Disaster struck when a massive rock slide filled the canyon enough to raise the river bottom 5m (15 feet). This increased the water speed from 5m/s (18km/h, 11mph) to 6.75m/s (24km/h, 15mph). The increase in speed and turbulence caused the salmon to perish due to exhaustion in their attempt to swim through. Many simply didn't make the attempt. This devastated the fish populations and the entire fishing industry. Attempts were made to remove debris but the effect was not significant. In 1946, fishways were created at various depths, providing the salmon with tunnels that helped them circumvent the most turbulent sections of Hell's Gate. The salmon population rapidly recovered, as did the fishing industry. The fishways are a marvel of engineering and an undeniable success. The 1.5 million dollars spent on the project was a small price to pay for the ecological and financial value of the salmon. Hell's Gate is an impressive sight and it is not surprising that the area has become a popular tourist attraction. The history and the magnificence of the gorge make this a place to spend a day while visiting British Columbia.

Leafcutter ants are among the most fascinating creatures in the animal world. They form the most complex social structures, next to humans. Massive colonies may occupy almost a square kilometer and may contain as many as 8 million individuals. Highly specialized, they have four castes in their colonies, with the caste position being determined by size and function. One of the workers is a harvester, cutting leaves and carrying them back to the underground tunnels in the nest. They don't actually eat the leaves. They use them to grow fungus underground that becomes their food. In that sense, they are farmers and gardeners. They tend to their gardens, removing waste from the plants and also from the other ants. The workers are so sensitive that they can detect chemical changes in the fungus that tell the ants if a leaf is unsuitable for their farms. They carry fungus on their bodies and react to the chemicals emitted by the fungus to decide if a species of plant is toxic to the fungus. They will discard these leaves and refuse to gather more of the same species. And if the wrong type of fungus infects their gardens, the ants will remove those leaves, much like we would remove weeds from a vegetable patch. The larger workers are vulnerable to phorid flies that lay eggs in the crevices in their heads. Smaller workers, known as minims will ride on the large ants' backs to ward off attacks by these parasitical flies. All ant colonies require a queen. She hatches and flies from the nest in search of new ground and a new place to begin a colony. She leaves her nest, becomes impregnated and is soon ready to lay eggs. She also carries a small portion of seed fungus to begin a new farm and food source. The odds are against her as only 2.5 per cent of queens will manage to establish a successful colony. Leafcutter ants have been harvesting and growing food like this for more than ten million years. Although an individual leafcutter ant will typically live for 6-10 weeks, their colonies may survive for thousands of years.

Rattlesnakes strike fear in the hearts of many. They are villainized and killed needlessly under the mistaken belief that they are cold blooded killers. However, there is more to them than meets the eye. Check out this clip!

This tortoise is estimated to be 200 years old. He is one of a population of ancient creatures that live on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Protected, the animals roam freely and enjoy a harmonious existence with the people who share their home with the tortoises. Even visitors are gently reminded of the rules that prevent our human presence from impacting these beautiful creatures. The Galapagos tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise, capable of reaching 417kg (919lbs). They can live almost 200 years. To put that in perspective, some of the tortoise seen roaming the islands today might actually have been alive when Charles Darwin made his historic voyage aboard the HMS Beagle in the early 1800s. It was his time on these islands, along with the discoveries he made, that led him to the famous theory of evolution that has changed the way we view the world, and the way we view ourselves. Galapagos tortoises are vegetarians. They eat almost anything green and they consume a large amount of food daily. But they are also capable of storing food and water in such quantities that they can last almost a full year with eating or drinking anything at all. Galapagos tortoises rely on their shell for defence. They retreat inside and pull in their armour plated appendages to shield their vulnerable areas. They are incredibly strong and prying their legs away from their heads is impossible. They can also outwait any predator by staying in their shells until the other animal gets tired of waiting. A predator would literally starve or die of dehydration before the turtle needed to emerge. The Galapagos Islands are relatively new, in geological terms. Formed by volcanic eruptions, the islands are between 8 and 90 million years old. The first animals came here from other continents, arriving by sea or by air, but the distance made it nearly impossible for land dwellers to bridge the gap. It is believed that tortoises made the journey when they were caught on floating rafts of vegetation adrift on the currents. Tortoises could survive at sea for a much greater length of time than most animals. The Galapagos tortoise is an iconic creature that has come to symbolize the Galapagos Islands. No trip here is complete without a close up view of these magnificent and impressive beasts.

This big, beautifully colored insect resembles a giant grasshopper but it is actually a Vestria katydid that makes its home in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. Colored with gorgeous shades of blue, yellow, and green, he has most of the colors in the rainbow. He even has bright orange feet that make him look as if he is wearing socks and mittens. These gorgeous little animals are often referred to as rainbow katydids. He makes his home high in the canopy, nearly 150 feet (50m) above the forest floor. Although they inhabit the forest at all levels, they are often found high in the trees. This beautiful creature was found by a group of Canadian tourists who were on a guided tour of the jungle. They were taken on a canoe ride, followed by a long hike that led them to a giant kapoc tree. Kapoc trees are enormous trees that tower over all other vegetation in the rain forest. They have wide trunks with giant bases and a massive root system to hold them in place, even in fierce storms. Life in the Amazon thrives around, an on these majestic trees. Plants such as ferns, mosses and beautifully colored flowers grow on the branches and in the crooks along the trunks. These plants are host to a very diverse collection of birds, insects and other animals as they provide food and nesting areas as well as shelter. The kapoc tree is regarded by local inhabitants as the grandfather of the forest. This katydid is one of the many creatures that live on this tree. There is more than enough vegetation to provide his food and his shelter. While katydids are omnivores, they generally prefer plants for most of their diet. But the Vestria katydid is an exception. It hunts and eats other insects for its main source of food. He will also be able to find all of the moisture he needs in the mosses and in the cracks of the tree. He may live his entire life without ever leaving this kapoc. The colors on this little fellow are no accident or coincidence. Nature is complex and almost everything about the animal kingdom has a purpose, even if we don’t understand it. The bright colors are a signal to predators, such as monkeys, birds, lizards, and spiders, that the katydid is foul tasting and may be toxic. One of the defenses of this katydid is the ability to emit a chemical called pyrazine. This chemical is excreted from scent glands and it is another signal to predators that the katydid cannot be eaten. Tourists are able to reach the top of the kapoc tree, where this katydid lives, by climbing a steel staircase that was constructed beside the tree and is carefully strapped onto the tree so that it will not cause any damage. The world at the top of the canopy is fascinating enough that tourists spend hours on the small platform, learning from their guides all about the wonders of the forest and the creatures that inhabit it. And if that were not interesting enough, the spectacular view of the rain forest from above certainly is.

Bullfrogs are enormous creatures with an equally enormous voice. Their loud calls can be heard more than one kilometer away. With a baritone voice, they show their dominance and stake their claim on territory, hoping to attract a mate. Bullfrogs are the largest North American frog, weighing up to 454g (1 pound). They are ambush predators that will eat almost anything they can capture, including insects, other frogs, worms, and even small birds. Bullfrogs are long living, reaching 7 to 9 years of age in the wild and up to 26 years in captivity. Although adult frogs have lungs and breathe air, they can also absorb oxygen through moist skin. They can obtain some oxygen underwater and are able to remain below the surface between 4 and 7 hours at a time. Females have smaller eardrums in comparison with the males. The eardrums of males are much larger than the eyes, while the eardrums of the females are similar in size to their eyes. This videographer had a close up encounter with this very large male bullfrog. As the view zooms in on the eye, the videographer is visible in the reflection as he watches the frog at the edge of the shore.

The Massassauga Rattlesnake is found throughout the midwestern United States and parts of Canada. It is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous, capable of killing its prey by striking and injecting poison into the blood stream of their food. They have hollow fangs which penetrate the skin and inject venom like a hypodermic needle. The venom digests tissue, interferes with blood clotting, and causes internal bleeding. There have been rare cases of human death from a bite, and almost always when medical treatment was not sought. For this reason, they are widely feared by people and they are commonly killed. But, despite the perceived threat, it is not an aggressive creature and it rarely poses a danger to humans. A bite can cause serious illness, and only occasionally, death of a human. But these snakes do not eat people and they have no desire to harm a human. They will strike if startled or harassed, and their defensive behaviour can be mistaken as aggression. They are shy animals and walking through their habitat will rarely result in an encounter. Long pants, proper footwear and a keen eye are usually all that are needed to prevent a misunderstanding. Additionally, rattlesnakes have a callous on their tail that creates an audible sound when they are alarmed. The rattle produces a buzz that closely resembles an angry bumblebee in dry leaves. This is meant as a warning to give the snake space. Massassauga Rattlesnakes are listed as threatened or endangered species in most areas of North America and it is generally illegal to kill one. In contrast with the widespread myths that they are dangerous killers, a bite is almost always survivable. In many cases, the snake will not even inject venom. Dry bites are very common, and completely harmless. Rattlesnakes are essential for keeping rodent populations in check. With snakes, we would be overrun with mice, rats, and the parasites that come with them. We would have increased fleas, ticks, as well as other damage. Crop and property damage would increase without these beneficial animals. The next time you see a rattlesnake, keep a respectful distance and have a good look at their features and their behaviour. They are most likely enjoying a sunny spot to warm up, since they are cold blooded. Unless they feel the need to defend themselves, they will usually remain still or they will retreat. Moving a rattlesnake a significant distance will often interfere with their ability to find their hibernation spot and it can mean death for the snake. They are best left alone, or moved only a short distance if safety requires it.

Bobolinks are strikingly beautiful birds with black feathers and gorgeous white accents. The back of their head is adorned with white plumage that resembles a crown or a helmet. As interesting as their plumage, the song of the bobolink is unique and unmistakable. They create a wide range of chirps, whistles, and beeps that all blend together in a fascinating call as they flit around the branches of trees and brush in meadows. Often found where cattle graze, they are unconcerned with the larger, but gentle animals that share their territories. Bobolinks are a listed as a species at risk in North America due to habitat loss and human impact. They nest primarily in hay fields and meadows. When horses were our primary mode of transportation, the bobolink had more hay fields to nest in. Now, with reduced hay production, their numbers have declined. Another issue for the bobolink is that pressure on farming has created a need for third harvests in hay fields and earlier cutting. Cutting hay earlier in the season will not provide the bobolink with enough time to fledge. The nestlings are killed in the process. Bobolink are migratory birds, covering long distances in a season, occasionally flying as much as 1,100km (660miles) in one day.

This baby swan, or cygnet is adorable as he watches his mother and father stirring up the mud at the bottom of the pond so that they can eat the roots and the babies can eat the insects that float up. But he's even more adorable as he comically struggles to get free after finding his head trapped between his mother's neck and back. His mother is oblivious to the panic and she continues to drift around in search of food, not realizing that her baby is frantically trying to get free. The cygnet eventually gets out of his predicament and shakes it off as his mother continues with her foraging. Trumpeter swans are beautiful birds that were once near the brink of extinction. It was believed that they had plummeted to less than 70 in North America in the 1930s until a small population was discovered in Alaska. Through conservation efforts, populations of trumpeter swans made an incredible recovery. A large and powerful bird, they are a favourite among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. They are a symbol of all things majestic and graceful. Two swans caring for their babies as these two are make a very memorable sight.

Tires don't last forever and most of us have experienced a flat tire at some point or another. But few people have to suffer a tire that blows out during higher speed driving, as this truck driver did on a Canadian highway recently. This is Highway 115 north of Toronto, Ontario. It's a 4 lane highway with a grass median in between. The posted speed limit is 100km/h (60mph) but the general tolerance here is such that driving at 115 or 120km/h will rarely attract the attention of law enforcement. Traffic in the right lane is going roughly 115km/h and the driver in the truck has pulled into the left lane to go around them. Etiquette and common sense require the truck driver to complete the pass smoothly and then promptly move into the right lane. He has increased his speed to a little over 130km/h (80mph) to do all of this in a brief period of time. But as the truck hits a patched section of highway, the right, rear tire suddenly pops with an audible bang. The car behind the truck would like to get back into the right lane as well and he has been following at the same speed as the truck. His dash camera captures the moment that the tire bursts and the truck swerves abruptly. This could be a dangerous moment as the truck might have gone out of control and caused an accident. The driver of the truck quickly pulls things together, straightens out the vehicle and compensates for his loss of steering. He slows calmly and then moves over into the right lane which is clear. This is what would be expected and other drivers will move into the left lane to go around him. All of this is in keeping with the applicable laws and expected reactions of other drivers. As the truck reaches the slower lane on the right, the driver begins to look for a spot to pull over. He has a guard rail blocking him but his tire is starting to fragment and he knows that it will not stay on the rim if he doesn't get the truck stopped. Traffic around the truck moved left and carefully passed as the truck reached the safety of the gravel shoulder. Tragedy was avoided due to the calm and controlled efforts of a skillful driver.

Common or northern watersnakes are found throughout North America in almost any body of fresh water. Although they can grow to nearly 1.8 m (5 feet), they are not harmful or venomous. They feed on fish, frogs, toads, and crayfish along the shorelines and shallows of lakes. And, despite being as beneficial as they are to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, they are seen as the true villains of cottage country by many. Fear of snakes ranks as the number two irrational fear in the world, closely behind public speaking. Many people who fear snakes cannot articulate exactly what it is that scares them. Some believe that it is because of their slithery motion, while others say that they expect them to be cold and slimy. But one thing is certain; snakes rarely receive a warm welcome. This snake is doing exactly what would be expected of it as it hunts for fish and frogs in the shallows around a weedy shoreline. The water in Northern Ontario is still cool enough that this snake cannot maintain her body temperature for long. She finds a quiet spot on this family dock to stretch out in the midday sun. Being cold blooded, these snakes must warm themselves in the sun so that they are able to move properly and also to raise their metabolism and digest food. When they lie across a dock, they have no more interest in an interaction than we do. But, like us, they do enjoy a warm, dry spot to catch some rays. Snakes are capable of dislocating their jaws to swallow prey that is much larger than their mouth would usually be. This allows them to slowly work their jaws around a larger animal and over them. Watersnakes are often confused with venomous rattlesnakes due to their markings. But watersnakes are easily distinguished by the round shape of their pupils as opposed to a slit like appearance like a cat. They also lack the heat pits on their faces. And while swimming, a watersnake's body is submerged, while a rattlesnake's body floats on top. These differences will not be completely reassuring to those who are simply afraid of all snakes, but knowing that a visiting snake is of the harmless variety should help ease their minds. Left alone, watersnakes will be on their way after warming up for an hour or two in the sun.

Great horned owls are one of the most spectacular of all the owls in North America. They are the heaviest and most powerful of the owl family, capable of taking down large prey and killing them instantly with their razor sharp talons. Their grip strength exceeds that of all other owls and they prey primarily on large rabbits and other rodents. They have even been known to prey on other owls. This mother has been out hunting in the nearby meadow and forest. She has returned to the nest with part of a rabbit and she carefully tears off chunks of meat for her baby. He eagerly gobbles up the pieces that she offers. She demonstrates how to tear chunks off and swallow them and then she shows him how to swallow a large piece. Great horned owls will often swallow their entire prey, or large pieces of it. They digest the meat and regurgitate the bones and claws, along with any other inedible parts. These can often be found as "owl pellets" littered around a nest site. Owls keep the rodent populations in check, often eating several each day. This adorable and fluffy baby is approximately 9 weeks old. He has spent the past few weeks growing rapidly and developing the feathers that he will need for flight. The day following this footage, this baby clumsily dropped to the ground and fluttered into nearby brush to take a perch and learn how to fly. He will be cared for by his parents until he learns to hunt and fend for himself. Great horned owls can live for nearly 30 years and they can swivel their heads more than 180 degrees. When we think of owls, it is often the Great Horned Owl that we envision. They have distinctive yellow eyes, prominent ear feathers, and a deep hooty call that is unmistakable. A wonder to behold, owls like these are a delight for any bird watcher or nature enthusiast. To capture such close up footage of a parent feeding a baby owl is an unforgettable experience.