DavidMcNab

Raven is a beautiful soul who is living her best life. She lives on a sprawling country property where she runs free whenever she steps outside. Her humans also take her for daily hikes in the nearby forest where she explores and sniffs trees until she's had her fill. She has dog beds and couches throughout the house, allowing her to peacefully slumber in the afternoon sun after she tires herself out each day. Raven often enjoys the company of a dog friend or two when family and friends bring their pups to join her on the forest hikes. Raven loves her forest time even more when she has friends along for the fun. After a particularly long hike with a golden retriever named Aurora, Raven climbed up on her couch and fell asleep happily. Likely dreaming of the day's events, Raven thumped her tail happily while she snoozed. Few things are as adorable as a happy dog. To think that Raven was enjoying a dream wonderful enough to make her tail wag is heart warming.

The beaded sea cucumber is one of the most bizarre animals in the ocean. They resemble giant worms more than they do sea cucumbers. When stretched out, they can reach a length of more than one meter (3 feet). Beaded sea cucumbers move along the ocean floor, extending their 15 feeding tentacles in front of them. The feathery appendages collect their food and pull it into their mouth opening. in the center of the tentacles. They consume algae, aquatic invertebrates like plankton, and waste particles that are found near the bottom. They are omnivores. Sea cucumbers are like mini ocean janitors that clean and filter the waste and debris out of the water. Beaded sea cucumbers have no internal respiratory system. They have no feet or appendages capable of locomotion. They contract and expand muscles on the body wall, moving forward through these actions. Beaded sea cucumbers come in many different shapes and sizes. With their unusual movement and alien looking tentacles, the beaded sea cucumber looks like a creature from another world.

Pileated woodpeckers are among the largest woodpeckers in North America, known for their striking black-and-white coloring and red crest. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a loud, ringing laugh, which can make their arrival at a feeder quite dramatic and memorable. These birds typically feed on insects like carpenter ants and beetle larvae, often found in dead or decaying trees, but they can also be attracted to suet feeders like this one. The huge birds have a commanding presence and they often announce their approach with a loud cackling call that sounds like laughter. A brown thrasher takes heed and clears the runway as the wingbeats tell him that a great beast is about to take over the suet feeder. With a striking red crest and dramatic black and white plumage, these magnificent birds are a sight to behold. This is a juvenile and he will grow even larger as he feasts on the nuts and suet that bring him in daily for his breakfast. There are two young woodpeckers and two adults that come here for their share. A woodpecker family in your back yard is a thrill for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

There are many species of filefish, with varied appearances. This fan-bellied leatherjacket is member of the filefish family. It was found in the waters of Indonesia, searching the seabed for worms, tunicates, and shrimp. Like other filefishes, it has the capability of changing its colour and texture to match its surroundings. A master of camouflage, it is often found stationary in sea grass or coral, depending on this ability to blend in as a means of escaping predators. The filefish has a spiky fin on the top of its head which it uses to warn other fish when it feels threatened. Often referred to as a "unicorn filefish" it resembles a unicorn when the spine is erect. They can grow up to 40cm (16inches) in length. These fish are beautiful to see and a delight for scuba divers to encounter.

A pair of Canadians tourists in Istanbul, Türkiye came across an old world pomegranate vendor outside a small restaurant on a busy side street. Smiling and happy, this gentleman is surrounded by oranges and pomegranates that are piled almost as high as he is tall. His office work space is the small counter that is barely big enough for his cutting board. At the center of his counter is a press that he uses to wring out all the juice he can from each piece of fruit. With the few words that he knows in English and the few words that the Canadian knows in Turkish, the two enjoy an exchange that is as sweet as the juice itself. The smiles and friendliness are hard to miss as this gentleman serves up the freshest juice possible. This happy man has been serving his juice on this street for more than 50 years. He started with his own cart and then partnered with the restaurant where he now offers orange, pomegranate, pineapple, lemonade, or any combination his customers ask for. Witnessing the fun and seeing how much of a crowd pleaser this vendor is, his business partner comes out and offers a bag of fruit as a gift for the tourists. The Canadians walked away happy with the juice and the gesture. The following day, the Canadians saw the vendor again and the tour guide who was leading them on a tour of the city explained the history behind this juice stand. Imagine 50 years of working at the same profession and showing this level of pride and satisfaction after all those years!

Mountain biking can be an exhilarating way to experience the outdoors, combining the thrill of speed with the challenge of navigating rough terrain. Devil's Drop offers one of the most thrilling rides in Canada with steep descents, frequent jumps, and technical sections. Narrow paths wind through the woods, offering tight turns and obstacles. Trees whiz by, the handlebars barely clearing the branches on either side. This chest mounted camera provides you with a front row seat as the rider navigates a fast run, attacking the turns and leaning into them in order to keep the speed up and the adrenaline flowing. Rock tables provide a challenge and a quick drop as the bike briefly sails through the air after each one. Mountain biking requires quick reflexes and the ability to make decisions with lightning speed. One wrong move can send the rider over the handlebars in an instant.

Mantis shrimp are believed to have the most sophisticated and complex eyes in the animal kingdom. They have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Humans have three photoreceptors that allow us to see red, green, and blue light. In comparison, the mantis shrimp has an astonishing 16 photoreceptors. They are able to see visible light, UV light, and polarized light. They are even capable of detecting circularly polarized light, being the only animal on earth that can do this. Mantis shrimp are capable of depth perception using only one eye, a task that requires two eyes for any other animal to accomplish. The eyes of the mantis shrimp are made up of rows of specialized cells, with each row having unique structure and capabilities. The mantis shrimp is constantly moving its eyes and scanning its surroundings to obtain an accurate picture of what is around them. This movement also gives them a very large field of view. The mantis shrimp is famous for its ability to strike with incredible speed and power. Its strike is the fastest of any marine creature and it happens so fast that it actually cavitates the water around it, creating a second impact that is powerful enough to stun or kill its prey if it misses with the actual strike. But, as astonishing as this is, the visual powers of the mantis shrimp are even more remarkable. Despite the knowledge that these little animals have such amazing visual superpowers, there is surprisingly little research on the matter. This is yet another example of how little we understand the world around us.

Raven is a Great Dane puppy who loves the snow. A gigantic Great Dane running happily through the snow is a breathtaking and joyful sight. These majestic dogs, known for their impressive size and gentle demeanor, can create quite a spectacle as they bound through a snowy landscape. Their long strides and powerful movements, combined with the pure joy of playing in the snow, make for an unforgettable and heartwarming scene.

The Galapagos Islands are a remote and isolated part of the world where animals and people have reached an understanding for each other. People here have a healthy respect for the wildlife. The wildlife has also learned to trust the humans. They coexist with an ease and beauty that all the world could learn from. And although the people and even the visitors here do their best to avoid interfering with the animals, the wildlife has learned that they can occasionally find an opportunity for food where humans can be found. These tiny finches have taken up residence at the airport that serves Santa Cruz Island. They find their way in and out at the airport restaurant and they wait patiently for people to leave uneaten food on their tables. As soon as the coast is clear, these daring little birds swoop in and scramble to get their share. They seem to understand very well that time is of the essence as they peck at these pizza crusts. We see the restaurant staff coming to get the table cleared before they've had their fill. But the next meal is only minutes away as the guests constantly come and go, usually leaving something delicious behind.

Naomy is a hardworking farmer who lives in Kenya, Africa. She rents a small plot of land where she grows corn, beans, carrots and a few other crops. She uses the harvest to feed her family and she sells the extra vegetables at the market to make a few dollars. She also raises a few cows, goats and chickens to put food on the table. This is a good way to use any of the scraps or spoiled vegetables that cannot be eaten by her family. Here, we see what happens when the chickens are set free in the morning and their breakfast is set out. The chickens know the routine and they run for the food to get their share as quickly as they can. They squawk and peck happily at the beans, corn, strawberries and greens that she provides them. Noamy lives with her grandparents who raised her from childhood. She cares for them and also for her adopted son, Emmanuel who helps Naomy with the chores. Ten year old Emmanuel records the sights and the animals around his home with an old phone and his videos are uploaded here, providing the family with a few extra dollars per month. The average wage in Kenya is less than $100 per month and this resourceful family works very hard to stretch each dollar as far as it will go. Emmanuel is currently attending school, which is a luxury in his village because the cost of schooling is unaffordable for most people. Emmanuel's videos have been helping him keep up with the cost of lessons, meaning that this 10 year old is actually running a little videography business to pay his way through school. If anyone would like to assist Naomy and Emmanuel, donations are gratefully accepted through this link. https://gofund.me/2df5dc08 Further info is also available through David McNab at mojo_videos@hotmail.com

Every spring, yellow-spotted salamanders migrate to vernal ponds to breed. The result is a frenzy of activity that lasts only 2-3 nights each year. It is a spectacle to behold. The salamanders make their long journey from the surrounding forest under the cover of darkness, usually after a rainfall. The males arrive at the pond first, depositing spermatophores on the leaves and branches in shallow water. The females come soon after, gathering up the spermatophores to fertilize the eggs that they are waiting to deposit. Soon after the eggs are fertilized, the female will attach herself to a submerged plant stem or twig and she will release the eggs. The eggs are protected by a sticky, gelatinous mass that deters predators as the eggs develop for approximately 30 days. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, similar to frogs and toads. They spend their first few months in the water, breathing through gills. Salamanders are amphibians. Once they leave the water, they spend most of their lives underground, occasionally coming out of their burrows to feed and also for breeding season in March to May each year. They are rarely seen, although they are plentiful in the forests that they inhabit. Salamanders excrete a toxic, milky fluid when they are threatened. Salamanders are a major food source for birds, raccoons, foxes and other animals. Salamanders feed on earthworms, spiders, slugs, snails, and other insects. They have the amazing ability to grow a new tail and new limbs if one is severed. A salamander has the unique ability to lay two different types of egg masses. One type has a water-soluble, protein-based gel. The other type has a hydrophobic protein-based gel. This is believed to prevent predation by wood frogs. These eggs are combined with an algae that produces oxygen and removes carbon dioxide and nitrogen waste from developing embryos. The complex relationships between organisms are only beginning to be understood. The health of our forests and our ecosystems depends on the survival of all species, no matter how small.

This enormous crab is scouring the beach for algae and decaying matter that he feasts on. This enormous crab is scouring the beach for algae and decaying matter that he feasts on. The Sally Lightfoot crab, also known as the red rock crab, is a vibrant and agile creature commonly found along the shores of the Galapagos Islands. This crab is known for its striking red and orange coloration, which makes it a picturesque subject against the dark volcanic rocks and blue ocean. Sally Lightfoot crabs are often seen scuttling across the beaches and rocks, feeding on algae and detritus. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by keeping the beaches clean and helping to control the populations of other small organisms. Early explorers remarked at the agility of these crabs, describing them as impossible to catch. They seem capable of running quickly in any direction with a reaction time so quick that it has been said they can read the mind of those trying to capture them. They are not commonly used as a food source, but they are used as bait by fishermen. With their beautiful coloration, these crabs are a delight to see and photograph.

As the wise old elephant wandered through the savanna of Kenya, its wrinkled trunk lifted and swayed with a grace earned through decades of life experience. The sun hovered high in the sky, casting shadows across the golden grasslands. The elephant paused beside a lone tree, its canopy providing welcome shade from the African heat. With deliberate movements, the elephant extended its trunk towards the ground, sniffing the air for any hint of fallen fruit. This tree was known for its succulent pods, a favorite treat of many animals in the savanna. The elephant's keen senses detected a faint aroma, and it gently nudged a fallen pod with its trunk. It curiously looked up at three for the promise of food to come. The pod rolled slightly, revealing its rich, nutritious contents. The elephant knew the importance of such finds in the dry season when food could be scarce. With a careful grip of its trunk, it lifted the pod to its mouth and began to feast, savoring each bite with a deep satisfaction that comes from living in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Around the wise old elephant, the sounds of the savanna continued their timeless symphony—birds chirping, insects buzzing, and the occasional rustle of grass as other creatures went about their day. The elephant's presence is a symbol of resilience and wisdom, embodying the spirit of the African wilderness where every moment held a lesson and every encounter with nature brought new insights. Elephants are among the most majestic creatures on the planet. If only we knew how to communicate with them and ask them to share their wisdom with us.

The Sloth Sanctuary of Roatan, located in Honduras, is a popular destination where visitors can get up close with sloths and other wildlife. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of sloths and other animals native to the region. Guests are typically allowed to interact with and even hold sloths briefly under the guidance of trained staff, ensuring a safe and educational experience. Sloths are fascinating creatures found in the wild in Central and South America, primarily in the tropical rainforests of countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. Sloths are arboreal, meaning they live in trees. They come down to the ground rarely, primarily to defecate, which they do about once a week. Sloths are primarily found in the dense canopy of tropical rainforests, where they spend most of their lives hanging upside down from branches. Their slow movement is an adaptation to conserve energy and avoid detection by predators. This slow pace is due to their low-calorie diet of leaves, which are hard to digest and provide little energy. In the wild, sloths face threats from predators such as jaguars, harpy eagles, and ocelots. Deforestation and habitat destruction pose significant threats to sloth populations. Road construction and urbanization also lead to habitat fragmentation, making it difficult for sloths to find food and mates. Efforts to conserve sloths include protecting large areas of their natural habitat in national parks and reserves. Ongoing research helps in understanding sloth behavior, health, and habitat needs, which informs conservation strategies. Organizations and sanctuaries work to rescue injured or orphaned sloths and, when possible, reintroduce them into the wild.

Life in Africa is a complex balance. Each day, the sun rises and paints the landscape with golden sunlight. The dawn brings with it, promise and hope, but also danger. The predators here wake up hungry and ready to chase down their meal in order to survive. If they fail, they may weaken and die of starvation. For the prey animals, the sunrise signals threat and the need to run to survive. If they falter, it may be their last day. Such is life here, and all over the world. Life is never easy or guaranteed. This deer saw its last sunrise as the scene unfolded on the plain. A leopard snuck up close enough to catch the deer unaware and it made the kill with speed and precision. But the leopard cannot waste time, even after securing its meal. Other cats and hyenas smell the blood and close in on the carcass, threatening the leopard in their eagerness to steal the food. The leopard eats as quickly as it can to fill its belly before the predators and scavengers team up to rob it. The leopard knows that the hyenas cannot climb the trees. Even the lions are not as capable of reaching the higher branches. Leopards have adapted for climbing. They are strong cats with muscle attachments designed for puling heavy weights up high in the trees. Here, they will be able to defend the meat more easily, keeping the uneaten portion safe for their next meal. It is a tragic day for the deer, but victory for the leopard. It will possibly be a week or more before the leopard has its next successful hunt. Consuming dozens of kilograms of meat in this feeding is essential to survival between feedings. This incredible footage was captured on a wildlife refuge in Kenya, Africa. Safe from poachers, these animals live as nature intended. But nature does not promise anyone an easy life, as we see here.

Ecuador is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse life on the planet. These two barn owls were found perched under an awning in an abandoned barn. Barn owls are indeed fascinating creatures! While they're found in many parts of the world, including Ecuador, seeing two of them together in their natural habitat is quite a rare sight. Their heart-shaped faces, white underparts, and golden-brown plumage make them easily recognizable and stunning to observe, especially in flight or perched on a tree branch. Ecuador's diverse ecosystems provide them with plenty of hunting grounds, from open grasslands to forested areas. It's always a privilege to witness such graceful creatures in the wild. These two strike an interesting pose that makes their two faces appear as one bird.

Orioles are adorned with beautiful orange and black plumage. The bright orange contrasts sharply with the dark wings and head. The males are brighter orange and starker black than the females. The females have patches that are almost brown. Their beauty makes them a welcome sight at back yard bird feeders. Each year, orioles migrate to warmer climates, returning each spring to the northern climates.

The image of a mighty lion taking a drink at the river, with its reflection shimmering in the water, followed by the graceful awakening of the female lion and their silent stroll behind the tall grass, evokes a sense of tranquility and the beauty of nature's rhythms. Lions are the top predators here on the African plain. Few animals are a threat to these great beasts. The lion drinks so casually at the edge of the water simply because he can. The female in the pride sleeps peacefully at the water's edge as well, afraid of nothing in this wilderness. As the large male finishes his drink of water, he tenderly sniffs at his friend, awakening her as he does so. She seems to think about the matter and then she gets up on her feet, affectionately greeting him with a slow rub of her cheek against his. She walks off into the taller grass, checking over her shoulder as she goes, hoping he will follow her. As if he understands that they might be looking for a more private spot, he happily follows. We can only imagine the scene as the two reach their secluded spot in the grass, but what we see has played out like a love scene from a Disney movie.

Naomy is a farmer who lives in Kenya, Africa. She works hard to support her grandparents who raised her, as well as Emmanuel, her adopted son. Life in Kenya is full of challenges and Naomy struggles to grow enough food to feed the family. She sells any extra produce for needed supplies and also to pay for Emmanuel's school fees. Naomy became friends with a Canadian named David who was fascinated with life in Kenya. As Naomy and David compared their experiences and shared pictures and videos, the two began to understand the cast difference in their worlds. They began to work together to share Namoy and Emmanuel's videos. The small income that these two make with the uploads helps to pay for Emmanuel's education and it brings the world an inside look at life on the other side of the globe. Naomy lives with her grandparents but the soil and climate are not conducive to growing crops. She rents a small plot in an area that is many miles away. It takes her several hours to travel each way on the public transportation that makes this crossing weekly. Naomy works and stays at the farm and comes home when she can. Naomy told David that she was about to journey back home with Emmanuel and she mentioned that she had seen a few animals on the last journey. David asked Naomy to have Emmanuel record the sights and send them to him in Canada. These are the highlights from the bumpy and dusty ride across Kenya as young Emmanuel documents what catches his eye. This young businessman is ten years old and he is building his future with his camera work. If you care to help him, any donations are gratefully accepted. https://gofund.me/2df5dc08

Pelicans are incredible birds with unique skills and unique physical characteristics that make them very good at catching their prey. Pelicans lunge at fish and scoop them up, along with a beak full of water. They allow the water to drain out of their beaks, leaving their food to be swallowed. The pelican has the largest beak of any bird. Clumsy on land, yet graceful and smooth in the air and in the water, pelicans are bulky looking birds. But the pelican is lighter than it appears, due to the air pockets in its bones and the air sacs beneath its skin. Air pockets make bones lighter, yet sturdy. The air sacs make the pelican extremely buoyant, giving it the ability to float higher in the water. The air sacs may also act as cushioning, protecting the bird as it impacts the water while diving for prey. The pelican is a beautiful sight when it skims just above the surface of the water. This low level flight is more efficient, as well as spectacular. Pelicans can fly up to 150km in search of feeding grounds. Pelicans are endearing in their appearance and their behaviour. They are found in many warm climates around the world, following schools of fish along the shoreline.

Perched with an uncanny grace, this squirrel clings to the feeder, hanging downwards. With sharp, keen eyes fixed on its prize, it jumps nimbly to grasp the suet cage. It hangs upside down like it is imitating a vampire bat and feasts, keeping a careful eye on the sky around. Hawks are always watching these feeders and looking for an easy meal. A squirrel that is oblivious to the world around it will not last long. But the tasty treat in the suet cage is too good to resist. The squirrel is a very hungry acrobat, turning this bird feeder into a stage for its daring display. Squirrels are entertaining and a delight to have at the feeders, for the most part. But they compete with the song birds and eat more than their the of the seeds. People go to great lengths to deter them and it is always a struggle to win the battle against these crafty critters.

Drones allow us to take a look at our world from a different perspective. Flying over mist enshrouded farm country at sunrise captures colour and a stunning view that cannot be truly appreciated from ground level. The drone gracefully soars above the picturesque landscape of Ontario, Canada, capturing the ethereal beauty of this sunrise on a misty morning. As the first light of dawn gently kisses the rolling hills and vast stretches of farmland, a mesmerizing play of colors unfolds in the sky, painting it in hues of soft pinks, oranges, and purples. The mist hangs low, adding an enchanting aura to the scene, as if nature itself is wrapped in a delicate veil. The drone's camera captures the tranquil beauty of the countryside awakening to a new day, with the promise of warmth and possibility lingering in the air. In the distance, Rice Lake is visible. It is a large body of water that provides fishermen and nature lovers alike to interact with the great outdoors.

The Maldives are one of the most magnificent destinations of the planet. The beauty above the waves is striking, and the scenery is magnificent. But what most people don't get to see is the phenomenal world under the waves. These divers from Canada take you on a journey into a magical and mystical world beneath the waves. Scuba divers are among the most fortunate people on the planet. They strap on air tanks, allowing them to venture into a world where humans were never meant to go. They see things that humans were never meant to see. The animals are bizarre. Gorgeous. Ferocious. They are beautiful and spectacular and they live in a world where the balance between being predator and prey is delicate and can change in an instant. From tiny fish to gigantic manta rays, this video shows you magnificence and colour that is beyond what we can see on land.

Humpback whales are beautiful creatures. They are immense animals, larger than anything that has ever lived on earth, with the exception of a few larger whale species. They never leave the water, but they breath air, using a vent hole in the top of their heads. Humpbacks can hold their breath for long periods of time, resting on the ocean bottom and surfacing for a breath or two approximately every 11-12 minutes. This thrilled swimmer was enjoying the warm waters of Tonga, between the islands when a bull humpback rose beside him and took a few breaths. It looked curiously at the small and clumsy human as it nonchalantly bobbed on the surface. Humpbacks have no reason to fear people and they will often regard swimmers with interest. They even seem careful around people, as if they are aware of their power and size and the possibility of hurting someone. This gentle nature is beautiful and touching and something that we have not returned in kind. Humpback whales come to the waters of Tonga to mate and to bear their young. They are safe from predators here, especially orcas, one of the biggest threats to humpback calves. Females spend several months feeding their calves before leading them north to colder waters for feeding in the winters. Males follow the females, competing for breeding rights and providing a safety escort during their vulnerable times. To see humpback whales in their own environment is a breath taking and unforgettable sight.

Feeding sharks during scuba diving encounters is a highly debated topic among marine conservationists and enthusiasts. While it might seem exciting to interact with these majestic creatures up close, it is argued that it can have negative consequences for both the sharks and humans involved. Those opposed argue that feeding sharks can create a dependence on humans for food, altering their natural behavior and potentially leading to more frequent and aggressive interactions with humans in the future. It can also disrupt the natural balance of marine ecosystems by changing the feeding habits and territories of sharks. Additionally, when sharks are fed by humans, they may become more aggressive in their pursuit of food, posing a safety risk to divers and snorkelers. Sharks are wild animals, and even though they might seem docile during feeding, their behavior can be unpredictable. For these reasons, many responsible dive operators and marine conservation organizations discourage or even prohibit the feeding of sharks during dive encounters. Instead, they promote non-intrusive observation and education about these fascinating creatures to promote coexistence and respect for their natural behaviors. These scuba divers are among a group of biologists who are trying to record the behaviour of sharks when they are provided with lion fish. Lion fish are an introduced and invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean. Here in Belize, the fish are decimating the reefs and threatening the ecosystems. With no natural predators, the lion fish breed rapidly. They are voracious feeders, devouring up to 30 local fish each day. If they are not kept in check, the results will be devastating. It is hoped that teaching sharks and moray eels to see the lion fish as a food source will change the situation and make lion fish less of a threat. While still debated, this type of shark feeding aims to create a healthier reef and a chance for the fish populations to survive. What is obvious from the video is that the sharks behave very differently when food is offered. Scuba divers are wise to remember that the sharks are apex predators and highly competitive with each other. All of those razor sharp teeth in the vicinity of humans should not be taken lightly.