DavidMcNab

This camel is completely relaxed as he spends the day at a fair in Chilliwack, British Columbia. He's very comfortable with people and he happily allows anyone to pet him and scratch his ears. He'll also happily take a handful of fresh, green hay. He munches contentedly as the people passing by stop to get a close look. Camels are sturdy mammals known for their distinctive physical characteristics, which enable them to thrive in harsh desert environments. Camels are large, with adult camels standing about 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters) tall at the shoulder. They can weigh between 880 to 1,320 pounds (400 to 600 kg). One of the most distinguishing features is the hump on their back. There are two main species of camels. A dromedary (Arabian) Camel has one hump. A Bactrian camel has two humps. A camel's humps store fat, which can be converted into energy and water when food is scarce. Camels have large, tough mouths that are well-suited for eating thorny desert vegetation. They have slit-like nostrils that can close to protect against sand and dust. Their eyes are large, with long eyelashes that help keep sand out, and a third eyelid (nictitating membrane) that provides additional protection. Camels have long, powerful legs, which help them walk long distances and carry heavy loads. Their broad, flat feet are specially adapted for walking on sand, with tough, leathery pads that prevent sinking. Camels have thick fur that helps insulate them from both the heat and cold. In the summer, they shed much of this fur to keep cool. Their coat color ranges from light brown to beige, providing natural camouflage in desert environments. Camels are highly adapted to conserve water. They can drink large amounts of water quickly (up to 40 gallons in one go) and can survive for long periods without drinking. Camels can tolerate body temperature fluctuations that would be fatal to most other animals, which helps them avoid sweating and thus conserve water. These characteristics make camels well-suited to life in arid and semi-arid regions, where they have been used by humans for transportation, food, and other resources for thousands of years.

Smooth green snakes are a brilliant emerald green. Born brown or bluish gray, they begin life with a drab coloured skin until the first shed. They emerge from this shed with the vibrant colour that this young snake displays. Found on a small island in Ontario, Canada, this snake enjoys life in a beautiful location with access to insects and spiders, ants, slugs, and caterpillars. But life on the this island comes with the same risks that other snakes face. It will have to avoid predation from foxes, hawks, herons, raccoons, and even bears. Another risk for this snake is overcollection for commercial sale. The appealing colour makes it highly desirable for the pet trade, but these snakes do not survive well in captivity. One of the greatest threats to these beautiful snakes is the application of pesticides. Because the snakes rely completely on insects for food, they are greatly affected by the toxins in the food chain. They are also greatly affected by the reduction of available food. When the smooth green snake hunts, it turns its head from side to side, finding prey with its tongue. The flicking of the tongue gathers air near the snake's head. It has an organ on the roof of its mouth that it uses to detect airborne pheromones and chemical signals. The green snake has no ears, relying on vibrations to figure out its surroundings. Due to the stretchy ligaments in its jaw, it can swallow prey whole, even prey that is larger than its own body diameter. The smooth green snake sheds its skin as often as every four to five weeks to allow for growth. Understanding the importance of animals such as these to the delicate balance of nature is the first step in helping us avoid losing them forever.

In Kenya, elephants are iconic figures of the wild. They often roam freely in various national parks and reserves such as Amboseli, Tsavo, and Maasai Mara. These majestic creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem and are highly revered in Kenyan culture. It's a breathtaking sight to witness these gentle giants casually traversing the savannah, forging connections within their herds, and going about their daily routines. Their presence adds to the allure and beauty of Kenya's natural landscapes, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. A guide has just led these tourists to a majestic bull who is roaming casually in his wilderness. Massive and powerful, he fears nothing in this wild habitat. Bull elephants in Kenya are awe-inspiring creatures, known for their immense size, strength, and confidence. In their natural habitat, they exude a sense of authority and fearlessness, largely due to their dominance within their social structure and their lack of natural predators as adults. With their tusks and sheer bulk, they command respect from other wildlife and often fearlessly assert their dominance in encounters with other animals. However, it's essential to remember that while they may appear fearless, they are still vulnerable to human activities such as poaching and habitat loss. Despite their imposing presence, they rely on the protection of conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival in the wild. Their role as keystone species in the ecosystem underscores the importance of preserving their habitats and maintaining a harmonious balance between wildlife and human activities in Kenya and beyond.

Aurora is one of the happiest dogs on the planet. She has two work-from-home owners who spend all day with her. They take her to parks and out on forest walks every day. She has them well trained and they love to play with her, throwing her favourite toy, a squeaky foam pop can that she catches and chases. She even takes this toy to bed with her at night. Golden retrievers are loyal, smart, eager to please, and completely adorable. They seem to wear a smile on their face and they greet new people like old friends. It's no wonder that people who own one fall in love with the breed.

Zebras are known to roll in the clay as a form of grooming and protection from parasites. This herd of zebras has encountered a clay road near a remote village in Kenya, Africa. They roll happily as the make their way across the road. This behavior, called "dust bathing" or "wallowing," serves multiple purposes for zebras. It helps them get rid of parasites like ticks and other insects that might bother them, and it also assists in regulating their body temperature by providing a cooling effect. Plus, it's believed that the clay or dust may help to condition their skin and fur. Seeing zebras enjoying themselves in such a way is definitely a delightful sight. Zebras are iconic animals in Kenya, Africa. They are commonly found in various national parks and reserves across the country, including the famous Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and others. The striking black and white stripes of zebras make them easily recognizable and a favorite among visitors on safari. In Kenya, zebras can be seen grazing in open grasslands, traversing savannahs, or even gathering around watering holes. Their presence adds to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Kenya is known for, making safaris in the region truly memorable experiences.

Mount Cheam towers over the Chilliwack Valley, overlooking farmland and the village below. The peak is 2104m (69023 feet) above sea level. The climb is steep and challenging in places, and leisurely in others. Meadows, trees, shale slides, and natural stone stairs make the trail a mixture of terrain. Stopping to take in the view as you hike, this trail is 4.5km long and requires almost three hours to complete. Descending will take almost 2 hours. The view from the top is stunning. On a clear day, vistas and gorgeous mountain peaks are visible on one side and the Fraser Valley stretches out on the other side. The scenery is breath taking. Descending, the cool water in the small mountain lake at the bottom is inviting and refreshing for those who want to swim. Even the drive up the mountain to the starting point is an adventure. A jeep or a rugged truck is your best bet. It's 10km of steep areas with deep ditched areas to prevent flooded, washed-out roads. This group of four were not deterred by their "life experience". Guided by one younger member, the rest were sixty and over. They took their old bones over the boulders, shale slides, and root-covered trails all the way to the top. Creaking and groaning, they hiked back down, cooling their achy knees and feet in the lake before making the final leg back to the Jeep.

Humpback whale mothers are devoted parents that take good care of their babies. This mother in Tonga has come here to give birth in the safe waters where orcas don't follow. Her baby is growing rapidly and they will soon make the trip to colder waters to feed. The calf will need to be big enough and strong enough to outswim predators. The mother will feed and protect her baby until he has doubled his weight. These lucky swimmers have found that she is curious enough to come over and inspect them. The baby is playful and curious as well, and he rolls and spins as he invites the swimmers to play with him. A close encounter with a trusting humpback whale mother and her calf is an experience that these lucky swimmers will never forget.

Reacher, an American crime television series with season 3 coming soon, is the saga of a military veteran, Jack Reacher who does battle with criminals in an action-packed drama. This is the filming of one of the fight scenes that is set to take place on July 4th in a small American town. It is actually being filmed in Millbrook, Ontario, Canada in April 2024. Despite cool temperatures and bare trees, the town was transformed into an American town summer scene in a matter of days leading up to the filming. This never-before-seen footage was captured by a drone with high zoom capabilities. Although the drone was set far back to avoid the propeller sound being picked up by the microphones on the set, the view that it provides is clear due to the high-powered zoom. We see many takes of "Jack" confronting criminals who mean to do him harm. He works through the three thugs with little effort. He avoids the punches and dishes out some of his own. Two thugs have their skulls bashed together as the third runs for a baseball bat. Even a bat doesn't scare Jack. He pulls it out of the thug's hands and discards it as he prepares to give that thug an extreme closeup of the truck. Jack is huge and ripped and the fight is believable as he deals with each threat. The look at the filming process is fascinating. Multiple takes and many hours are required for what becomes a few seconds on the screen. Attention to detail is obvious as we see the planning of camera angles and the setup of the items on the set. Continuity is important and objects cannot move between the scenes. The cast and crew work harder than we would ever imagine as they bring us the excitement and the action in such a precise manner. Actors repeat the scene over and over until they get it perfect. They watch the clip on a monitor after a successful take and possibly, they decide to refine it even more. Aside from the excitement of a big production in a small town, Jack and the crew won the hearts of the locals with their fun-loving and generous nature. Alan Ritchson and the actors spoke to children and parents, posing for selfies and showing that they loved their fans almost as much as the fans loved them. It was a beautiful experience for this sleepy little town. Enjoy this little peek at the way the show is made. Released within hours of filming, it's a sneak peak like none other. Based on the book by Lee Childs.

India is a mix of the most contrasting conditions. Extreme wealth and crushing poverty are separated by a street or a fence. Colours are everywhere and cities are crowded. The countryside is lush and the wildlife is diverse. Visitors here will find a world that is vastly different from life anywhere else.

One of the most iconic animals in the world is the giant Galapagos tortoise. Known as one of the longest-living vertebrates in the world, these animals are magnificent and awe-inspiring. If only they could tell us their stories. This giant beast is well over 150kg (330lbs) and has probably been roaming the island of Santa Cruz for more than 100 years. He eats, sleeps, and leaves droppings all day long. Tortoises will eat almost any kind of vegetation and they do so in great quantities. They store large amounts of water and food, giving them the ability to go without either for up to a year. The giant Galapagos tortoises are believed to be descended from African tortoises, having arrived here on floating rafts of vegetation. Few animals would survive a trip across the ocean like this, but their ability to go without fresh water or food for very prolonged periods makes this possible. Giant tortoises have no means of defence from predators except to pull their heads into their shells. Their solid shells and armoured legs make it difficult for even a determined creature to harm them and they can simply sleep and outwait any predator. The longevity of this species is also what makes it possible for enough of the eggs to reach maturity. The young are easily predated by birds, dogs, rats, and other creatures and it is only the fact that a mature female lays many eggs over her lifetime that makes it possible for their populations to be maintained. This giant male is making his way across a bike path without any concern. The locals carefully make their way around the animals, respecting the need for distance. If a tortoise wanders onto the roadway, traffic will stop until the tortoise is safely across. Galapaganians live in harmony with nature and with the animals that have been here on the islands long before humans.

British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province. It is full of stunning coastline, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, breath taking panoramic views, challenging hikes to epic viewpoints, and diverse and beautiful wildlife. Follow these visitors on their journey through the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack farm country, Whistler, and a hike to the top of Mount Cheam, the legendary grandmother to the other mountains in the area. The rugged wilderness in British Columbia is one of the most spectacular places in the world. It is no wonder that the people who visit this world fall in love with it. Let yourself fall in love with the views captured here.

DJI Avata is an amazing drone that allows the operator to put on goggles and enjoy an immersive experience that feels very close to flying. This allows for the user to capture stunning video and to have a lot of fun while doing so. But it also tempts many users to fly more adventurously than ever, risking their drones as they skim over surfaces and through tight gaps. If you own an Avata, it's likely you have or will crash it if you are using it to its full potential. For many, skimming along at high speed, close to the surface of a lake or river is a tempting thing. And it's likely that you will some day sink your drone in the water while testing your limits. This drone operator was flying at full speed over the Otonabee River, trying to capture epic footage of a train bridge. His drone touched the surface and spun out, then sank in the murky depths. He explains what went wrong and shows you how he found the drone. Knowing how to pinpoint the right spot where a drone is lost will greatly increase the odds of finding it. Even though the drone is likely inoperable after only a few minutes in the water, the replacement cost through DJI Care Refresh coverage is much less if the drone is retrieved. Plus, the drone might have lens filters, battery secure clips, and upgraded props. As much as anything, abandoning your beloved drone and walking away without recovering it just stings. Follow these tips to give your self a better chance at finding it, whether it's in a river, field or in the woods.

This sanctuary in the Galapagos Islands takes in goats, horses, donkeys, chickens and any other animal that need a safe home. It provides the animals with food, shelter, safety, and a chance to interact with guests who come here. The sanctuary relies on donations and the money generated from the tours so they can give the animals the care they deserve. This family has brought their Canadian friends for a tour and the girls show them how the goats go crazy for bananas. The animals get lots of hay and other food, but the bananas are a special treat. The bananas hang outside the fence to allow guests to interact and feed the animals. This goat has learned how to stick his head out over the fence and show his pleading eyes for the maximum effect on the soft hearted guests. Goats will eat almost anything and these ones are no exception. They are particularly fond of the banana skins as well as the fruit inside.

Decorator crabs are known for their ability to attach algae and small animals to their shells to conceal themselves from predators, but the process is more complex than it appears, and it suggests higher intelligence than we once understood these crabs to have. If the shells of these crabs are cleaned, they will immediately set about replacing their camouflage with the same care and precision as they showed in their first concealment. There are several species of crabs that use plants, animals, and debris from their environment to adorn their shells. Some chew the algae and then carefully hook the pieces onto velcro-like hooks on their shell. They occasionally use anemones or other sedentary animals. They attach the matter to their shells with great precision and care, suggesting that they are purposefully imitating the surfaces around them. When moved from one environment to another, these crabs will quickly replace their adornments with items from the new location, seemingly understanding the need to blend in with specific surroundings. Their disguise is not random or haphazard. Decorator crabs will make use of toxic plants or animals as further deterrence for potential predators. Described by scientists as "perhaps unrivalled" mastery of concealment, these are highly specialized behaviours. Understanding the purpose of their covering, these crabs remain still during the day and they freeze in place when threatened. Some species use only sponges, others use only noxious alga. One species selects stinging anemone for it's protective covering. The anemone benefits from an increased supply of food that is available as it moves around with the crab. Octopus have shown a tendency to avoid these crabs when they are adorned with anemone. The intelligence and purpose of the smallest and seemingly less significant animals is becoming more understood. Perhaps, as we gain greater insight we will also gain greater appreciation and desire to protect them. The balance of nature is a delicate one and humans frequently disrupt this balance in their ignorance of what goes on around them.

Spotted eagle rays are majestic and beautiful.

Phoebe birds, specifically Eastern Phoebes, are known for their unique parenting behaviors. When the chicks are newly hatched, the parents work tirelessly to ensure their young are well-fed and cared for. Both the male and female phoebe make numerous trips throughout the day to gather food. They primarily feed their young insects, which they catch on the wing. The adult phoebe lands on the edge of the nest and carefully places the food directly into the open mouths of the chicks. The chicks hear the parents flying in and they have their mouths wide open, eagerly awaiting food. Phoebe parents take turns feeding, ensuring that all chicks receive adequate nutrition. This coordinated effort helps distribute the workload and maintain a consistent food supply. While the mother sits on the nest to keep the chicks warm, the father brings her a dragonfly. As he gives it to his partner, it appears that this is a meal for her. Unselfishly, she quickly stands up and feeds the food to her babies. The diet mainly consists of insects such as flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. As the chicks grow, the parents may also include other small invertebrates. Besides feeding, the parents also keep the nest clean. They remove fecal sacs produced by the chicks to maintain a hygienic environment, which helps prevent the spread of disease. The mother can be seen removing droppings as quickly as they are produced. This will continue for two weeks until the chicks are fledged and ready to fly from the nest. These phoebes have chosen a log under an overhanging roof of a cottage in Ontario to raise their four chicks.