DavidMcNab

Sunsets is one of the most breath taking times of day. The sun creates spectacular lines and a horizon that seems alive with changing colour and light.

Amateur photographers and videographers have been using hobby drones for years, capturing breath taking footage from the air. They have been used to inspect buildings, towers, wind turbines, search remote areas, and even to find lost people and animals. They are used for providing unique perspectives of landscapes, cities, and weddings. They accomplish a lot of amazing things and can be used at a fraction of the cost of aircraft. As drones become more popular and more widely used, their abilities increase dramatically and the cost continues to drop. This drone videographer has purchased the latest DJI Mavic 3 Pro, a drone designed to be affordable to the average consumer at a price that is short of $2,000 for a basic drone and controller package. The drone weighs less than 1kg (2.2lbs) and can be launched in seconds. It flies at nearly 45km/h (27mph) and can stay in the air approximately 45 minutes. But when we look at the capabilities of these drones for seeing things at a distance, it is easy to understand why people are concerned about their privacy. This drone pilot took his camera to a height of 120m (400 feet), in accordance with local regulations. He has registered the drone and he has obtained certification to fly it. Everything about this flight is legal. When he films the cows in a neighbouring field, we can see that they are just specs in the distance, barely recognizable as anything. With the touch of a button, the camera reaches 3x and 7x optical zoom. It is progressively increased to 60x (digital and optical combined). We can now see clearly enough to recognize individual cows and see that they are eating. If the drone had been focused on people, we would have no trouble recognizing a face, yet the drone is far enough away that the person being observed would not hear or see the drone. The ethical considerations have become very complex, with heated debate on all sides about whether there should be tighter laws regarding safety and privacy. Fortunately, as the drones become more sophisticated, the laws have become stricter. But we have to ask ourselves if we are ever going to enjoy full privacy in these times of technological advancement.

Stargazers are bizarre fish with heads that look more like frogs than they do fish. Their eyes and their mouths are pointed upwards due to the way that they capture their prey. They have a row of formidable looking teeth on each jaw that are pointed and razor sharp. They bury themselves in the loose sand with only their eyes protruding. They watch until the smaller fish swim unwittingly over their mouth. Then they lunge forward and upwards, inhaling their prey. There are about 51 species of stargazers. Some have ribbon-like pieces of flesh that they can wiggle like a lure to attract prey. Stargazers range in size from 18-90 cm. (8-35 inches). A few species have organs that are adapted to deliver an electric shock as a means of defense. These fish do not possess electroreceptors like fish that use electric sensory organs to locate prey. They are all venomous with several venomous spines located on their back and pectoral fin area. Stargazers are a delicacy in some cultures. The venom is not poisonous when eaten. Stargazers can deliver both venom and electric shocks. This, together with their appearance has caused them to be referred to as "the meanest things in creation". But in reality, they are fascinating animals that use the gifts and abilities that they were given for survival.

A night dive in Indonesia reveals a side of the ocean that is not seen in daylight. It's a mysterious world where some of the creatures come alive, or come out ion the open to hunt. Sea anemones are often more active in the darkness as they wave their venomous tentacles in the hope of stinging and devouring unwary prey. They feed on small fish and other creatures that carelessly venture too close. This brilliant blue anemone caught the eye of some biologists conducting an underwater exploration in Indonesia near Komodo Island. Anemones are related to the jellyfish. They are all predatory invertebrates. They are a single polyp that attaches to hard surfaces like rocks or coral. They wave their tentacles and feed the central mouth with anything that they catch. Touching a sea anemone will result in the triggering of a harpoon like barb that injects venom into the animal that touched it. The venom is made of neurotoxins that paralyze the prey. The majority of sea anemones are harmless to humans, but a rare few can cause severe illness or even death.

There are many species of giant clams, with some specimens growing well over 1.5m (4.5 feet) across. They can weigh over 200kg (440lbs). Their shells and mantles can range from green or brown, to iridescent blues and purples. They are magnificent in their appearance but their ability to thrive and find nutrients is equally impressive. The giant clams are the largest of the bivalve mollusks on the planet. They are filter feeders, straining the ocean water for zooplankton, yet they get most of their energy through a symbiotic relationship with algae. The clams cultivate algae in a special circulatory system, providing it with energy derived from sunlight, as well as oxygen from the photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship is a relatively rare phenomenon in the animal kingdom. Clams are hermaphrodites, allowing them to reproduce with any other clams, giving both individuals the opportunity for reproduction. Clams cannot self fertilize. They release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, but amazingly this process is synchronized with other clams in the area through the release of a transmitter substance, called "spawning induced substance". Many clams will synchronize their contractions with other nearby clams to maximize fertilization. The contractions occur every 2-3 minutes over a period of a few hours. A single clam may release as many as 500 million eggs in one episode. Clams have photoreceptors in their mantles that allow them to detect changes in light above. This signals them that a predator is near and they close to avoid their flesh being eaten. They have no true eyes and they are unlikely to respond to threats that do not involve sudden changes in water currents or light. A scuba diver passing over a clam will cause it to close. These clams have been the victims of misunderstanding and fear, being dubbed "killer clams" or "man-eating clams". Legends tell of people being trapped by these clams and drowning. The clams are not capable of aggression and they close simply for defense. The shells close so slowly that it would take severe negligence to become trapped by one. The largest of the clams are not capable of fully closing their shells. It is highly unlikely that any clam has ever caused the death of a human. Extensive harvest for aquarium trade and food have decreased the clam populations in the past few decades. They are considered a delicacy in Japan, France, and some Pacific islands. These clams are a delightful sight for scuba divers and underwater explorers. This beauty was filmed near Komodo Island in Indonesia.

These nurse sharks in the Maldives are menacing looking creatures, but they are gentle, curious, playful, and even adorable. This young shark was swimming around scuba divers exploring a sandy area near Komodo Island. It decided to roll over and rub its head and back on the sand. It's possible this was to relieve an itch and it could also be a way of ridding itself of parasites. Sharks are among the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. They are vilified by Hollywood in order to sell horror movies, but the truth is that they are rarely a threat to humans. Nurse sharks, such as this one are scavengers that eat dead or dying fish. They could rarely catch a healthy fish. They also have no reason to bite humans as they do not see humans as a food source. Sharks are essential to the health of the reefs and oceans because they eliminate unhealthy animals, keeping the other species in check and encouraging the survival of the fittest. Without sharks, the effect of the ocean ecosystems would be disastrous. All life is interconnected. We need to do what we can to understand and preserve these magnificent animals.

Squid are among the most intelligent of all invertebrates on the planet. They have an impressive intellect and display reasoning and memory capabilities that rival that of octopus and cuttlefish. They have complex communication abilities, using colour change and lights on their bodies to convey6 messages to other squid. They are even capable of flashing different messages simultaneously on opposite sides of their bodies. Another unique capability that squid and octopus have is the ability to squirt ink from their bodies to confuse predators and provide them with a means of escape. The ink can sometimes mimic the appearance of the squid, giving a momentary impression that the squid has not moved. The ink in the water will also affect the visibility in the area, lessening a predator's ability to find it. With lightning speed, the squid will dart away, putting distance between it and the aggressor. This squid in Indonesia was hovering in place as a group of scuba divers approached. The dive leader found the squid with his light and the squid reacted quickly. It shot out its inky defence and departed the area more quickly than the eye could see. There is actually a second squid that appears under the first one, just prior to the moment of escape. These animals are fascinating and beautiful. When we understand how complex the animals in the ocean are, it leads us to a more profound respect for them.

The world around us is full of beauty and colour that can take our breath away. But the world is even more beautiful when viewed from the air, like a bird's eye view. This drone has captured the stunning scenery of The Gorge near Fernie, British Columbia. It takes us to the shores of Komodo Island, Indonesia and then shows us the sails being raised aboard the Arenui live aboard. The drone captures the lines in a freight train yard in Toronto, Canada and then skims over the mighty Fraser River near Chilliwack in British Columbia. It gives us a look from above at Hell's Gate, takes us through the trees in a redwood forest, up to the peak of Bridal Veil Falls and out through the treetops. It brings us back to an Ontario farm as the farmer cuts his summer hay. We circle a corner church in Kingston and then glide over the Kingston shoreline at sunset. Drones provide a unique perspective, unobstructed by the trees, power lines, and buildings that block our view at ground level. Drones allow us to see the horizon in the distance. It is the closest thing to seeing the world as a bird would.

The mantis shrimp is one of the largest in the shrimp family, with some species growing to as long as 38cm (15 inches). They are beautiful and surprisingly capable in their ability to defend themselves. Unlike other shrimps, their forelimbs are appendages that pack a serious punch. Divided into two categories: slashers and smashers, their forelimbs may have calcified clubs or barbed spears. They strike with blinding speed, causing cavitation of the water around their strike, often stunning their prey, even if they miss. In this way, each strike delivers two blows. The mantis shrimp are nicknamed "thumb splitters" by scuba divers due to their ability to slice a hand or cause a painful bruise. They are thought to have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom and have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Compared with the three types of photoreceptor cell that humans possess in their eyes, the eyes of a mantis shrimp have between 12 and 16 types of photoreceptor cells. Some of these shrimp can tune the sensitivity of their colour vision to adapt to their environment. Their eye construction allows them to see colour in wider ranges, detect polarized light, and perceive depth with greater detail. These abilities help with mating, communication, prey detection, and in combat with other shrimp. The mantis shrimp is a beautiful sight for scuba divers who appreciate their colour as well as their fascinating characteristics.

The waters of Indonesia are home to magnificent creatures. Perhaps, the most magnificent are the giant manta rays. These two mantas were drifting along on the current, skimming over the coral. Kristy, a seasoned scuba diver was coming the other way and she saw the shadows of these immense beasts in the distance. She raised her camera in time to film the approach as they met her face to face. At the last moment, the manta rays veered to their left and went over Kristy, barely out of reach. Mantas have little fear of people. At this size, they have few predators and they don't have reason to fear scuba divers. They are known for their intellectual capacity and their curiosity. To see a manta ray this close is something that only the luckiest of scuba divers ever experience.

For many scuba divers, manta rays are the most beautiful and sought after of all the sights in the ocean. They are majestic animals that glide through the water with a magnificence and grace that is unrivaled. This reef in the Maldives is a favourite location for the mantas to come and hover in the current. They seek the help of the smaller fish that clean parasites off the mantas. These locations are referred to as cleaning stations. Many species of smaller fish wait here and the larger fish come in on the current for their assistance. The scuba divers know that this is also their opportunity to swim among these great beasts. The divers fix themselves to a rock or section of dead coral with a small reef hook and a rope. This allows them to hover above the bottom in one place. Because they are still, the mantas quickly become comfortable with the divers' presence. They drift past and over the divers curiously as they position themselves at the cleaning stations. Manta rays are highly intelligent, self aware, and capable of impressive feats of memory and reasoning. Studies show that they understand their own reflections and that they study themselves in a mirror if they are given the opportunity. These mantas understand that the small scuba divers represent no threat to them. They swim around with no concern. One of them skims directly over the head of the videographer, so close that she could have reached up and touched it. Such a close encounter with one of nature's most beautiful creatures is an experience that will never be forgotten.

Scammers make use of the internet and social media to reach out to potential victims daily. It's often what they consider to be their occupation and the victims are just necessary casualties. Their scams and ploys evolve and adapt to mislead people from all walks of life. Surprisingly, many people fall for these scams and provide their hard earned dollars to someone they trust, but shouldn't. One of the most common scams is the promise of large amounts of money that require administrative fees or taxes for release. The scammers use social media profiles to impersonate a friend and then invite the victim to take part in a payment opportunity. When a Nigerian scammer named "Mark" impersonated a trusted friend and contacted Dave, a veteran police officer, he was hoping to gain his trust and scam Dave out of his money. But in a shocking turn of events, the scammer got money in a way that he never dreamed of. And Dave got something in return that might never have been done before. Initially, Dave made fun of Mark, who was posing as his buddy, Ben, asking him when he was released from jail. Mark tries to continue with the ruse, and the sarcastic responses continued. But then things got serious. Dave admitted that he knew the scam and he offered Mark money in exchange for revealing the secret of his scam. The catch was that Mark would have to agree to an audio call that would be used to educate the public about the scam itself. Fifty dollars was too tempting an offer for Mark to refuse and these two began to negotiate their terms. Mark couldn't trust Dave to pay so he asked for the money up front. Dave was also short on trust for a confessed Nigerian scammer, so he insisted that the money be paid immediately after the phone call. With nothing to lose and fifty dollars (U.S.) on the table, Mark agreed to speak honestly if his identity could be protected. Mark called Dave on Facebook and they talked about scams, people in U.S.A. and the struggles of people in Nigeria. It was a frank and open discussion and it was obvious that Mark was in a world where there are few honest options. As Mark and Dave spoke, Dave sent Mark fifty dollars through PayPal. The conversation continued and Dave couldn't help but think that Mark had more than honoured their agreement. Dave sent another fifty dollars that wasn't asked for. Mark and Dave exchanged pleasantries and hung up after a lengthy call. Mark immediately sent a message through Facebook and suggested that a video call would be much better for making a video about the scam. Understandably, he asked for another fifty dollars for a video call. Dave liked the idea but they had to make sure that Mark's identity would be protected in the video. They agreed that he would wear a hat and keep his face partially off camera. Dave also assured Mark that his face would be blurred if it was visible at any time. Surprisingly, the two had now established enough trust for each other to work out the details and, within a few minutes, Mark and Dave were on a video call. It was possibly the first video call ever between a Nigerian scammer and a retired police officer, discussing his methods. Dave asked some of the same questions that were asked on audio and a few new ones, trying to show an accurate picture of the scam and why Mark does what he does. North Americans have very little understanding of what life is really like in a third world country. They have little understanding of how people there perceive the people of the western world. And more than anything, North Americans don't truly understand what they would do if they were faced with the same struggle for survival. But almost anyone would ask how a person like Mark lives with himself as he dupes good people. In a brutally honest manner, Mark's position is clear. He simply needs to run scams in order to survive. Dave sent Mark a third fifty dollar payment as they had agreed to. Throughout the conversation, these two developed a surprising level of trust and respect. But as they talk, Mark shows that our life in North America is vastly different that life in Nigeria. It's very possible that any of us would make the same choice that Mark does in order to get food. In Mark's world, the common belief is that all people from North America are rich and that they have a life that some Nigerian people can only dream of. Mark says he wants to come to U.S.A. in a voice that conveys his understanding of how impossible that dream is. When we take an honest look at the comparison between both worlds, their belief is understandable that we have everything and they have nothing. It's important to protect ourselves from these scams, but it is also important to remember that anyone will do what they can to survive. Don't allow scammers to access your information and your friends list on social media. Make your friends list private. Don't provide any personal or financial details to anyone over the internet. Don't ever pay money in hope of getting more. And, don't forget that we are luckier than we know to live where we do. Please share this video with anyone you know who might fall prey to this scam.

Sea lions are fascinating to watch as they go about their business along the beaches and rocky shores throughout the Galapagos Islands. They hunt for fish, octopus, eels, and squid. This young sea lion is not full grown and he dares not venture out into the open ocean. Sharks and orcas prey on young sea lions in the deeper waters. Mother sea lions leave their young on the beach when they go out to the sea for their food. They return for a rest and to feed their young milk. Sea lions are at least partially dependent on their mother's milk for 2-3 years. This beach area is used by people on the island of Santa Cruz. They have a healthy respect for the animal life here and they know to avoid close contact with sea lions and other creatures. The sea lions seem to follow the same approach as they avoid getting too close to people as well. But this sea lion casts a curious glance toward the swimmer with the camera who records it probing the tide pools for a meal. Animals on the Galapagos Islands are not fearful of humans because they live in harmony with as little interference as possible. This allows for excellent opportunities to observe the animals from a reasonable distance.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and fascinating animals on the planet. Among them are the sea lions that inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore around the islands. The colonies are complex and interesting to observe. Here, these babies wait in the tide pools and on the beach, enjoying safety from predators such as sharks and orcas. Their mothers give them mil several times each day as they sleep in the sun. The mothers venture out into the ocean at least twice per day to hunt for octopus, fish, squid, and eels. They eat their fill and then return to the beach where their babies are waiting. The babies are constantly hungry and they call out to the ocean in hopes that their mothers will hear them and hurry back. A full grown sea lion male is the alpha in the colony and he wanders among the tide pools, barking a challenge to any other males within hearing range. Baby sea lions are naturally curious and they eagerly approach anyone who gets close. The danger in touching them or getting too close is that the mothers will reject them and they will die a slow death due to starvation and dehydration. The law prohibits coming within 2m of a sea lion or other animal in the Galapagos Islands. The animals here have learned no fear of humans. Mutual respect allows people and wildlife to coexist in a beautiful way.

The Centennial Fountain in Peterborough is an iconic sight that is visible from almost any location the central part of the city. It is the highest water fountain in the country, powered by three jets that shoot water 76m (250 feet) in the air. It was constructed in 1967 and it operated during summer months every year. On a sunny day, the spray from the fountain creates a rainbow that can be seen from certain vantage points in the city. But this drone operator flew a small FPV drone past the fountain from various angles and the camera reveals a rainbow that follows the flight of the drone as it passes near the mist. The result is beautiful and only visible through the lens of a tiny aircraft that cam circle the fountain in close proximity.

This is Haute Goat Farm in Kendall, Ontario. They have a herd of friendly goats who accompany the guests on a walk around the farm, a stroll through a clover meadow, and then a session in a goat playground with the babies. The goats love the interaction, the sights as they stroll, and the fresh clover to eat. Guests pet the goats, take pictures, learn about the animals and their different personalities, as well as enjoy a relaxing stroll in the sunshine. People come here for a variety of reasons. Curiosity, relaxation, animal interaction, stress relief, fun with the kids - human or otherwise. No matter what your reason, the goats are delightful and a lot of fun to spend time with.

Drones allow us to see things from the eyes of a bird. This high resolution drone was sent up to capture the beauty of the Canadian harbor front city, Kingston, Ontario. The footage was surprisingly beautiful and full of colour.

Drones allow us to see the world from a different perspective, high above the ground. The view from above is more beautiful than you might imagine and the colours are more vivid. This high resolution drone is one of the new generations of drone that has far more camera capability than ever. This sunrise was recorded as it unfolded over farmland in Ontario, Canada. As the sun peeks over the horizon, the glow and warmth spreads across the horizon and fills the sky, welcoming another beautiful day. Later, that same night, the drone captured the colour in the west as the sun finished it's day and slipped below the western horizon. These displays of colour at the start and the end of each day are a true gift, reminding us that the morning is full of promise and the night is full of peace. We will never regret the time that we spend watching these spectacles unfold.

This lucky woman is visiting a very unique goat farm in Ontario, Canada, called Haute Goat. The guests here are treated to a wonderful experience as they stroll around the farm with a herd of friendly goats. The goats follow and munch happily on grass and clover while guests pet them and take pictures. After they get their fill of clover, the stroll takes them back the barn area where the babies are brought to an enclosure with climbing structures and toys. The goats climb and frolic as guests take turns cuddling with them. This happy little baby too a liking to Kristy who sat on a bench to watch the goats. The baby repeatedly jumps onto the bench and climbs into her arms to be cuddled. Goats are curious and affectionate creatures that enjoy the contact with the people who come here to visit. The goats here are all named and treated like family.

Scammers make use of the internet and social media to reach out to potential victims daily. For some, this is their way of life. It's what they consider to be their occupation and the victims are just necessary casualties. Their scams and ploys evolve and adapt to mislead people from all walks of life. Surprisingly, many people fall for these scams and provide their hard earned dollars to someone they trust, but shouldn't. One of the most common scams is the promise of large amounts of money that require administrative fees or taxes for release. The scammers use social media profiles to impersonate a friend and then invite the victim to take part in a payment opportunity. When a Nigerian scammer named "Mark" impersonated a trusted friend and contacted Dave, a veteran police officer, he was hoping to gain his trust and scam Dave out of his money. But in a shocking turn of events, the scammer got money in a way that he never dreamed of. And Dave got something in return that might never have been done before. Initially, Dave made fun of Mark, who was posing as his buddy, Ben, asking him when he was released from jail. Mark plays along and the sarcastic responses continued. But then things got serious. Dave admitted that he knew the scam and he offered Mark money in exchange for revealing the secret of his ruse. The catch was that Mark would have to agree to an audio call that would be used to educate the public about the scam itself. Fifty dollars was too tempting an offer for Mark to refuse and these two began to negotiate their terms. Mark couldn't trust Dave to pay so he asked for the money up front. Dave was also short on trust for a confessed Nigerian scammer, so he insisted that the money be paid immediately after the phone call. With nothing to lose and fifty dollars (U.S.) on the table, Mark agreed to speak honestly if his identity could be protected. Mark called Dave on Facebook and they talked about scams, people in U.S.A. and the struggles of people in Nigeria. It was a frank and open discussion and it was obvious that Mark was in a world where there are few honest options. As Mark and Dave spoke, Dave sent Mark fifty dollars through PayPal. The conversation continued and Dave couldn't help but think that Mark had more than honoured their agreement. Dave sent another fifty dollars that wasn't asked for. Mark and Dave exchanged pleasantries and hung up after a lengthy call. Mark immediately sent a message through Facebook and suggested that a video call would be much better for making a video about the scam. Understandably, he asked for another fifty dollars for a video call. Dave liked the idea but they had to make sure that Mark's identity would be protected in the video. They agreed that he would wear a hat and keep his face partially off camera. Dave also assured Mark that his face would be blurred if it was visible at any time. Surprisingly, the two had now established enough trust for each other to work out the details and, within a few minutes, Mark and Dave were on a video call. It was possibly the first video call ever between a scammer and a retired police officer, discussing his methods. Dave asked some of the same questions that were asked on audio and a few new ones, trying to show an accurate picture of the scam and why Mark does what he does. North Americans have very little understanding of what life is really like in a third world country. They have little understanding of how people there perceive the people of the western world. And more than anything, North Americans don't truly understand what they would do if they were faced with the same struggle for survival. But almost anyone would ask how a person like Mark lives with himself as he dupes good people. In a brutally honest manner, Mark's position is clear. He simply needs to run scams in order to survive. Dave sent Mark a third fifty dollar payment as they had agreed to. Throughout the conversation, these two developed a surprising level of trust and respect. But as they talk, Mark shows that our life in North America is vastly different that life in Nigeria. It's very possible that any of us would make the same choice that Mark does in order to get food. In Mark's world, the common belief is that all people from North America are rich and that they have a life that some Nigerian people can only dream of. Mark says he wants to come to U.S.A. in a voice that conveys his understanding of how impossible that dream is. When we take an honest look at the comparison between both worlds, their belief is understandable that we have everything and they have nothing. It's important to protect ourselves from these scams, but it is also important to remember that anyone will do what they can to survive. Don't allow scammers to access your information and your friends list on social media. Don't provide any personal or financial details to anyone over the internet. Don't ever pay money in hope of getting more. And, don't forget that we are luckier than we know to live where we do.

Storms are incredibly powerful and beautiful at the same time. This lightning show closed in on the shore of Cobourg on Lake Ontario, one of the five largest lakes in the world. As the ominous thunderclouds rolled towards the marina harbour, a drone circled and recorded, catching the contrast between a peaceful sky with a setting sun and a black pillar of rain. From the middle of the lake, under the storm, a small boat appeared, racing at full speed for the safety and security of the break water. Cutting it close, a few drops of rain were falling as the boat reached the entrance. The crimson line on the horizon as the sun dipped out of sight was breath taking. The booming thunder and increasing wind from the south suggested that the peacefulness was about to be broken. Geese frantically flew along the shore to find a place for shelter. They also knew that the weather was going to turn foul momentarily. They dipped low and found refuge in the trees. Minutes after the drone finished filming and returned to the shore, the skies opened and rain poured down in a deluge. Thunder cracked and the ground shook. The fishermen in the boat had beaten the storm by only minutes. Nature can be magnificent, beautiful, peaceful, and terrifying all at the same time. The beauty of these storms along the shore is incredible, but those caught in weather like this would not appreciate the colours and the splendour.

African elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They are majestic and powerful, yet usually gentle, unless threatened. This young bull is already enormous. He demonstrates how to use the dust to create a barrier on his skin that deters flies and parasites. He spends a few minutes in the shelter of a tree where he has found some loose dirt. Using his trunk, he sprays the dirt all over his back before returning to the nearby herd. The elephant appears to be full grown and very large until we see him standing beside the other elephants in his herd. This gives us a better appreciation of the massive size that these animals reach. The other elephants are much larger than he is. These elephants enjoy the safety and freedom of life in a protected area in Kenya, Africa. The vast grasslands here are full of potential predators like cheetahs and lions, but they are free from poachers and hunters. Patrols ensure that nobody can unlawfully kill or harm the elephants. The numbers of these majestic beasts has declined greatly in recent decades but conservation efforts around the globe are helping them to make a comeback. We must do all that we can to ensure that these beautiful giants are not lost forever.

This baby elephant roams freely on the plain in Kenya, Africa. His home is a vast, protected grassland where he can wander in safety from poachers. The animals here are still wary of predators, especially the crocodiles in the rivers. An unwary baby elephant would be grabbed and dragged into the water if he doesn't keep an eye out for approaching crocs. This happy little fellow drinks his fill and then plays with the water, spraying it from his trunk. The adults in the herd keep a watchful eye on this young calf.

Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes that lies on the Canada/U.S.A. border. It is the 13th largest lake in the world and home to Niagara Falls. To stand on the shore and gaze out to the horizon gives one the impression that they are on the ocean. You cannot see the shore on the far side. This drone took to the skies as the sun was setting and it captured the beauty of the harbour in the small town of Cobourg, Ontario. Ships come and go here, protected by the breakwaters and peninsulas. The water can become rough and unforgiving with little notice, however, and those who venture far from shore must calculate the risks. The sailboats moor for the night, some being a summer home for the owners who sail around the shoreline in the summer months. As expected, restaurants and ice cream shops invite the people who walk the pathways and the trails along the shore. Swans inhabit the bays, geese graze on the grassy areas, and ducks dabble in the shallows. It's a beautiful and peaceful scene that touches the hearts of those who take the time to experience it. A "whiting effect" caused by suspended calcium carbonate particles reflecting the blue light gives the lake its beautiful blue colour. Strikingly beautiful from the ground, the lake is even more beautiful from the air, as we see from these images taken 100m above the water.

Lionesses on the plain in Kenya, Africa have made a kill and their prey is being devoured in a hurry. Here in Africa, the opportunity to eat is often short. Predators smell food from miles away and there are always hungrier lions, packs of hyenas, or wild dogs, ready to try their luck in stealing meat where they can. Even a pair of powerful lionesses musty eat quickly to get their share. This vulture has followed his nose to the scene of the fresh kill and he is ready to dash in if he sees an opening. He keeps a respectful distance as he looks over the carcass and sizes up the lionesses. They are far too busy and unconcerned with his presence while he stays distant, but he knows that he is also vulnerable if he gets too close. A lioness would happily eat a bird like him and they would object to being robbed of their dinner. The vulture will wait until the bigger predators have all had their turn, or he will swoop in if their is enough chaos to cause a distraction. He will be ready in either case. The hyenas and dogs that live on these plains are also crafty and they know that food attracts other creatures that can be food as well. The vulture will need to keep an eye on more than just the lionesses if he is to live through the day. As the vulture casually strolls past, the lioness chew and tear off meat as quickly as they can. This wildebeest will be reduced to bones and stripped of every ounce of flesh before nightfall. Life on the African plain is complex. Nature here, like in most places is strikingly beautiful, but harsh and dangerous at the same time.