100 Wild Islands captured in ‘Untamed Atlantic Canada’

“Untamed Atlantic Canada: Exploring the Region’s Biodiveristy Havens” is a recently published book written by Scott Leslie, an award-winning nature photographer, author, and naturalist living in Bear River, Nova Scotia. Widely published, Scott’s work has appeared in The New York Times, National Wildlife, Reader’s Digest, National Geographic Publications, Canadian Geographic, and Saltscapes, among others.

Chapter Six, titled “A Pristine Coastal Abode” describes and visually depicts Scott’s experience of the 100 Wild Islands and their ecological importance. Scott writes,

On the beach, less than 50 metres from our tent, we discover a small mixed flock searching the sea’s edge for food. Several semipalmated plovers and a few sanderlings scurry along the wet sand, picking up little invertebrates as each wave recedes. These are early autumn migrants, stopped here to fatten up a bit before flying south for the winter.

[…] Because the islands are relatively wild and contiguous, it’s easy for wildlife to move unimpeded throughout the ecosystem, a key aspect for any healthy natural area.

[…] After a couple of days enjoying this coastal sanctuary, so peaceful and rich in natural history, it’s time to paddle back to the mainland. As we launch our kayaks into the Caribbean-like turquoise water, the islands call on us to return. The sun has just popped over the low horizon of Baltee Island and it’s insular companions to the east. To the west Wolfe Island, and the many others beyond it, sits bathed in the amber of early morning sunshine. There’s a lifetime worth of wildlife and solitude to explore here.

Scott Leslie is an award-winning nature photographer, author, and naturalist living in Bear River, Nova Scotia. Widely published, his work has appeared in The New York Times, National Wildlife, Reader’s Digest, National Geographic Publications, Canadian Geographic, and Saltscapes, among others. His previous books covered the natural history of birds, endangered species, and the Bay of Fundy. He also teaches photography workshops. A Wealth of Wildlife is his seventh book. Visit scottlesliephoto.com.