Photographer Mike Yip decided his third book on Vancouver Island Birds would be his last.
Then he discovered the jewels of Denman and Hornby islands – the flora and fauna on land and under the water’s surface.
“It got me into wildflowers and butterflies,” Yip said.
The two islands near the Comox Valley are popular dive destinations and Yip included a section of underwater photographs contributed by Amanda Zielinski.
Yip also featured butterfly photos taken by Jenny Balke, who captured the rare Taylor’s Checkerspot on Denman Island, a species thought extinct due to habitat loss.
“The only place in Canada it’s found is Denman Island,” Yip said. “It’s like meeting a movie star.”
Yip said he loves capturing images of rare and elusive species but also enjoys sharing the photos with others, which is why he continues to publish books.
“Both aspects bring a lot of joy to me,” Yip said.
Denman and Hornby Nature is available at Chapters and Save-on-Foods at Country Club Centre.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com