On a chilly early November afternoon, I was invited by my good friend Dennis—a renowned wildlife photographer—to a secluded spot in eastern Ontario. He had previously encountered a rare white beaver there and his excitement was infectious. Along with our friend Isabelle, we set out in Dennis's bass boat, eager to see whether we might catch a glimpse of this unique creature.
Surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn foliage Dennis launched the boat into the calm water. We motored downstream and anchored just upriver from the beaver lodge. Two hours flew by as we shared photography stories. About 15 minutes before sundown, a scout beaver made its appearance, paddling gracefully through the water. We watched as it carried out its daily routines, oblivious to our presence.
The moment we had been waiting for finally came when, out of the depths, a stunning white beaver emerged. It seemed to glow against the backdrop of the fading light—a beautiful and rare sight. Dennis was thrilled to see it again, and we all felt a surge of excitement as we observed this remarkable creature.
The return ride upriver, knowing we had captured many special images, buffered us against the twilight chill.