Colin Franks Photography

Colin Franks Photography Photography (mostly birds) by Colin Franks In July of 2021, I was diagnosed with the most horrific disease imaginable - ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

A death sentence. A month later, upon retesting at another more specialized clinic, I was told that it looks like the more rare form of Motor Neuron Disease known as PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis). ALS is the premature dying of the nerve cells known as "Motor Neurons" that we all have in the brain and spinal column, whereas PLS is the same thing, but involves the Motor Neurons in the brain only,

so is slower progressing. This "less worse" diagnosis requires about four years time to be certain of it being PLS rather than ALS, and I have made it to that point. While it is possible that PLS can still morph into ALS after that four year mark, my neurologist says that she would be surprised if that were to happen in my case. Fingers crossed. This diagnosis meant selling our beloved home, in favour of a wheelchair-friendly condo, and we made that move seven months after diagnosis. It also forced me to shut down my Sign business, after 28 years in operation. Huge changes. I've continued with my passion for bird photography to the best of my declining ability, but as the disease has indeed progressed, I now cannot take a step without a walker, and also use an electric wheelchair, so I am unable to get out into the rugged terrain like I used to. I can get to a few easy locations, and can photograph the odd bird off my deck, but that's about it. If you've got your health, you've got everything. Photos are available as prints, any size.

Frog Friday!Pacific Tree Frog, at home in his open-concept condo.
09/04/2026

Frog Friday!
Pacific Tree Frog, at home in his open-concept condo.

It was cool to capture an image of this Red-tailed Hawk off the deck yesterday during some rain and high wind. At one p...
09/03/2026

It was cool to capture an image of this Red-tailed Hawk off the deck yesterday during some rain and high wind. At one point, the wind almost blew him off the branch! I'll post a couple more in the comments below.

The beautiful Cinnamon Teal. They are unusual among ducks, in that they have separate breeding populations in North Amer...
09/02/2026

The beautiful Cinnamon Teal. They are unusual among ducks, in that they have separate breeding populations in North America and South America, as shown on the range map I'll post in the comments.

A Marbled Godwit foraging in shallow water. Have a look at their range on the map I'll post in the comments, and note t...
09/01/2026

A Marbled Godwit foraging in shallow water. Have a look at their range on the map I'll post in the comments, and note the tiny pocket in Alaska where they also go for breeding. Crazy.

Great Horned Owl. These deadly predators have large eyes, pupils that open widely in the dark, and retinas containing m...
08/31/2026

Great Horned Owl. These deadly predators have large eyes, pupils that open widely in the dark, and retinas containing many rod cells for excellent night vision. Their eyes don’t move in their sockets, but they can swivel their heads more than 180 degrees to look in any direction. They also have sensitive hearing, thanks in part to facial disc feathers that direct sound waves to their ears.

Frog Friday!Pacific Tree Frogs all feature a dark eye mask and pale belly, but can slowly shift their skin tone over day...
08/28/2026

Frog Friday!
Pacific Tree Frogs all feature a dark eye mask and pale belly, but can slowly shift their skin tone over days to match their habitat.

Anna's Hummingbird. I'm grateful that we have these here year-round.
08/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird. I'm grateful that we have these here year-round.

Cooper's Hawk, always on the lookout.
08/26/2026

Cooper's Hawk, always on the lookout.

Red-breasted Nuthatch.Cool fact: The Red-breasted Nuthatch collects resin globules from coniferous trees and plasters t...
08/25/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Cool fact: The Red-breasted Nuthatch collects resin globules from coniferous trees and plasters them around the entrance of its nest hole. It may carry the resin in its bill or on pieces of bark that it uses as an applicator. The male puts the resin primarily around the outside of the hole while the female puts it around the inside. The resin may help to keep out predators or competitors. The nuthatch avoids the resin by diving directly through the hole.

"I approve of this post", says this Wilson's Snipe.
08/24/2026

"I approve of this post", says this Wilson's Snipe.

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