Mike Yip

My interest and obsession with birds and bird photography was catalyzed by the accidental sighting of a Northern Shoveler Duck in 2004.  

After that sighting it really didn’t take long for Mike to establish himself as one of top bird photographers in British Columbia. Public interest in his photography also inspired him to self-publish six very successful coffee table books featuring the birds and butterflies of Vancouver Island, as well as a line of note cards and prints showcasing some of his favourite images.

Mike's Beginner's Guide to Common Vancouver Island Birds is his fourth volume on his bird encounters, and a little different than his previous books. Since there were no bird identification guides specifically for Vancouver Island, I decided to produce one. 

Designed with visual learners in mind, it is mainly an identification guide for the many non-birders who are simply interested in the birds they encounter in their every day life. It offers not only stunning photography of over 235 birds, but also gives the specifics about each bird. This becomes very valuable when you get into the Gull’s, the more info you have the better, since Vancouver Island is home to 14 varieties!