Avian Appreciation through the Lens

If you're curious about what a raptor photo shoot entails, let me explain. With technological advancements and the availability of high-quality cameras, even on cell phones, many bird enthusiasts now carry cameras alongside or instead of binoculars. These digital tools are aiding scientists in understanding bird populations and dynamics like never before. While mastering these powerful devices can be challenging, practice is certainly beneficial.

Our photo shoots not only introduce you to our educational ambassadors but also provide an opportunity to practice using equipment and experiment with settings you might not have tried. The birds are naturally perched, allowing ample time to observe their behavior and enjoy photographing them.

These sessions aren't just for photographers. Artists seeking reference photos and detailed feather shots also find them valuable. Besides our educational ambassadors, the shoots often attract wild birds that come closer. In the latest shoot, participants had close encounters with Brown-headed Nuthatches and Carolina Chickadees, who were displeased with an owl's presence in their territory.

Seasonal transformations in the landscape ensure that each photo session is distinct. Our upcoming shoot on November 22 is scheduled for late afternoon to capture the warm glow of the setting sun on our education ambassadors. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. These events accommodate only a limited number of participants, so they can fill up fast. All proceeds go directly towards the care of the ambassadors.

Up-close to a Turkey Vulture

iPhone shot

art inspired by a photo shoot