FeatherWindStudio
My fascination with birds and animals began as a child. Living in the city prevented me from exploring nature the way I would have liked.
My parents divorced when I was very young and my dad moved to California. I didn't see him as much as I would have liked, but it did mean entire summers spent out west. That inspired my love of traveling, which I enjoy to this day. Both parents remarried wonderful people and I consider having two families a huge blessing!
I moved to the country when I started high school. Nearby woods, meadows and a meandering stream provided plenty of opportunity for discovery, but demands of school and friends limited my backyard explorations.
One spring morning I was able to sit alone by the stream. I heard a beautiful song coming from a nearby thicket. I didn’t know it was a cardinal until the red bird came into view and belted out his song again. Then a flash of something yellow caught my eye; a mystery bird. Right then I promised myself someday I would learn about birds.
<Fast forward>
As a young homeowner, a storm blew a nest out of a tree in my yard. I had a quick study course in birds as I learned what species they were and how to raise them. (Read on to find out what species it was.)
That reawakened my long-held desire to learn about birds. I bought binoculars and a bird book, and hit the trails at local parks and nature centers. I was amazed at the different bird species I found that I never knew existed. I began keeping a journal... species, place, date, etc. Finding and learning to identify them was great fun, and an incredible challenge!
I bought a camera and arranged a birdwatching trip to Texas, then to Arizona..... My life has never been the same, but in a wonderful way!
>Fast forward<
I acquired my college degree in Landscape Horticulture, but my main interest was landscaping with *native* plants in order to attract native birds. My yard is registered as a 'Backyard Wildlife Habitat' with the NWF.
After more than two decades of finding and photographing birds, I have acquired a much better understanding of their role in nature and a much deeper appreciation of entire ecosystems. Nothing in nature passes by my eyes without me seeing the natural beauty in it.
Birds and nature photography is my passion! Coming in at a close second is writing about birds. My writing and photographs have been published in several birding magazines, including 'Bird Watcher's Digest,' 'Birds and Blooms' and 'Wildbird' Magazine.
Through the years, I began working with my photos, turning them into unique works of art. I started selling blank note cards to friends and coworkers. Several local gift shops, including a nature center and an art gallery, began to sell my note cards as well. Then I got some orders for larger prints. The response at arts and crafts shows has been incredible! Then came Etsy!
I've taken some of my photographs beyond just great pictures. I turn them into stunning works of art using computer software, enormous amounts of time, a keen eye and some imagination. I work with each individual picture until I acquire just the look I'm trying to achieve, while maintaining the natural beauty of my subject.
My hope is that my photographs will introduce folks to species and places they may have never seen; or let them see these things in a whole new way! My goal is to inspire people to want to conserve our natural resources and, most of all, provide happiness and joy to whoever comes across them.
With very few exceptions, all wildlife photos in my shop are of live, wild and free creatures. I do not use songs, calls or unnatural sounds to drive birds or animals closer to me. My goal when photographing them is to be invisible, so I capture the most natural activities that would occur absence of my presence. I believe the best photos come from patience and persistence, and most of all, from knowing my subjects.
I take special care to never cause negative interference with the parenting of young wildlife! I would rather miss a great shot, than cause harm to a bird or animal for profit. Take comfort in knowing the photos you see here are all taken with the utmost respect for the natural world.
Oh yeah, the bird's nest that flew out of the tree all those years ago- it was full of Cedar Waxwings.
My website is www.naturecardsforyou.com. Feel free to check it out and learn even more about me!
All images are copyright protected and may not be used or reproduced in any manner without expressed written consent by the owner. All Rights Reserved.
