Like many subjects in nature, birds are a form of natural art.

Living, breathing, standing, flying, fishing, hunting and on and on, birds just keep doing things in a poetic way that screams natural art.

We only need to first see it, capture the artistry of it all with cameras, and then above all ,share it.

I selected the images below by the tried and true method just sort of closing my eyes and pointing. The images I used had one major thing in common, the subjects were all birds.

Common Loons live in the higher percentiles when it comes to natural art. Their appearance, their behavior and their movements make them naturals.

The image below was made on film in the far northwest corner of the state of Wisconsin, a long time ago. The image began on film, and but was copied digitally as the slide rested on a light table. I of course then used a digital camera, tripod, and a macro lens.

I call this shot, “honey I’m home”. These are Osprey. When you shoot up at a subject, the bigger the telephoto lens in use, the more the perspective becomes flattened out.

This chunky looking male Ring-necked Pheasant was resting on a fence alongside the road. No gun shooting was allowed in that area and just maybe this bird knows what he is doing.

A young female Snowy Owl peers into the distance.

Yep, another Wisconsin shot. Actually, Wisconsin is a superb bird watching/image making state.

A male and a female Mallard duck play follow the leader. Just after sunrise.

A Female Northern Shoveler.

Let us get out of the water and into the air with this male Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Without a doubt, hanging out around a “Hummer” feeding station is the fastest way to capture these guys. They can and will hover in midair while we focus and compose.

Here we find a male Eastern Meadowlark perched on a branch and I do believe, trying to attract a lady friend with a romantic song.

Who could resist?

Some of the best poses occur when birds are preening. Most preening is done so their flight feathers are clean and useful in the gift of flight.

Get up on the water and run. This female Hooded Merganser is preparing to sort of run along the top of the water, and then lift into flight.

Swimming along. Of course there is nothing more natural than capturing images of waterfowl swimming along in the water.

Topsy-turvy if you will. Northern Shovelers just after sunrise.

Balancing act?

This Sandpiper really does have two legs. I guess it’s just that sometimes it doesn’t need both.

Once again, a bird feeder makes for a very cooperative subject.
House Finch

Not only one of my favorite species, but a favorite individual bird of mine. Once again, a Snowy Owl.

This small male Snowy Owl allowed me ridiculously close positions to him. Often, I would actually refuse to get close to an animal that allowed such a close position. I just could not refuse this one. This image was made along a state highway in Horicon marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.

In the weeks ahead, I will attempt to give acknowledgement to the time I have spent in the field, and the subjects I would select, and why. In addition to that, more and more I find that my desire to speak of the many great friends that I have made while out making images,. They are each special to me in often different ways. Then finally, about my time in the field everywhere from city parks, to the wilderness.

I treasured those days and nights with the trees,, rivers, mountains, deserts, lakes, plants and animals, examining and photographing God’s world.

Creating visions of the natural world, be it alone or with friends, can be a way of being a part of that world, instead being only a spectator.

Our time here in these bodies on this earth is limited. We have expiration dates written all over us.

I have spent various times in my life running as fast as I could towards the finish line. Other times not so much, but in this hectic, I’ve got to accomplish everything imaginable world, time is better than money, so to speak.

The problem with all that is, as I now see it thanks to God, we are all just passing though here on this earth. In these wilting, crumbling bodies. This is only step one in our existence. The question becomes, will we choose Heaven or hell? The road we travel is up to us. God gave us free will.

God Bless,
Wayne