I have three primary goals with this blog – to showcase a few of my images, to document interesting bird behaviors and to illustrate and discuss different aspects of bird and nature photography.
The photoblogs of many serious photographers tend to feature their best work exclusively - high quality images with broad appeal. That won’t always be the case here (much of my “best” work can be found in my photo gallery). While I intend to often post high quality images, there will be exceptions – especially when the post involves bird behaviors. For those kinds of posts I’m of the opinion that documenting the behavior sometimes trumps the requrement of high image quality. When I take photos of interesting or unique behaviors that may not be perfect in composition, sharpness or light I am still likely to post them on this blog if I think the behavior is interesting and documented well. Animal behavior has been high on my list of interests since I took my first college class in Vertebrate Behavior many years ago and my intention is to pursue that interest with this blog.
I suspect that most of my posts will involve birds in one way or another but don’t be surprised by the occasional “hiccup” – posts that include images of critters other than birds or almost any other natural subject. What I can promise you however is that my images won’t be heavily manipulated, my light will always be natural (no flash), my subjects won’t be artificially called in or “set up” and they will never be baited or called in.
Excellent knowledge about birds….Thanks Ron
Hi Ron, new to your site. Your photos are absolutely amazingly beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be back.
Hi, I’m Tana’s sister. I love your photography! Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Hi Teri, Nice to “meet” you. And thank you for the nice words about my photography.
Your web site has fast become a favorite of mine. I am grateful that you are still teaching although you think you are retired. Your photos are wonderful but the learning aspect is what I especially enjoy. When I was searching for the red crown patch on what I thought was a Kingbird your site came right up with not only a good explanation but photos to demonstrate it as well. Thank you for that. Your writings on bird behavior and how you captured the image along with the settings are valuable to all. Thank you!
Thank you so much Phyllis. Your comment made my day – especially regarding teaching and learning. Just can’t get the teaching part out of my blood I guess but I’m learning a lot too from doing this blog and the feedback I get so it flows both ways.
Great work – i’ve been spreading the word of your site on the Twitters.
I found it thru the RINS.org group.
JSturr
Thanks John – I appreciate the compliment on my work and you “spreading the word”.
Theo Bauder posted a link to this blog in the Colorado Birder last November, and I finally noticed it and peeked in. What a wonderful surprise. I love your interest in bird behavior, and I am in awe of your photography skills. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Thanks very much Judy. Glad to hear that you appreciate the behavior aspects – not everyone’s cup of tea but certainly a flavor that I enjoy.
Thank you Jayne. You have mail.
Good morning, Ron. I stumbled upon your blog via Google. Incredible! I especially like the story lines you include. I work for a government conservation agency in Illinois. We manage about 25,000 acres and produce a quarterly publication for residents that features stories about native wildlife. We’d love to use a shot or two of yours in our winter issue, which we’re working on right now. If you’re interested, please send me an e-mail with a bit about your current publication fees. And thanks for sharing such wonderful shots with the rest of us!
Hey Heidi, Thanks for the nice comment. Yes, that is an amazing video. I’ve seen it several times before but never tire of it. Eagle Owls are native to Europe and Asia and are the second largest owl in the world. Amazing birds!
Hi Ron,
Just catching up on posts I’ve missed and wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your website. You take fantastic pictures and I learn so much from your blog. Thank you for sharing. Thought you might like this link. Although it’s a video, it was shot at 1000 frames per second. I found it fascinating. Hope you enjoy it also. http://www.dogwork.com/owfo8/ They call this an “eagle owl” but not sure what kind of owl it is. It’s a beautiful bird.
Your loco neighbor,
Heidi