On a raptor quest in the foothills of the Stansbury Mountains
When I retired from teaching (high school Honors Biology and Zoology) in 2003 I needed an outlet for my lifelong interest in the natural sciences. I’ve always had a special interest in birds but have never been enthralled with all that goes with being a “birder”. I had dabbled in semi-serious photography over the years so I eventually decided to give bird photography a try and just see where it took me. What a life changer! Now I live, eat and breathe birds – not from a birder’s perspective but from that of a photographer.
I have strong feelings about the “ethics” of bird photography. For me, avian photography is nature photography, and it’s not ”nature” (or natural) when subjects are not their natural colors so I don’t oversaturate my images. I don’t do significant cloning or other types of major image alteration for the same reason. I don’t closely approach nesting birds and I make every effort to avoid unduly disturbing my subjects. I don’t use electronic devices to call in birds. I love to photograph raptors but will never ”bait” them in. I don’t shoot “setups” except at my back yard feeders for the practice.
My gear is Canon and my primary birding rig includes the Canon 7D, Canon 500mm f/4L IS, 1.4 TC and the Gitzo Gt3530LSV tripod with full Wimberly head. In addition I sometimes shoot with the Canon 40D and Canon 100-400mm. I use a Canon Xti as a back up body. Many of my bird photographs have been taken from my pickup truck window using the vehicle as a “blind” – a very effective strategy for my situation.
I live in northern Utah and have convenient access to the many wetlands associated with the Great Salt Lake. Bird photography is usually the primary goal of my frequent camping trips throughout Utah and other western states. Because I have Montana roots and return there often, many of my avian images were taken in the western part of that state.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Ron
Ron,
I have been working on learning photography for the last couple of years, part of my learning process is to seek out people that are taking the type of photographs that one day I hope to take and learn from them. Part of my “homework” for today landed me here and I must say your photography inspires me! Your images are so beautiful and I love that you post your lens and settings, something so many do not share. Although your formal years as an educator may be in the past I look forward to studying your shots and learning what I can from your posts. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
Joel
Thank you Joel. Your comment made my day.
Sonja – thank you for making the effort to make such a nice comment, especially since using the English language isn’t easy for you. Much appreciated!
Ron
Over a photographer who I’ve become aware of your great site.
I am from Germany and I am in the English language, not as firm.
But to bring hope to express how thrilled I am a nature photographer from the many great bird photos!
Very, very good photos in best quality .. I can only dream of it!
Furthermore, many great designs and always good light and in 2012 it also wishes Sonja from Haase
Lueneburg in Luneburg Heath, Germany.
Stunning photos of the hawk. Thanks for posting.
Hi Fyn – You can either subscribe to the posts feed or subscribe by email. Both links are found in the upper right hand corner of my blog.
Hi Ron, How do you subscribe to your blog?
What a wondeful thing to say Lacie – you made my day! Good luck with your subject choice and if I can be of any help just let me know.
Hello, I am 14 years old and am currently taking up photography as a GCSE course our first topic is structures, I have decided to do feather’s and birds and you work has inspired me to choice that as my choice, I hope some day that I will be able to be as good as you.
Lacie
Thank you Tana. Hope things are going well for you at Highland.
Great photography! Thank you for sharing.
Hi,
I still work at Highland, and I am so very glad that I was made aware of your blog. I am a “birder” and wildlife enthusiast, and your photos are amazing. Thank you for posting and keep up the beautiful work!
Oh Robert, I’ll bet you say that to all your male former teachers.
I love you.
I’ll bet you were just as good at teaching as you are at bird photography! Wonderful site…I enjoyed every bit of it! Sharon
Loving your blog and images. Thanks
Mr. Dudley. I literally just happened upon this page via a fellow Utah bird-loving friend. Which is, as it turns out, a happy occurrence since I have fond memories of you as my high school zoology teacher. It’s nice to know that you’re still in Utah and have found a passion in photographing birds.
I’m proud to report that I have pursued a career with wildlife, specifically with birds. It’s taken me to some pretty wonderful places. Right now I’m lucky enough to be on Kaua’i working with Fish and Wildlife as an intern. I think I must have the coolest job – I get to track reproductive success for the refuge’s Laysan Albatrosses, Nene, and Hawaiian Stilts. Bad ass.
Your photographs are beautiful. I particularly enjoy the ones of the flying owls – they are images that don’t appear easy to get. Keep it up! I’ll be following your blog regularly.
Hi Ron
I am a relatively new photographer and like you enjoy photographing birds. Not sure if I’m a birder as yet but definitely spend too much time thinking about when I can next get out and try to imrove my skills. Your photos are magical really I wish I can one day take pictures even half as good as yours. I also really like how you explain how you do things….easy to understand without all the technical jargon. I am presuning you are professional?
Ron, I think my brother-in-law, Dale Prince, introduced us a few years ago. He sent me some of your pictures, along with your comments. I spent the next half hour looking and reading and admiring your work. Your images are perfect in claity and color, and your explanations made it much more interesting. I would have missed some of details without your comments. I would like to see more of your work. How would I do that? Thanks for sharing. I’m going to forward this to a bird-watchers in my ward. I know he’ll enjoy it too, and maybe share with your some of his word. Thanks again. Lila Orme, Chatsworth, CA