Species: Great Grey Owl | Location: Ekolsund, Sweden
This was one of several close encounters with a Great Grey Owl in Sweden. In 2012, there was an irruption of Great Grey Owls and many could be found in Southern Sweden. At the time I lived in area a mile away from where there had been some owls sighted. I spent every evening for 3 weeks watching and photographing the owls hunting. It was this experience that inspired my passion for bird photography. Being so close to this magnificent bird that I had always dreamt of seeing in the wild moved me to tears.
About The Photographer
I have always loved nature but my passion for photography developed much more recently. I was born in the UK and moved to Sweden in 2010. Inspired by the beauty of this country and its nature I began my journey to become a nature photographer. My most memorable experience was a close encounter with a Great Grey Owl. Being just a few metres away from this beautiful bird that I had always dreamt of seeing in the wild was phenomenal and moved me to tears. While in Sweden I completed a Diploma in Photography. In 2012 I moved to North America and while I was sad to leave Sweden I was excited to explore a different country and its nature. I am an avid birdwatcher and the prospect of being able to photograph so many new species of birds was very exciting to me.
Since moving to Illinois I have become very active in the field of conservation and am involved in several projects and organizations in Lake County. With the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) I am a member of the Volunteer Stewards Network carrying out habitat restoration which involves removal of invasive species such as Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard and planting of native species. I am also one of LCFPD volunteer photographers providing them with nature photographs taken in their Forest Preserves. I am a member of the Board of the Lake County Audubon Society where my main role is to maintain their website and Facebook page. I am a bird monitor carrying out bird surveys for the Bird Conservation Network (BCN) and represent Lake County Audubon Society at BCN meetings. I am also the Lake County Representative on the BCN Survey Council and a BCN Survey Coordinator. BCN Survey Council members review survey policies and protocols, maintain contact with land managers and promote conservation action. Other bird monitoring projects I am involved in are Bluebird (Conserve Lake County), Wood Duck (LCFPD) and Purple Martin (Purple Martin Conservation Association) nest monitoring. I also monitor butterflies for the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network. These conservation activities have led to some fantastic opportunities to develop my photography skills and it is wonderful to interact with nature.
I am an active member of the North Shore Camera Club where I regularly compete and have won several awards.
I would like my images to convey my passion for nature and hope that they inspire people to appreciate the beauty of the planet on which we live.
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