From familiarity to fascination

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I never thought twice about the wildlife that surrounded me. It was just there—too familiar to spark any real excitement. The lush forests, winding streams, and rolling hills were beautiful, sure, but they were also part of the backdrop of my everyday life. In many ways, I took it all for granted.

That is, until I moved to Florida.

Back home in Pennsylvania, I saw robins, cardinals, squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, raccoons, deer, Canada geese, and, if I was lucky, the occasional bear or fox. The birds chirping in early spring were a welcome sound, signaling the end of those cold, dreary, gray days. But I never once considered stopping to photograph them. They were simply part of the scenery, just like the landscape itself.

But Florida? Florida changed everything.

When I arrived in the Sunshine State, my view of wildlife completely shifted. The birds here are different—not just in species, but in their sheer magnificence. From the graceful ibises and towering great blue herons to the striking sandhill cranes, snowy egrets, and my absolute favorites, the spoonbills, I found myself captivated by the diversity and beauty of these creatures.

I’m lucky to live near an Audubon Rookery, a place where various bird species roost in the winter months. During mating season, it's a photographer’s paradise, with groups of enthusiasts gathering for sunrise and sunset. The energy is infectious, and the birds are equally active, making for some incredible photo opportunities.

Having always been fascinated by animal behavior, it was only natural that I pursued a degree in Animal Behavior in college. I could sit for hours, just watching, observing, and learning from the animals around me.

Recently, I rented a 100-400mm lens for a workshop I attended. I was eager to see what I could capture. My own longest lens is only 200mm, which is great for some shots, but it means I often have to crop in post-processing—or wait for the birds to come closer to get a decent shot. The 400mm lens was a noticeable upgrade, and it gave me a whole new perspective.

With a few extra hours to spare before I had to return the lens, I headed straight to the Rookery. The birds were busy building nests and performing their mating rituals, so there was no shortage of action. It was a thrilling morning, and I was able to capture shots I simply couldn’t with my usual gear.

Here’s a small sampling of the images I captured that day—moments that, for me, highlight just how amazing and dynamic the wildlife around us can be when we take the time to really see it.