In the middle of summer in 2017, I was outside having a barbecue and we had some leftover bread that we weren't going to eat. I decided to throw it out in the middle of the yard for the birds to find. Within a short period of time, there were many birds gobbling up the pieces of bread. Soon, a bird that I will never forget showed up to the party. A bright-red male cardinal had landed and was interested in the food I had left out. At the time, I couldn't believe that I had a cardinal in the back yard! I was amazed at the striking color of this beautiful bird. This moment became the impetus of my awakening and discovery of nature.

In the following months, I started to do research about the various birds I could find and their songs on the Audubon's Guide to North American Birds website. I started to learn what they looked like and what they sounded like. I was surprised that there were so many different species of birds around. It was only a matter of time before I joined several birding groups and became a serious birder.

Somewhere along this journey of learning about birds, I started to do my own research about what birds eat, and what types of plants they are attracted to. This has led to an ongoing discovery of the thousands of plants native to North America, that is plants found here before settlement. Many birds, insects, and other wildlife have very special relationships with the plants that are found here locally without human introduction.

In my photostream, you will find pictures of native plants, American birds, insects, landscapes and habitat. Some photos may also contain a little backstory or a paragraph explaining the photo.

Thank you for visiting and following.

Here are some great resources:

www.jerseyyards.org

www.minnesotawildflowers.info

www.prairiemoon.com

www.ecobeneficial.com

www.youtube.com/c/JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME/videos - Jo Alwood on Youtube

www.youtube.com/user/stevesross/videos - The Common Milkweed Nursery on Youtube

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I started shooting nature photography in 2017 with an outdated Canon point-and-shoot. My primary subjects were birds and landscapes. I have recently upgraded to Sony's mirrorless system with the A6400. I am currently using the 18-135mm kit lens for plants and insects and the 70-350mm for birds.

My interests include birds, native plants, and other wildlife. My aim is to showcase the beauty of these plants and animals and to perhaps bring some awareness to that which is being quickly eroded.

"The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations."

John Paul II.