I’ve enjoyed observing nature, especially birds since before I can remember. In the spring of 2007 I left a job where I worked crazy hours. Now working a mere 40 hours per week I have more time to get back to the things I love – spending time outdoors, hiking, birding, etc. I began challenging myself to correctly ID birds and to find different species. I started a life list, joined an online birding network and bought myself a little Canon Powershot camera to record what I was seeing and help with identification.

Soon, the photography part became a little more interesting and I was enjoying that challenge as much as the birding. I had to buy better equipment and currently use a Canon R6. My favorite lens is my 100-500 mm. I now have a photography wish list that someday I hope to be able to afford fulfilling. I get a lot of inspiration and good tips from many folks I’ve met on Flickr.

I often go birding/photographing with my brother David (). We’ve never gotten over our sibling rivalry and the competition is good incentive to get out there often and try to improve on both our birding and photography skills. My photostream includes both my best photos and photos that simply document what I see, but not necessarily good photography.

The most satisfying part of being a "nature photographer" is that it has given me a great tool to advocate for our region’s natural resources, parks and wild spaces. There are many people who don’t know how rich the ecology is in our own back yards and they are amazed at the beauty that is all around us. I’m glad to be able to capture a small sample of that and show it to anyone willing to take a look.

Oh, and also, I sometimes post other photos I take -- of my husband Steve, my family, my friends, the things I create (I like to sew), and of life here in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.