As a young boy I grew up right next door to the 23,000-acre Barry State Game Area, which is now specially-designated as an Audubon GIBA: "Globally Important Bird Area". [There are at least 7 federally-endangered, threatened or state-listed birds that utilize this area and others in Michigan during some period of their lives]. I always had Nature as my backyard. 

 I spent countless days and nights roaming the forests, fields and waterways nearby, and I recall Evening Grosbeaks, Red-headed Woodpeckers and Common Loons living there throughout the seasons. This exposure brought me much joy & wonder- along with a lifelong curiosity about all the natural world.

Hatch-year Hooded Warbler         2008 

Offering Feathers to Tree Swallow         2006

Paw Paw Trees Under the Hardwood Canopy     2007

Development and loss of habitat essentially extirpated those above-mentioned species and a few more. I moved to San Diego, and upon returning to Michigan I began digging into gardening. The wildlife also showed up at my door~ literally. The Blue Jay nestlings were dropping from the nest because of the killer raccoons!

 With that, I became a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, saw the animals up-close &  personal and learned their ways. I began documenting what I  observed with a point & shoot 35 mm. Tthe 'love of all creatures great and small' developed further into this continually-evolving journey.

  I shoot all year around, anywhere, in any season & weather. I visit new sites and re-visit fruitful and endearing ones in hopes of catching and feeling those pristine moments, quiet glimpses, and little sparks of what I experienced as a young man.  

Wild Turkeys    2007 

Thus "Friend of Birds" was born from a long-ago seeding and a caring incubation.

I began shooting with digital three years ago. For equipment I use a Nikon D-80 with various-sized lenses, an old Vanguard tripod, and maybe a filter or two. For macro shots, I gravitate to a trusty Panasonic DMZ-FZ7, an all-purpose compact digital camera.

My camoflage clothing and trusty kayak are always at the ready for stealthily getting into the most impenetrable spots, and I'm never one to be adverse to standing on top of my car for gathering that one great shot.

Great Blue Heron at Fish Lake    2006

 Please remember that no one should intentionally disturb or harrass any wildlife at any time to get "the shot". This is in accordance with the American Birding Association's birder's ethics and protocols.

When in doubt, leave it be.

Copyright 2008 Jonathan H. Morgan. All rights reserved.