Some Favorite Photos by Joe Meche

Trumpeter Swans photo: Joe Meche

by Joe Meche

I’ve been photographing birds for more than 40 years and while the inner purist was reluctant to switch from film to digital, I now embrace the new technology. The cost factor and ease of handling and editing make it ideal to shoot to your heart’s content. I’ve found that it enhances my enjoyment of being in the field with the birds.

A good telephoto lens is an essential tool if you wish to get into bird photography, and you don’t have to pay an arm or leg to get started.

In the process of taking so many photos over the years, I’ve found that this activity has become my favorite form of meditation. Whenever I encounter a likely subject, I think of nothing beyond getting the best image of that particular bird … while employing an ethical approach that doesn’t disturb the bird or alter its behavior.

This modest sampler includes birds that I’ve photographed within 50 miles of Bellingham.

Short-eared Owl

Surf Scoter

Common Raven

Bonaparte’s Gull

Glaucous-winged Gull

Common Loon

Long-eared Owl

Female Rufous Hummingbird

Great Blue Heron

Killdeer

Snow Bunting

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Joe Meche is a past president of the North Cascades Audubon Society and was a member of the board of directors for 20 years. He has been watching birds for more than 60 years and photographing birds and landscapes for more than 40 years. He has written over 190 columns for Whatcom Watch.