Birds, Bucks, and Beginnings: January 2025
Wildlife encounters, bird collisions, and more, explore nature and behind the lens in my new newsletter
Howdy everyone!
I hope you're all doing well. If you're reading this, you're one of the very first subscribers to my brand-new monthly newsletter—welcome aboard! Thank you so much for subscribing. If you haven’t yet, why not give it a try? It’s completely free, and you can always unsubscribe hassle-free if it’s not for you.
Since this is a brand-new newsletter, let me give you a quick overview. Each month, I’ll be sharing updates and insights from my adventures as a nature and wildlife photographer.
Here’s what you can expect:
While I aim to publish monthly, the frequency may vary as I balance life and time in the field.
Story Highlights: Brief synopses and links to articles I’ve posted on the blog and Substack. Topics include wildlife encounters, conservation, outdoor tips and tricks, photography insights, and the stories behind the images.
Recent Work: Updates on what I’ve been up to and a look at the photos I’ve been creating.
Curated News: A roundup of interesting wildlife and conservation stories, but, with a focus on Ontario, Canada (because thats where I’m from!)
This newsletter is your window into the wild, sharing my passion for nature, my experiences in the field, and the importance of preserving the natural world.
JANUARY IN REVIEW
My January started off with an American Kestrel, happily perched on a vent, enjoying its lunch. I spotted it while out for a “First Day Hike” with my friend Jen. What’s a First Day Hike, you ask? It’s simply going for a hike on the first day of the new year.
That encounter with the kestrel ended up setting the tone for the rest of January. It seemed like all I could find were birds of prey and deer, not that I’m complaining. Regardless of what I encounter (or don’t), any time spent outdoors is time well spent.
One of my biggest highlights this month was spotting a female Northern Harrier.
I’ll be sharing the full story of that encounter in an article next month, but to give you a preview, I arrived at one of my local spots and noticed a small crowd gathered along a fence overlooking a field. I usually prefer to keep to myself when I’m out, but curiosity got the better of me, and I wandered over to see what had everyone’s attention.
Turned out, they were a group of photographers waiting for a Northern Harrier that had just landed in the field. After chatting with them for a bit, I found myself returning over the next few days, hoping for another glimpse of the harrier. Each time, I ran into different members of the group, and it became a great experience, one I’m excited to share with you soon!
January also took me to Burlington, as I explored the trails of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Valley Sanctuary.
I also met fellow photographer Parker Weames this month. By chance, we had both planned to visit the same park on the same day, so we teamed up to search for deer. We were successful in finding some does to photograph, and they tolerated our presence well, offering excellent photo opportunities, but they definitely knew we were there.
RANDOM PHOTO ADVENTURE CHRONICLES
Story Behind The Lens: "The Buck"
GUEST COLUMN: It’s deadly clear why Ontario needs to better protect migratory birds
RECENT WORK
Here is some of my recent work from the past month or so. Prints of all images are available by request. Send an email to randomphotoadventure@substack.com
(Clicking the images will open them in full size)
IN OTHER NEWS
In the "In Other News" section, I'll share interesting updates and discoveries from the past month. Expect highlights on photography, nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental topics.
Canadian Geographic announced the results of Canadian Photos of the Year
Published on: 29/JAN/2025
Shane Turgeon, founder of the Light Chasers Conference, and resident of Alberta, was awarded Canadian Photographer of the Year for 2024, with 14 other photographers also recognized for their exceptional work. Click here to read more
Canada Goose rescued, after 7 months with an arrow stuck in its body
Published on: 20/JAN/2025
After being spotted by a wildlife photographer, a Canada Goose, nicknamed “Wilson” was rescued after spending 7 months with an arrow sticking out of its body. Click here to read more
Two snowy owls found in Toronto Park confirmed dead from avian flu.
Published on: 17/JAN/2025
Two snowy owls found in late December of 2024 in Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto, Ontario, were confirmed to have died from highly pathogenic avian flu, but H5N1 cannot be confirmed at this time. According to the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority. Click here to read more
Avian Flu on the Rise
Published on: 05/JAN/2025
7 Chicken farms in Southwestern Ontario are in quarantine, after outbreaks of Avian Flu. An estimated 11 million domestic birds have been affected. Click here to read more
EVENT:
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024!
Start: December 21, 2024 to May 4, 2025
The Royal Ontario Museum is hosting an exhibit on the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, hosted by the Natural History Museum, UK. For more information click here.
EVENT:
the Outdoor Adventure Show - Toronto
Start: February, 21, 2025 to February 23, 2025
The Outdoor Adventure Show is back again at the International Center for 2025, offering over 100 adventure presentations and over 320 exhibitors. For more information click here.
Thank you all for reading the first edition of my monthly newsletter. If you have any feedback, be sure to let me know by emailing randomphotoadventure@substack.com
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