Biography

My passion for birds began early. Growing up on a farm, I was especially attached to three white geese that followed me everywhere. One day, I hugged one a little too tightly. You could say I loved it to death—literally. I’m sure my little heart was broken, but I learned an important lesson that day: birds must be handled gently.

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In 1979, I moved from Ohio to Florida, and my love for birding truly took flight. With birds everywhere year-round, I was in awe. 

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Around that time, a good friend of mine went to federal prison. Since I couldn’t visit, I decided I was going to send him six photos a day. Checking the mailroom for my pictures became a highlight of his week, and it pushed me to improve my photography on my first serious camera, the Nikon D-70. 

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Kayaking Florida’s rivers became my favorite way to photograph birds in their natural habitat. Of course, kayaking has risks. Leaning too far for a shot, I once tipped over—taking my D-70 with me.

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Before long, my photos appeared in local publications, often with detailed descriptions, and by the time I retired my Nikon D-300, it had captured over 300,000 shots.

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I’ve also worked at bird banding stations, where birds are briefly studied, tagged, and released. It’s incredible how much data can be gathered in under a minute.

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While I focus mostly on North American birds, international trips have provided unforgettable moments. Africa stands out, especially photographing the Little Bee-eater—a brilliantly colored bird reminiscent of a hummingbird.

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After two decades of shooting, I decided it was time to edit, sign, and share my work. Now, with a mirrorless Nikon Z 6 III and a Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens, I’m preparing for another exciting season.

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Maybe we’ll cross paths on the boardwalk one day—just ask for Dave!