My interest in photography began in childhood. I remember being mesmerized watching my father with a camera. He instilled in me a joy and love for photography. I am a self taught photographer having developed an interest in birdwatching through my photography that continues to grow. The first bird to peak my interest was Great Horned Owl. It is my passion bird ... the bird that changed my interest in birdwatching from a mild interest into a passion. I have had the pleasure of photographing nesting owls in my area for the past few years. My favorite location is in the midst of Northern Illinois University near the lagoon. Generations of Great Horned Owl have been returning to this nest for years.

My Smugmug Gallery features many of my owls, birds I see while out and about, flowers, insects and more, check it out!
The images I share are moments that I consider to be Nature-ally Beautiful. Weather it be a flower just opening it's petals or a Mallard hen and her ducklings going over a waterfall as if they were enjoying a ride at the local water-park hot spot.

I share stories from my birdwatching adventures in addition to memorable moments in nature in my backyard and beyond. New card creations, my favorite locations to take pictures, or just enjoy nature and wildlife are showcased on my blog Nature-ally Beautiful Photography and Cards. You will find the story behind favorite images and places on my blog.

My sister and I share a common interest in photography and draw from each others strengths. She continues to be an inspiration to me. We have fun connecting daily on our 2 Sisters 2 Cameras Blog. She sends me a candid or random photograph she recently took. I then choose a candid or random shot from one of my daily happenings and send them back to her. She adds a quotation or thought and posts them on our blog. Click the link above and check it out.

One of my favorite images is from a Great Horned Owl shoot. It is published in both WILDBIRD magazine (Sept/Oct 2009 issue) and BIRDS&BLOOM EXTRA magazine (November 2009 issue).

My very first image published was a Mallard Hen and her ducklings foraging in a local pond. WILDBIRD magazine chose this image for their Wandering Eye section March/April 2009. 

BIRDS&BLOOM has also published one of my Balloon Flower images in their 2011 Daily Planner ... on page 115/Month July.

Thank you WILDBIRD AND BIRDS&BLOOMS for including my images in your wonderful magazines and daily planner.