Tony and his wife Sheila have enjoyed getting out and about, going on trips, and capturing the beauty of nature through Tony’s telescopic photo lens. Tony reflects that as a kid, he always had a camera of sorts, but around 2006, he began taking photography as a serious hobby. He started shooting landscapes. It was a natural process being in the bush that they began to notice the variety of birdlife, and this became a new focal point, taking over as his photographic subject of choice.

“There’s a level of difficulty in capturing the birdlife in this country, which involves researching where the various species live and when they will be there. Birds aren’t the easiest thing to take photos of, and you also have to consider whether the conditions will be conducive to photography. A good shot needs the right weather, the sunlight in the right direction, and the species performing appropriately.

It’s a process to track a bird you have been looking for. When you finally find it and have that creature in the frame of your lens, it’s a pretty incredible feeling. When you start, you are taking pictures of everything, but after time, you’re seeking out rarer birds, and it is a real thrill to capture a good shot of them.”

Tony recalls visiting a favourite place called Glue Pot, a reserve close to Waikery. Birds Australia took it over as a reserve, which has been habituated to some rare and beautiful birds that Tony has captured in some splendid photographs. It was a terrific day trip, but Tony has also travelled far and wide to pursue his passion.

Tony also had the rare opportunity to visit a site with an excellent vantage point to capture imagery of a young Wedgetail Eagle in its nest. He went there every week for months and was lucky to capture its first flight.

We hope you enjoy this small selection of shots. Thanks for sharing the magic, Tony!