Avian Photography
Explore a curated collection of bird photographs, capturing the essence of some of nature’s most captivating creatures thriving in beautiful environments, as seen through Carmen’s camera.
FEATURED PHOTO
A Dream In Salmon Pink:
My Son’s Gift of a Greater Flamingo
“My husband and I met up with our son for a vacation together. My son knows how much I love seabirds and wading birds, and that I had hopes of one day seeing a flamingo naturally foraging in the wild. On the island we were staying on, every once in a while a flamingo would be spotted. But it was rare, like, every second year or so due to near extinction from hunting. One day, my son took us for a very long drive in search of a flamingo. He didn’t tell us of his intention. He didn’t want to get my hopes up, because the chance of seeing one was very, very low. As we drove up, around, and over many hills on twisted and narrow roads, we finally came to a large body of flat shallow water. My son told me later that when the water came into view, he scanned it to see if there were any flamingos. He saw one, but didn’t say anything! When we got to the base of the lake, he told me what he had seen. I couldn’t believe it!! He and my husband encouraged me to find a route to the lake while they went to a nearby swimming spot in the ocean. They know I love exploring. I was so thrilled to find some openings to get to the lake, and then I covertly crawled over rocks, logs, and through bushes to find a hiding spot. The flamingo was afar off, but it seemed he was heading towards the shore, towards me. He did not see me, and eventually, he did a ‘pass-by’ the brush I was hiding behind. I couldn’t believe it and wanted to cry my eyes out, but held back so that I could see what I was doing, lol! It was so special. I only had a short period of time to get photos before he would be out of view, so I switched from .RAW to .JPG to video to make sure I didn’t blow the opportunity of a lifetime!! All of my closeup photos (and I only got a few) are through branches, but I love the effect they created in the photos. It was one of the most special photo experiences of my life. My son made his mom’s dream come true!!! I also saw a stilt with 2 babies. Another experience of a life-time! Thank you forever, Izzy!!!” – Carmen Traub
Photo below: Shot with a SONY DSCRX10 IV
FEATURED PHOTO
Skimming on Rainbows
“In the 6th year of spending hundreds of hours shooting skimmers, this happened. I had seen rainbow swirls on the water for a few days during one of those 6 years, but didn’t get any good shots with birds. This rare effect occurred with the angle of the sun shining behind the bird. The sun reflection on what I believe is mangrove oils and pollens on the water, caused this effect. But that is not scientifically verified. Whatever was on the water’s surface was 100% natural, and not an oil spill. I did notice that the least terns didn’t dive while the water was covered with the substance. I was thinking that maybe their instinct alerted them that if they dove into the water, it may coat their wings. I also considered that the substance impeded their view of the tiny fish below the surface. As soon as it started to disappear, they began diving again. The black skimmers didn’t seem to mind it as much, though it did seem to lessen their activity.” – Carmen Traub
Photo below: Shot with a SONY DSCRX10 IV
COMING SOON: INTO THE LIGHT
“Into The Light Photography by Carmen Traub” is a curated collection of photography shot into the sun. For over 6 years, Carmen visited a bird sanctuary on a small lake during peak birding season each year. The sanctuary dock faced the sunrise; not an ideal shooting scenario for photography. Traditionally, the sun at a photographer’s back is the preferred condition. But Carmen discovered the stunning effects and beauty of shooting bird photography into the sun. Carmen would arrive at the dock in the dark, before sunrise, and shoot into the sun for several hours, capturing the different sun effects that occur throughout the session. She hopes you enjoy the sparkles, the sun flares, the rainbow effects on the water and through wings, the metallic watercolors, and of course, the precious birds who are the focus of every scene.
HONORS & AWARDS
2019 Animals Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for:
“He Sees Himself in a Plastic Ocean”
2019 9th Nature Art Exhibition – Special Recognition Award for:
“Stars In His Eyes”
2019 9th Nature Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for: “Bird on a Wing”
Article by Carmen Traub for the Quesnel Observer which included photos for both print and online versions.
ONLINE VERSION
The online version of the article used the sunrise photo for the article entitled:
“White Pelicans in Quesel Still on the B.C. Endangered Species List”
Read full article here
PRINTED VERSION
The online version of the article used the group photo for the article they entitled:
“Quesnel white pelicans endangered in B.C.” The article spread from pages A6 to A7.
Read full online article here
