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. To his surprise, he saw one at the far side of the lake, 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. FUNFACT: Nobody wants to stand around a bird photographer for hours on end. Don’t make family go with you, LOL! 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! 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 close-up photos (and I only got a few) are through branches, but I love the effect they created in the photos: somehow the background landscape colors are in the same palette as the flamingo! Overall, 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 lifetime! Thank you forever, Izzy my son!!!” – Carmen Traub
Photo below: Shot with a SONY DSCRX10 IV
FEATURED PHOTO
Skimming Through Tannin Rainbows
A Black Skimmer grazes a lake transformed into a natural prism. For a brief window at dawn, natural oils from surrounding mangroves created a thin-film interference effect, scattering the morning sun into a rainbow spectrum. I aimed to document this rare intersection of local ecology and light, where the bird leaves a wake through liquid color.
During this natural mangrove oil event, I noticed 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, so I was very fortunate to capture a few photos of them skimming on the rainbow.” – Carmen Traub
Photo below: Shot with a SONY DSCRX10 IV
COMING SOON: INTO THE LIGHT
“Into the Light Photography” by Carmen Traub, invites you to discover the magic hidden within challenging light. Traditionally, photographers shoot with the sun at their back, but Carmen’s six-year journey at a lakeside bird sanctuary revealed a different path. Arriving before dawn, she embraced the sunrise from the sun-facing dock, capturing birds as they emerged into dramatic backlighting. This curated collection showcases the stunning results: the intricate dance of sun flares, metallic watercolors on the water, and vibrant hues shimmering through wings. Each image celebrates the precious birds, illuminated by light that defies expectation and transforms every scene.
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20×16 ACRYLIC PRINTED PHOTOGRAPHS by Carmen Traub
Carmen’s photography is available in acrylic mounting. Below is a set of skimmers that Carmen shot during a golden morning session. Each image is of the same flock that swooshed by several times, leaving trails cut into the water. These can be purchased separately if you only want one of them. Each photo is Printed on archival-quality photographic paper and mounted with a sturdy acrylic overlay. The image goes to the edge; no white border. This process creates a unique and dimensional visual effect. Each product is ready to hang and easy to clean, and less fragile than glass. Click on link below each photo to purchase.
PRODUCT INFO:
- Sealed with 0.25” thick Grade A acrylic
- 20 inches wide by 16 inches high
- Full HD color printing
- Fitted with French cleat backing for easy and secure hanging
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
- Art gallery quality
HONORS & AWARDS
1839 Photographer Of The Year Nominee Award, WILDLIFE, 2025
“Into The Light”
A glorious transformation: Inspired by a passing skimmer, a Roseate Spoonbill transitions from serene repose to triumphant flight. Ambient light bathes the scene, highlighting the strikingly opaque muddy water, disturbed by its powerful ascent, underscoring its majestic journey towards the light.
Category Wildlife SERIES: INTO THE LIGHT
1839 Photographer Of The Year Nominee Award, PHOTOJOURNALISM AND STORYTELLING, 2025
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“Hurricanes Pass, Styrofoam Is Forever.”
After Hurricane Ian, styrofoam from trailer homes was scattered into a wildlife preserve. A non-biodegradable and persistent debris, this series documents its endless, frustrating cleanup, highlighting the environmental toll of poorly chosen building materials in a hurricane zone.
Photojournalism Category: HURRICANES PASS BUT STYROFOAM IS FOREVER
Storytelling Category: HURRICANES PASS BUT STYROFOAM IS FOREVER
2025 15th Annual Animals Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for:
“American Pelican Beauty”
2020 9th All Women Exhibition – Special Recognition Award for: “Black Skimmers About to Land”
2020 9th All Women Exhibition – Special Recognition Award for: “Osprey Afternoon Snack”
2019 9th Nature Art Exhibition – Special Recognition Award for: “Terns and One Gull Take a Seaside Flight”
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”
2018 Landscape Award Certificates Landscape Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for: “Clouds Threatening the Land” and “Coming In For A Landing”
ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGERY
Below are recognized artistic photo collages created from Carmen’s curated photo collection.
2019 Animals Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for:
“He Sees Himself in a Plastic Ocean”
2018 Animals Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for: “Cassowary Lives One More Day”
2018 Animals Art Exhibition – Special Merit Award for: “Pelicans & a Rainbow of Hope”
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 Quesnel 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
