The Ubiquitous Rabbit

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit - Kalamazoo Nature Center, Bluebird Trail

Fledging Peregrines

An alarmist fledgling cries out as one of the parents cruises by the falcon's favorite perch: the big "G" tower.

If you love birds, and live in Kalamazoo, chances are you've heard about our downtown falcons four (yes, four!) chicks this year. This was their first successful brood, and they've gone airborne! The Gazette has been following their every move, as well as flocks of Audubonites. It's an historic year for Kalamazoo and Peregrine Falcons. 

I've been following the drama from afar (meaning online) but finally made it down to the parking ramp to watch the early antics of fledging, and snap a few shots.

Check out my other sites...

I've been gradually migrating more and more of my photographs over to my website blog and Facebook page. If you're not familiar with these two other sites of mine, definitely check them out. You'll see plenty of wildlife (including urban wildlife) as well as photographs featuring two-leggeds, or more commonly known at humans.

www.mattclysdale.com

www.facebook.com/horsepowerpictures

Jewels from the Northwest

Just returned from a photo tour around the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, and I'm essentially speechless. Here's a sneak-preview jewel from that golden part of the country.

Rufous Hummingbird - Kalaloch Creek, Olympic National Park, Washington

The Radiant Turkey

By far one of the planet's strangest creatures. How can you not love the turkey?

The Suburban Merganser

Directly behind the Home Depot in Portage, Michigan - where all the Hooded Mergansers go to shop.

Opening this Friday

The "NO KILL" Campaign

I've been photographing cats and dogs for the SPCA of Southwest Michigan for their "NO KILL" Campaign to increase awareness about the plight of pets in SW Michigan. The campaign was started by SPCA Director, Katie Timber, with the ultimate goal of reducing euthanasia in SW Michigan and increasing the number of adoptions.

It's been hugely rewarding and terribly fun working with the animals, even though it's often saddening to think about the fate of so many cats and dogs at the Kalamazoo County Animal shelter (SPCA does not euthanize as a matter of policy). As you may know, there is a ticking clock for those animals not adopted.

The resulting photographs will be on display for a fundraiser at Tempo Vino in downtown Kalamazoo for the May Art Hop. The winery will also be dedicating a red and white wine to the cause with photos of a dog on the red and a cat on the white. 

Please join me, the SPCA, and Tempo Vino for the event. There may even be a four legged friend in attendance!

Fishing at Dusk

Wildlife Photography 101

Have you ever wondered how I (or other wildlife photographers) get the shot? Well, if you live in SW Michigan, here's your chance to find out! I'm teaching Basic Wildlife Photography at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) in a four week course that starts April 16th - which is coming right up!

You can register as late as April 15th. Click HERE to learn more about the class and how to register.

This class--and a summer class I'm teaching that focuses on photography from a kayak or canoe--are the last two classes I'll be teaching for an indefinite period of time. I'm shifting towards full time production and exhibition. So, we'd love to have you join us for this great intro into the world of wildlife photography. Now's the time.