The Bird Butt Chronicles: A Wildlife Photographer’s Humbling (and Hilarious) Reality Check - June 9, 2025

When I first picked up my camera to begin my journey as a wildlife photographer, I imagined crisp portraits of majestic birds perched in golden light, wings spread wide, eyes piercing through my lens. I had visions of frame-worthy shots that would whisper to viewers: "Look at the connection between human and wild!"

But what I didn’t anticipate was the... other side of the story.

Literally.

As I ventured into forests, wetlands, shorelines, and urban parks over the last 2.5 years, chasing that perfect shot, something became hilariously clear: birds have absolutely zero interest in cooperating. No matter how well I plan my outing, how early I arrive, or how quietly I move through the grass—wildlife does what wildlife wants. And more often than not, that means flying away the moment I lift my camera.

Which brings me to the unexpected collection I’ve amassed: bird butt photos.

So today, I’m leaning in. Here it is: a collection of my top bird butt photos. A tribute to the birds who refused to pose, the laughs I’ve had in the field, and the joy of capturing the wild—no matter which way it’s facing. Enjoy, giggle, and maybe... consider starting your own Bird Butt Chronicles folder. You might be surprised by how full it gets.

Yes. Glorious tail feathers. The dramatic blur of a fleeing wing. The over-the-shoulder “you thought?” glance. At some point, I had to just laugh. These birds weren’t camera shy—they were experts at comic timing.

You think you’ve lined up a beautiful profile of a duck? Butt.

Waiting patiently for a bird to pose in perfect light? Butt.

Creeping up on a hawk mid-hunt? You guessed it. Feathered behind.

It’s become a rite of passage for me—and I’m sure I’m not alone. I like to imagine bird photographers everywhere with folders quietly titled “Outtakes,” “Missed Moments,” or, in my case, “Bird Butts.”

Little butts.....

And big butts....

At first, it felt like failure. But over time, I started to see the bigger picture (pun intended). These moments are part of the magic. They remind me that wildlife photography isn’t about control—it’s about patience, presence, and letting nature lead.

And all sorts of in between butts.

AND, even baby butts.....so fluffin cute!

There’s a life lesson or two tucked into those tail feathers:

"Don’t give up. Even the bird butts are part of the journey. Find the humor. Nature has a great sense of it. Keep showing up and you never know when the butt will turn and give you something magical."

Thanks, universe. This one gave me a good laugh.