My PA Wilds… Birding and Nature Photography

Wildlife and Nature Photography

by Don Mroczkowski

Photographing wildlife and nature in Pennsylvania is a lifelong quest. Each time I enter the outdoors the experience is a little different and educational. For instance, I may see a young bird’s first flight, or a wood duck displaying its colors in prefect light. Whatever the experience, I try to capture photographs that tell a story. Photographs that provoke comments such as “Wow, I have never seen that bird!” or “That was taken in Pennsylvania?” (featured photos provided by author with permission – © Don Mroczkowski)

The Pennsylvania Wilds is so diverse it is difficult to explain in words. This inspired me to highlight the unique regional outdoor experience through photography. Pennsylvania is home to 480 species of wild birds and mammals. The PA Wilds alone has 29 state parks, 8 state forests, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.

Being in the Pennsylvania Wilds has always been a comfortable feeling – a sense of “HOME”. I believe close family influences (Mom, Dad, Aunt and Uncle) are the reason for these feelings. What first started out as family adventures hunting, fishing and camping quickly progressed into a passion for nature photography, allowing me to share my experiences with a wider audience.

For many years, I took for granted all of the birds, animals and landscapes. Unless it was a whitetail deer, upland game bird, or black bear I didn’t really notice it. That is until my wife, Tasha, introduced me to the wonderful world of bird watching, and inspired me to photograph what I call backyard birds.

This spark inspired me to capture more of the diversity of bird species in the PA Wilds, and share them on Instagram. Through photographs, I hope to inspire more people to get outdoors and to learn about our treasured wildlife. Did you know? More than 375 bird species live in the Wilds!