Get an insight into wildlife photography

IF you have a keen interest in photography and appreciate your local fauna, an upcoming talk at Lerderderg Library with local Bernie McRitchie promises a fascinating insight into the practice of an avid wildlife photographer.

An arborist by trade, Mr McRitchie started bird watching at the age of 10 and continued into his teens, at a time when a decent SLR camera was expensive and film development just as pricey.

Around 12 years ago he realised digital photography made things much more economical, and he could take hundreds of photos for practically nothing.

While his favourite subjects are birds (specifically birds of prey), Mr McRitchie has also photographed a wide range of other species including ringtail possums, the odd kangaroo, jezebel butterflies and blue-banded bees.

As he lives in Maddingley, his expeditions often find him heading south towards Geelong where he can “hopefully find an eagle flying in the sky or on a post.”

“The rivers are very good as well and I regularly dredge local trails,” he said.

“One of the main things I do is I listen very carefully. I often go in the early morning and I can tell pretty much what bird is what from their sounds.

“If I hear something rare, I head in that direction, so the ears lead the way.

“One example would be the Swift Parrot – I’ll listen out for their call because there’s only a few hundred left, so I’m always keen to photograph them while they’re still around.”

Mr McRitchie said he will be presenting a selection of his photos and videos at the talk as well as offering a few pointers, including how to avoid disturbing the local wildlife.

“There’s a thing called ethical photography that applies to all animals,” he said.

“You’re basically trying not to impact their behaviour, especially around nests and places where they like to hide – you try to not expose them to predators.”

April BacchChat: Photographing the Wildlife of Moorabool takes place on Saturday 5 April from 10am to midday.

Book a spot via the Moorabool Shire Council website.