Photographer to share pictures and stories at Probus meeting

BIRD and wildlife photographer Bernie McRitchie will be the guest speaker at the Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club’s first meeting of the year next month.

A water bird returns photographer Bernie McRitchie’s interest.

Mr McRitchie, who lives in Maddingley and works as an arborist, has been photographing wildlife since receiving his first DSLR camera in 2012.

An avid birdwatcher, he has captured images of both rare and familiar species, drawing on years of observation and patience in the field.

His fascination with the natural world began at the age of 10 while he was growing up in Bannockburn.

Bernie McRitchie captured this photo of a red-browed finch earlier this month.

Now, with the help of social media and modern technology, he shares his discoveries with a wide audience. A good place to see his work is his personal Facebook page.

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.

Mr McRitchie discovered these tawny frogmouth owls during a visit to the Werribee Mansion.

He often rises early to experience the morning’s bird chorus and finds his subjects by moving quietly through bushland, listening for unfamiliar calls and following the sounds of activity.

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

“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.”