May 2024: Kaleb Friend

Kaleb Friend (photographer, bird conservationist): "I started birding as a way to spend time in nature, and originally used the camera just to remember what I'd seen. After about two years of learning the names and songs of our local and migratory species in Washington, DC, I submitted my first e-Bird list and soon got to know the wonderful community of birders around the country.

Today, in addition to my photography, I write about bird conservation and work to educate others about the role birds play in the environment. I am an ambassador for the American Bird Conservancy, where I share my expertise, engage others, and take action to benefit birds. You can see what I've been up to most recently at my Instagram account, @kalebfriendphotography. It is important to me to bird and photograph ethically. I strive to tread lightly when I go out into nature and aim not to disturb or disrupt the birds from their natural behaviors. I do not use playback, lures, or baiting. I usually limit my editing, and I am transparent when I make substantial changes to an image."