Wildlife Photography in Cary, NC: Butterfly Surveys, Bird Encounters & Upcoming HarvestFest

Wildlife Photography in Cary, NC: Bond Park Adventures

One of my favorite parts of being both a studio and wildlife photographer is that I get to balance two worlds—the creativity of posed portraits and the unpredictability of nature. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with the Carolinas Butterfly Monitoring Program, conducting butterfly surveys at Bond Park in Cary, North Carolina.

Each visit is a reminder of how much beauty exists right in our own backyard. On my surveys, I’ve spotted Monarchs, Variegated Fritillaries, an abundance of Common Buckeyes and so many more. Photographing butterflies can be both challenging and rewarding—patience is everything when capturing the delicate flick of a wing.

I get to see more than just butterflies while out at Bond Park - I’ve recently had some unforgettable bird encounters. I watched a Belted Kingfisher hunting in the lake, with a Turkey Vulture flying low overhead, and a little while later a mob of crows (maybe 40 in total) rallied together to chase off a Red-tailed Hawk.

My favorite moment, though, was watching a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk fly away with a pinecone clutched in its talons—a fun reminder that young wildlife are still learning about their world.

See My Wildlife Photography in Person

If you’d like to see these moments captured and preserved in print, I’ll be showcasing my wildlife photography at HarvestFest in Cary, NC on October 18 and November 15. I’ll have canvases, metal prints, and framed photos available—perfect for adding a touch of North Carolina’s natural beauty to your home.

Whether you’re drawn to the colors butterflies & wildflowers or the fierce stare of a Red Fox, I’d love for you to stop by, say hello, and talk about nature.

A black and white photograph of a Barred Owl, which will be for sale at HarvestFest.