Back from the Brink

Bald Eagle - Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska

Eagle Spirit watches over his charges

as they continue to return from the brink of extinction

caused by humans and the use of DDT.

Unfortunately, other toxic pesticides continue to be manufactured in the United States and shipped into other countries, particularly developing nations, where they are applied to crops. These poisons eventually find their way into the food chain of our wild brothers and sisters, where they continue to take their toll.

It doesn’t end there. These crops are then consumed by unsuspecting individuals, many of them living in the U.S., thus continuing the circle of poison.

This is the fifth release in my Mystic World series.

Only one remains. Any guesses regarding what species will be featured next?

Musings of a Wildlife Photographer

American Pika - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

August 21, 2010 – This past Sunday, Lori and were in Rocky Mountain National Park, photographing pika at Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road. We were on the hillside, sitting on the rocks a few feet below the retaining wall. People came and went. Some would call down to us and ask ‘what are you photographing;’ while others, those with cameras, took their pictures and departed.

Lori commented to me, “Do you think any of them know we’ve been sitting here four hours?”

This got me to thinking . . . most wildlife photographers simply don’t spend enough time getting to know their subject; and, more importantly, not allowing their subject the opportunity to become acquainted with them.

Case in point: We had been sitting among the rocks several hours with very little activity among the pika. A couple of times, we would witness one in the distance as it scurried about, collecting grasses and leaves to store in its winter larder, but that was about it, save for the occasional call from an individual checking on the whereabouts of its neighbor.

Suddenly, as if the Great Pika Protector had sounded the all-clear signal, there were pika everywhere. One actually came up to Lori, climbed atop her shoe, sniffed a couple of times and then scurried about between the both of us as we stood there, mouths agape and stunned. We had been accepted. We had become “one” with our subject.

It was then that we were able to get the photographs we so desired.

Announcing Latest Releasein the Mystic World Series

"Totem Bear" Brown Bear - Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

In the spirit world, Totem Bear watches over members of his tribe,

protecting and guiding them along life's journey.

This is the fourth limited edition photograph released in my Mystic World Series. It can be viewed on my online eGallery, Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee. While you're there, be sure and check out my other three Mystic World images - "Mystic Dancer," "Follow Me, and "Ghost of Tatanka." Only two more images remain in this series and they will be released in the months ahead.

These limited edition photographs are available in four distinct display options, or they may be purchased as signed, double-matted photographs.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included with each image.

Photographs in this series are limited to an Edition of 250.

2011 Dates Announced forWild Horses of the WestPhoto Adventure

Dates: May 29-June 2, 2011
Location: Eagle Butte, SD

I have had inquiries from a number of people wanting to know the dates for our 2011 Wild Horses photo adventure in South Dakota. If the number of contacts are any indication, this workshop will fill up quickly. Therefore, it might be wise to place your reservations ASAP.

Check out my website, Rocky Mountain Photo Adventure for pricing and details.