Birds of Encouragement with Kathy Durrett: Recent Episodes
Kathy Durrett
How does a photographer and autoimmune-illness-warrior harness the power of nature for health and healing? Follow Kathy as she dishes on the quirky world of bird watching. She's taken the phrase 'Consider the birds...' to heart. Let her help you discover the encouraging messages nature holds for you. She offers camera tips for those who want to begin their adventure in nature photography. Currently, her favorite camera is the Sony RX10 M4.
Part 2 of Kathy's EZ and memorable bird classification system. We leave behind the 'Chippendalers' and 'Ground Skimmers' of Episode 1. Now we're discussing the 'Hiders' and 'No Jokers'.
Did you know some species of birds don't understand sarcasm? Listen to Episode 2 for bird classification with a chuckle.
Frustrated by bird identification guidebooks? Never can find what you're looking to identify? Kathy has you covered!
She introduces her scientifically-studied classification system to help you remember and identify your avian friends.
Listen for a chuckle...or three.
Kathy explores hidden wildlife areas in Southern Colorado, the tall grass prairies of Kansas, and a special wetland in Southeastern Oklahoma.
One of these should be on your vacation list if you're visiting these areas. All are great places to practice photography, nature-watching, and re-wilding yourself!
Areas discussed are the wetlands in the San Luis Valley of Colorado....especially the scenic Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge. Kathy mentions the prairie chickens found in the prairies of Kansas. She's never seen one and might plan a future photography trip there to see them. Then, Kathy passionately explains her love for Southeastern Oklahoma and McCurtain County. She loves the Mountain Fork River, the Broken Bow area, and even Idabel, Oklahoma. She talks of one of the most outstanding wetlands she's ever visited-The Red Slough Wildlife Management Area. A true hidden gem that should be on every photographer's wish list
Kathy offers some recommendations for wonderful wildlife areas to visit in Dallas, Galveston, Socorro New Mexico, and Southern Colorado. Add them to your vacation itinerary and enjoy healing nature!
Kathy demonstrates how to edit a 'bad' bird photo to help identify the red, mystery subject. She also demonstrates how to use Aperture Priority Mode and Shutter Priority Mode on your camera. Pick up your camera, experiment, and have fun!
We're rewilding ourselves by becoming 1st class noticers of nature and wildlife. Nature is a great healer, so get outdoors as much as you can!
The big camera review is finally here. Kathy reviews her favorite camera, the Sony RX10 M4. She also reviews her backup camera, the Nikon P1000.
She explains why it is so important to get a camera that has capabilities matching what you want to do with your photos and videos.
Is most expensive always the best?
Do you judge fellow photographers on their equipment?
Cameras help us appreciate God's creation. It's important to have the proper equipment, however....personal creativity trumps everything!
Do you need lots of $$ to take photos and videos of nature? What about binoculars? There are so many to choose from....
Join Kathy in Episode 3 as she discusses cell phones, cameras, game cams, go
pros, AND she gives 3 recommendations for your next binocular purchase-a budget option, a midpoint option, and a high-end option.
She also shares a phone app that's fun and helpful in your nature and photography journey.
In Episode 2 you'll learn why you should purposefully and intentionally observe nature and wildlife. You'll learn of places you can go depending upon where you live. You'll discover some bird feeding basics and Kathy shares her recipe for the #1 food to attract birds. SUET!
Your homework will be...BEGIN OBSERVING! If you feel like it, you should even snap a photo OR take a short video.
We're building great memories and CURATING OUR MINDS WITH THE GOOD STUFF!
Can you experience healing in nature? Love to look at or take wildlife photos? Wonder if you need expensive equipment to enjoy photography? Been looking for a new camera to start your photography journey? What should it be?
Kathy Durrett is an avid wildlife photographer coping with chronic illness. She's learned how she can use nature and photography as medicine to help relieve anxiety, stress, and pain. Her main subjects are birds. Birds can tell us something about ourselves, the seasons, our relationships, and even help us remember the love of the Creator.