Bird photographer, wildlife carer and friend-trip hijacker
THEIR STORY
Every now and then, social media does exactly what you hope it will do: it helps you find people like Tash.
Her connection with animals began early, with childhood zoo visits often becoming the first request whenever her family arrived somewhere new. Although she grew up in a more urban setting, she was always drawn to the patches of nature nearby, exploring whenever she had the chance.
That curiosity eventually led her to study zoology, before realising she felt more at home doing practical, hands-on work than writing papers. She shifted towards zookeeping and wildlife conservation, and now works at a sanctuary.
Photography entered her life in high school, beginning with landscapes and people before gradually finding its way back to wildlife.
Five years ago, those interests came together properly. Through her Instagram account, Wildlife_tash, she began sharing the species she encountered and the moments that made her stop.
At the heart of her work is a simple hope: to encourage others to slow down, look around and care more deeply about the wildlife living alongside them.
Instagram:
What is one bird encounter you will never forget?
This was the bird encounter that there was no going back from; I officially decided to say sorry to my bank account and spend more money then I should have.
It started with a post I saw online about the Regent Honeyeater’s declining population soon to be followed by another post showing they had been spotted just 2.5h from where I was located.
On a whim I enlisted one of my close friends and asked if they wanted to go on a road trip (we both had way too much time on our hands back then). So off we went and after some time searching my friend had spotted it. I spent ages just watching fascinated by its behavior and beautiful colors wanting closer views and attempting photos of it with my at the time max range of 150mm.
So I, like every wildlife photographer, thought I’d love to get closer shots so I jumped into the deep end with better gear and have never looked back.
You’ve got a golden ticket to go anywhere in the world to see a bird? Where would you go and why?
There’s so many species I’d love to see (any lyfer is the goal) but if I had to choose just one it’ll easily be a trip to Africa for the Secretarybird.
I mainly want to ask where they get their eyelashes done but I’ll settle for some photos and the chance to see some of Africa’s other amazing species while I’m there.
I have seen this species in captivity and what an elegant looking bird it is, the chance to see one in the wild would mean everything.
A little more about the Secretary bird:
Despite its graceful appearance, the Secretarybird is a formidable bird of prey. It hunts largely on foot across Africa’s grasslands and can strike snakes and other prey with powerful, lightning-fast kicks. Its scientific name, Sagittarius serpentarius, translates roughly to “the archer of snakes.”
How is birding part of your life today?
Today birding has become such a big part of my life from planning holidays and friend get-aways around birding locations (sorry to anyone traveling with me) to posting videos and photos on my Instagram in hopes to inspire, teach and share information with anyone willing to watch.
It’s also become an escape to be able to get out of the hustle and bustle of work. Being able to see something exhibit natural behaviors in their natural habitats in a world where people have taken so much of the land is just refreshing to see.
It’s also been a great excuse to visit places I would have never gone to without an Ebird alert. All in all birding is more than a hobby it’s a lyfe style and although I never thought I’d be labeled as that crazy bird person in my friend group I’m so happy I am.
LYFER is an Australian birdwatching lifestyle brand creating apparel, accessories and stories for people who love birds, the outdoors and noticing what’s around them.
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