Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamps

The $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is one way to support wildlife in Ohio. Sales of Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamps go towards supporting restoration of endangered and threatened wildlife species, research projects, land purchases and conservation easements, and educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts.

Each year, an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp depicting a different animal will be issued to highlight the diversity of Ohio’s natural world.

Discover more about the stamp by visiting wildohiostamp.com or calling 1-800-WILDLIFE

source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Urban Waters Federal Partnership Pilot Programs

The United States Department of the Interior recently announced the creation of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP), a federal union of 11 agencies.

Agencies of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership include the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, United States Department of Agriculture, Corporation for National and Community Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Commerce/Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Efforts of the partnership will focus on stimulating regional and local economies, creating local jobs, improving quality of life, and other goals in communities across the country.

UWFP will focus its initial efforts on seven pilot locations including the Patapsco Watershed (Maryland), Anacostia Watershed (Washington DC/Maryland), Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds (New York), South Platte River in Denver (Colorado), Los Angeles River Watershed (California), Lake Pontchartrain Area (New Orleans, La.) and the Northwest Indiana Area

For more information, visit: http://www.urbanwaters.gov

source: Department of the Interior press release

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Awards Tribal Wildlife Grants

Three Alaska tribes will receive a total of almost $600,000 in tribal wildlife grants, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Tribal wildlife grants assist federally recognized tribes in carrying out activities that benefit fish and wildlife and their habitats.


Nationwide, tribal grants totaling more than $7 million were awarded to 37 Native American tribes in 16 states, including the 3 tribes in Alaska.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Songbird Photography Tips

a female summer tanager

Throughout North America, photographing songbirds is a popular pastime. For many photographers, a rewarding experience occurs when a new songbird is captured by the camera's eye. In order to locate and photograph many of North America's most beautiful songbirds, one must learn a variety of techniques.

Before embarking on a trip into the field to photograph birds or other wildlife, it may be important to do preliminary research. Weather often plays a major role in the success of a trip. Other environmental factors may also affect bird behavior, such as tides, moon phases, or other events.

A checklist may also be helpful before heading into the field. These usually cover essential equipment such as camera batteries, sun block, insect repellent, hat, eyewear, and other gear.

Time of day is an important factor when photographing birds and other wildlife. Early morning is often the most active time for songbirds. Another busy period may come in the last hour or so of daylight. When photographing songbird species, the photographer must take into account, not only time of day, but light levels and the sun's position.

Some birds are extremely shy and will not tolerate the presence of humans. In some cases, A blind may be necessary in order to get high quality songbird photographs. In other situations, the photographer cannot get close and instead must use telephoto lenses.

Hundreds of species of birds tend to be found near water. Obviously, ducks, geese and shorebirds are drawn to water, but songbirds such as warblers, waxwings and others are often found along streams, creeks, lakes or ponds. Kayaking or canoeing is often one of the most effective means of approaching these birds.

As the saying goes, patience is a virtue. Successful bird photography often requires that the photographer remain still in the environment. Movement, noise and the glimmer of equipment is likely to alarm birds. In some cases, birds are actually quite curious and if a photographer's actions are non-threatening, they may actually approach to investigate.

To capture images of songbirds, photographers should dress appropriately. Earth toned clothing is preferred as it seems to attract less attention. Bright colored jackets, hats, or shiny accessories are usually avoided as they can draw attention to the photographer. During cool weather, layered clothing will allow photographers to add or remove items as conditions change.

Before going into the field, it is important to be familiar with cameras and accessories. In some cases, camera settings may need to be hastily adjusted in the field. Knowing equipment features can make the difference between a once in a lifetime photograph and a missed opportunity.

Always be alert and ready when scouting out potential areas. Birds often appear unexpectedly but rarely remain in view for long. An opportunity to photograph a bird of interest may last only a few seconds.