The Raptor Series - WBS Birds feature in photographic exhibition

I had the opportunity last week to witness some truly breathtaking photographs. Real works of art that literally made me stop in my tracks. Of course, the subject matter happens to be one close to my heart: Birds of Prey.

The expressions captured by renowned photographer, Rob Westrich, are incomparable to any other work I have witnessed. His use of lighting in combination with the black white palette make for fine artwork that must be seen first hand to be appreciated.

Rob Westrich of the Westrich Photographic Gallery photographed a selection of our birds from the World Bird Sanctuary over several months in his studio in Clayton. The entire second floor of his studio is dedicated to this collection, which he appropriately named "The Raptor Series." These are available in limited edition, and feature eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and more. Images are each signed and numbered, limited to 50 prints, and available in various sizes.

Westrich Photography held a grand opening on June 24, 2009, and donated part of the proceeds from that evening to WBS.

The Gallery is open to the public for viewing "The Raptor Series," Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and by appointment.

You can contact the gallery at:
314-721-3300
raptor@westrichphoto.com
www.westrichphoto.com

I encourage you to stop by for a dramatic look at raptors from a whole different perspective.

Submitted by: Billie Baumann, Outreach Coordinator, World Bird Sanctuary
Photo: "Tobin" - European Barn Owl, Rob Westrich, "The Raptor Series"

Education birds

Conservationists tend to think in numbers: populations, nesting sites, acres of habitat. It is a necessary way of seeing, one that allows us to chart and track the health of any given species or region. Education and volunteer programs allow us to see what is at stake in a different way. Individual birds can leave an impression on visitors for years to come. They teach us that the hungry urgency of the handfed chick corresponds to the urgency of owls in the wild as they struggle to live alongside us.

Robert Frost said, “We love the things we love for what they are.” We love raptors for their beauty and, more importantly, their scarcity. It is the condition of endangerment to demand that we love hardest those things we might lose.