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Local Wildlife Photographer Relies On The Weather

MARSHFIELD (WBZ) ― Spring is well underway. Birds are returning from their warm winter homes, migrating back to our neighborhoods and the wildlife around us is alive with activity. No one knows that better than local wildlife photographer Shawn Carey.

Business professional by day, Carey wakes bright and early to catch his favorite photo subjects at their best.

"This time of the day, when the light is actually nice, this is the best time to photograph," Carey said one recent May morning.

The Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield provides his perfect setting.

"If I can get the light behind me and the bird in front of me... and set that shot up," Carey explained while tracking a red-winged blackbird. "If he sings, unload on him," he said, camera shutter snapping. "And that's how you hope to get it."

Carey finds photo opportunities everywhere.

"Tree swallows are fairly approachable," he explained. "They like these nest boxes that have been put up for them… These are like condos.

"You also get these birds called bob-a-links that prefer this open grassland… He's sitting up on that little patch of grass there," Carey said while snapping his shots.

The weather plays a big role in Carey's photography passion. The light needs to be just right and weather fronts can determine who shows up for the portrait.

"I'm constantly watching the weather to know when I want to photograph," Carey said. "Once that front goes through, it's like a fall-out… You can have just birds everywhere."

Carey doesn't restrict himself to winged creatures.

"If it walks crawls, flies or slithers, I don't care what it is. If it is something in the natural world I will photograph it.

"I think everybody thinks I am crazy, including my girlfriend. But I enjoy it. It's fun."

Carey offers classes on wildlife photography through Mass Audubon. You can find the schedule on by visiting his web site.

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