B A Bowen Photography

As a wildlife and nature photographer, I am passionate about wildlife and the natural surroundings. This past spring I decided to further hone my nature skills leading me to enrolled in the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP).  The FMNP is a series of classes offered as an extension of the University of Florida used to teach the importance, promote, and protect natural Florida and its flora and fauna.  I also volunteer regularly for the Florida Forest Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitoring and performing habitat enhancement for the federally endangered Red cockaded woodpecker in the sandhills of the Withlacoochee State Forest. As a result, I am most familiar with the Longleaf pine forests, a diminishing habitat here in the southeast.  For my final project in the Uplands FMNP class I decided to use my gift as a photographer and create this photo collage of the birds and wildlife found in the Longleaf Pine forests.  Not only is it enjoyable to look at the photos but it serves a dual purpose as an educational tool depicting which animals are dependent on this habitat to survive.  This collage was well received by the class and instructors and has inspired me to continue using my photos to create and teach through Art in Nature.  I have created a new page that showcases these precious moments I have witnessed while out in nature.  Please take time to visit and enjoy the moments.