A Birding Couple that Clicks Together is Named as Photographers of the Month in May
Don and Margaret Larkin were named the photographers of the month for their outstanding work presented to the Eastside Audubon Photography Group in May. The husband-and-wife team are frequent contributors to the group and are recognized by other participants for their knowledge of bird photography as well as their understanding of bird behavior.
Don and Margaret Larkin getting ready for more nature adventures.
They have been photographing nature since before they were a couple. On their first date, Don asked Margaret if she would like to travel with him to photograph the Olympic National Park, and they have been clicking shutters together ever since.
Don learned photography in college as a fun escape to the outdoors, focusing on landscapes. Margaret grew up in rural Eastern Washington and learned about all the birds chirping around her. She got interested in nature photography in her early 30s when she took a class at Seattle Mountaineers. They met in the Mountaineers and became active trip leaders for the photography committee.
“Over the past 20 years together, we have merged our photography interests by shooting landscapes, wildlife, and birds, sometimes all on the same trip,” says Margaret. “It can be fun and exhausting, and there have been times when we have kissed the car after bushwhacking our way back in the middle of the night.”
“We both enjoy getting out in nature and photographing together, seeing different possibilities with the same subject and ending up with very different photos,” Don says. “What is special is the support and collaboration we have together. Margaret researches where we might find good subjects by using birding apps and checking E-bird. I research where the bakeries are and make sure Margaret has her latte.”
You can see more of their work on SmugMug and Instagram.
Photo Details
Sapsucker Pair. Afternoon Delight. Shot by Don at the Stillwater Unit of the Snoqualmie Valley Wildlife Area. Don saw the birds land on the limb at eye level. He was able to walk slowly to a clear area between two large trees and take the photos. They were quick about it and soon took off in different directions.
The photo was taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera using a Canon EF 500mm lf4 lens. The shutter speed was 1/750 of a second, ISO 1250, and the aperture was set at f/6.7.
Yellow-rumped Warber. Shot by Don at Juanita Bay. This Yellow-rumped Warbler is surrounded by willow trees in the background and foreground.
The photo was shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera using a Canon EF 500mm lf4 lens. The shutter speed was 1/750 of a second, ISO 1250, and the aperture was set at f/6.7.
Bullock’s Oriole. Shot by Margaret at the Stillwater Unit of the Snoqualmie Valley Wildlife Area. Here is a Bullock’s Oriole, a beautiful bird in the fresh spring foliage.
The photo was taken with a Sony A73 camera and FE 200-600 lens at 600 mm. The shutter speed was 1/320 of a second, ISO 1250, and the aperture was set at f/11.
Yellow-rumped Warbler on Willow branch. Shot by Margaret Juanita Bay. This little warbler was actively gleaning insects from an overhead branch. The gray sky made a good background for the warbler with its gray, yellow, and black plumage.
Shot with a Sony A73 camera using a FE 200-600 lens at 600 mm. The shutter speed was 1/320 of a second, ISO 125, and the aperture was set at f/11.
About the Eastside Audubon Photograph of the Month Award
The Photo of the Month award was instituted to recognize the work of the Photo Group Members. The group members meet monthly to show their latest photos and videos as well as share their knowledge of photography and wildlife. To attend the meeting, please join the group’s announcement list