Chad in the Wild

08/26/2026

Some more of this summers hummingbird collection

08/07/2026

🦉 How did you celebrate Owl Awareness Day?

Whether you spent time looking for owls, photographing them, listening for their calls after sunset, or simply learning more about these incredible birds, I’d love to hear how you celebrated!

Here are a few fascinating owl facts:

🦉 Owls can rotate their heads up to 270°, helping them scan their surroundings without moving their bodies.

🌙 Most owls are nocturnal, but some species—like the Short-eared Owl and Northern Hawk Owl—are often active during the day.

🪶 Their feathers have specialized edges that allow them to fly almost silently, making them incredibly effective hunters.

👂 An owl’s ears are often positioned at different heights on its head, allowing it to pinpoint prey with amazing accuracy—even under snow or in complete darkness.

👀 Owls can’t move their eyes like we can, which is why they rely on their flexible necks to look around.

Every time I photograph an owl, I’m reminded why they’re some of my favorite wildlife subjects. Their behavior, adaptations, and quiet presence never get old.

How did you celebrate Owl Awareness Day? Share your stories in the comments!

07/25/2026

It’s been fun watching the second male Ruby-throated Hummingbird that’s been hanging around. He’s claimed his own little corner of the yard, complete with a favorite patch of flowers and a feeder that he fiercely defends from the other male.

The aerial dogfights are nonstop. They chase, dive, and buzz each other, all to hold onto what they think is the best territory. For such tiny birds, they have some of the biggest personalities.

07/21/2026

Backyard visitors

07/04/2026

Venturing out 🦊📸

06/01/2026

Excited to share that I was recently featured in Universe’s “What’s In My Bag” series!

In the article, I take a deep dive into my favorite bird photography setup and the gear I rely on while photographing everything from hummingbirds in the Southwest to owls and raptors across the country. As a wildlife photographer, workshop leader, and falconer, having a setup I can trust in the field is everything—and this combination has become my go-to.

A huge thank you to Sony Alpha for the opportunity to share my story and gear choices.

Link to full article here

https://pixt.me/chadsawyerwimb

Have a look and let me know what piece of gear you never leave home without!

Ohio-based wildlife photographer and falconer Chad Sawyer shares his single camera and lens setup (with two teleconverters) for photographing birds.

05/31/2026

05/11/2026

Spent the day yesterday watching all the critters enjoying the sunny day in the backyard.

Have you ever seen a cottontail rabbit stick its tongue out at you? 😆

Cottontail Rabbit: 1/640 • f/5.6 • ISO 1600
Ruby Throated Hummingbird: 1/3200 • f/6.3 • ISO 2000
Marsh Warbler: 1/4000 • f/7.1 • ISO 3200

Sony A1 + 300 2.8 GM OSS + 2x Teleconverter

05/11/2026

Look at me!!

05/10/2026

Male vs. Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird 🐦✨

The male is easy to spot with his brilliant ruby-red gorget that flashes in the sunlight, while the female has a clean white throat and is solely responsible for building the nest and raising the young.

Photographing these tiny speedsters is always a challenge and a thrill. To freeze every feather, I typically use my a1 and Sony FE 300 2.8 GM OSS with the 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter at:
📸 1/3200–1/8000 sec
📸 f/6.3-8
📸 ISO 1600–4000

For a more artistic look, I slow the shutter speed to add some wing blur and show the motion.

Using a sturdy tripod, like the .official carbon fiber LM-324CL, and a smooth video head like the SVH-520, set up in a blind like the Vis Series 270 Degree See Through Hunting Blind, you can get upclose and sharp photos without worrying about arm fatigue or scaring the birds off.

Which one catches your eye more—the brilliant male or the elegant female?