Years ago Marie Bilodeau asked famous Canadian nature photographer Freeman Patterson, where he thought the best place was to take photographs. His answer surprised her.

'Wherever you are”, replied Freeman.

That conversation started Marie's career as a national and international award winning bird photographer.

Originally from Canada, Marie has lived in New Zealand for over 20 years and now enjoys her home on the shores of Tauranga Harbour where birds are plentiful and photogenic.

Pied Shag. Photo Marie Bilodeau

Marie will be the guest speaker at the next Birds BoP meeting in June. Her talk will showcase her photographs of Tauranga Moana local birds and she will also share the techniques she has learned over the years to help budding photographers to get up close to their favourite feathered friends.

Marie Bilodeau

Birds BoP is the local branch of Birds New Zealand, the Ornithological Society of NZ. Birds New Zealand is about enjoying and studying birds. Birds BoP holds evening meetings, field trips, and bird counts; and welcomes new members and visitors.

The talk will be held at 7pm on Wednesday June 12 2019 at the Tauranga Historical Society Hall, behind the Brain Watkins House, 233 Cameron Road, Tauranga. All are welcome. A gold coin donation to cover costs is appreciated.

For anyone interested in learning about birds, come along to the meeting or, for more information, email birds.bop@osnz.org.nz.

'Feeding Time'. Photo Marie Bilodeau

Shag. Photo Marie Bilodeau

Tern and chick. Photo Marie Bilodeau