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Spending Time With The Masters Of The Air

photo by provided LaNell DeCosta and her camera are always to be found on bird expeditions and adventures.

photo by LaNell DeCosta Bald Eagle on the mend.

photo by LaNell DeCosta Masters of the air.

photo by LaNell DeCosta Owls are without a doubt still her favorite!

photo by LaNell DeCosta Snowy Owl.

Tuesday March 7, 2017

By Cookie Steponaitis

LaNell DeCosta simply has loved birds since she was a child. Some of her earliest dreams involved being able to fly and she has always been happily attracted to wild creatures with wings and especially fascinated with owls. About a year ago, DeCosta began an earnest search of the Champlain Valley to capture images and enjoy her flighted friends. After receiving a more advanced camera as a Christmas gift from her son she has dedicated weekends to the search and capturing a glimpse into the world of birds of prey. Boosting DeCosta’s efforts are the increased numbers of eagles and other birds of prey present in the valley. “Between 2004 and 2006 they released twenty-nine Bald Eagles into Addison County,” shared DeCosta. “Now there are fifty-one confirmed Bald Eagles in Vermont as of the last counting by Vermont Fish & Wildlife.”
    Recently participating in a VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) program in Quechee, LaNell spent the day with some of her most treasured feathered friends, learning about and photographing these majestic creatures. “They had many beautiful birds of prey on display and all of the birds had rescued and were being rehabilitated at the sight,” explained DeCosta. “One of the birds was actually missing an eye. The program had so much to offer. There were educational programs, nature trails, bird research and rescue and rehabilitation.” Scouting the birds in the wild, DeCosta warns that there is no quick way to capture just the right photo. “I feel you need the patience of a saint, luck and a good camera,” chuckled the bird enthusiast. “I take my camera everywhere I go hoping for that shot. I have seen a lot of turkey as well and can get close to them without spooking them. When it comes to Red Tail Hawks they are much more difficult to approach. All of the wild birds require patience and time.” For those wanting to know where to start, DeCosta suggests Dead Creek, around the lake shore line and Ferrisburgh as great places to find the Bald Eagles. She has also had great luck this winter with Snowy Owls and Red Tailed Hawks.
    For all ages, DeCosta suggests that the wild birds and watching animals and nature are more than just a great pastime. For her they are part of a legacy for our children and their children as well. Vermont’s wildness and pristine areas are more than a habitat to witness the wild hunting birds in action. They are a place to go to find peace, beauty, adventure and if you are lucky, to celebrate the dream of flight by capturing on camera the masters of the air.

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