Amy Shelton Photography

02/20/2026

On Monday, I went for a walk in the woods with my friend Dan and ran into a familiar face. It was the Barred Owl I’d seen months ago in Shiller Park Woods with friends!

The owl let us sit on a log right below it for more than half an hour. We stayed quiet and patient, and it seemed completely unbothered by our presence.

However, if you swipe to the last photo, you’ll see the exact moment the owl stared me down after hearing me giggle at how goofy it looked scratching its head with its talons. It reminded me of an old lady trying to adjust her tights while wearing a large coat. 😅👀 It gave us a stare then just continued sitting on its lookout for prey.

Grateful for the nice weather we’ve been having in Chicago these past few days: a reminder that green will return to the forests soon. I’m thankful for my friend who will sit patiently enough for moments like this with old owl acquaintances. 🌳 🦉

02/16/2026

I went to on a Valentine’s date with my partner. We ended up spending so much time just observing the variety of waterfowl outside. I love that my partner doesn’t rush me. My partner is patient, asks questions, and excited for me too.

I’ve seen a few inters*x Mallards in the wild before, but I never had my camera with me. This time, I finally got to photograph an inters*x Mallard for the first time!

Inters*x birds can show both male and female s*x characteristics — sometimes split right down the middle in their plumage. Studies have shown that inters*x mallards have shown that these individuals may exhibit both male and female behaviors. Seeing the iridescent green alongside mottled brown on the same bird was so exciting!

It made me think about how, when we encounter unique animals in the wild, their differences are celebrated rather than ostracized.

As a nonbinary photographer, it meant more than I expected. It felt like a quiet reminder that variation is natural and beautiful.

*xmallard

02/04/2026

👏

12/16/2025

🖼️ 🎨 ✨

11/28/2025

Channeling this chonky autumn squirrel—hands on my belly, grateful for good comfort food, cozy autumn coats, and a fridge of Thanksgiving leftovers. 🍁🍂🪾

11/07/2025

10/15/2025

I went camping at Governor Dodge State Park this past weekend — the same place I visited in September 2023. Last year, I stumbled on a tree full of turkey vultures and counted around 17 of them. I remembered exactly where the tree was, so I went looking for it again.

When I found it, I looked up and there were over 35 vultures this time.

Last year I was there with friends, but went on my birding expeditions alone. This time my partner came with me. Watching their reaction — the same amazement I felt the first time — felt truly special.

At one point, a single feather drifted down from the tree, and we actually managed to find it right where it floated to the ground. It truly felt surreal.

10/08/2025

Today, I was on my way to work and someone screamed there was a cockroach climbing up a wall. I took a closer look told people to stay calm and realized it was a little bat. 🦇 This silver haired furry friend seemed to have found itself in a difficult spot in the loop at the side door of St. Peter’s Church on Madison. I wasn’t sure who to call. I tried the Illinois department of natural resources but with the shutdown, no one was able to help. I called a friend who recommended the bird collision monitors who were able to pick our little friend up safely and monitor. Thank you so much for their help! This spooky friend seemed a bit lost.

10/03/2025

The Blue Heron is another bird that walks like a model. But also, I absolutely love the subtle shades of blue on its little rump! 🪶

10/01/2025

Made eye contact with a Green Heron from a kayak a few weeks ago. That was pretty damn cool. 👀

09/30/2025

I love the way the Common Grackle walks just like a model on a runway.