Bill Winter Images

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Bill Winter Images Hudson Valley resident who has rediscovered the joys of photography. See my website for purchases. Out on the trail, everyday concerns seem to disappear.

I grew up in the Bronx during the 1970s, a time when open spaces and empty lots were abundant playgrounds for curious kids. I still remember walking my German Shepherd, Bruno, through Seton Falls Park and the nearby woods. Somewhere along the way, life pulled me in other directions, and for 40 years, I lost that connection with nature. Today, I’ve found my way back—hiking through forests, exploring new trails, and rediscovering the same sense of wonder I felt as a kid. It becomes just you, the quiet of the woods, and the challenge of reaching that next peak. Photography has been a similar journey for me. I was given a Pentax ME-Super for my birthday one year, and it sparked a deep interest in capturing the world through a lens. I dove into learning how light, shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field worked together to tell a story. The tools have changed, but the fundamentals—and the thrill of the craft—remain the same. Now, whether I’m hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, or skiing (both downhill and cross-country), I always bring my camera along. Each adventure opens a new window into the natural world—one I’m grateful to witness and share through my photography. It took 40 years to return to what I’ve always loved. And I’m so glad I did.

📸 Part 2 — An Afternoon at Shawangunk GrasslandsAfter a busy morning photographing Coxing Kill, it was time for lunch, a...
10/18/2026

📸 Part 2 — An Afternoon at Shawangunk Grasslands

After a busy morning photographing Coxing Kill, it was time for lunch, a Better with Cheddar sub from Ireland Corners General Store, and a short nap. 😴 Sometimes you need to recharge before heading out for round two!

This time, I headed over to Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge to see what wildlife I could find. Things were pretty quiet on the north observation platform, so I decided to stretch my legs and explore one of the loop trails.

Along the way, I spotted an american kestrel, a savannah sparrow, a downy woodpecker, and several northern harriers, including one of those beautiful gray ghosts gliding over the grasslands.

Unfortunately, seeing wildlife and coming home with photographs worth sharing are two very different things! 😂 Other than the sparrow and the downy woodpecker, I didn't come away with any images I was happy with.

But that's wildlife photography. You take what the day gives you, enjoy being outdoors, and hope for better luck next time. I'll share a couple of the keepers from the afternoon. 🍂📷

🍂📸 A Morning at Coxing KillThere’s something special about starting the day outdoors with a great group of people who sh...
10/18/2026

🍂📸 A Morning at Coxing Kill

There’s something special about starting the day outdoors with a great group of people who share your love of photography. Yesterday morning, I met up with my fellow Mohonk Preserve volunteer photographers for an 8 AM hike, starting at the Coxing Trailhead and exploring the loop around Split Rock.

Coxing Kill was showing off its autumn colors! 🍁 The hike itself was less than a mile, but when you get a bunch of photographers together, you know you're not going to cover much ground quickly. 😂 Four hours later, after countless stops to take pictures and appreciate the scenery, we finally wrapped up.

I've photographed along this trail so many times over the years that finding something new or unique can be a challenge. This time, I tried to look beyond the usual views and focus on some of the smaller details — the colorful leaves, little splashes of red, moss-covered rocks, and mushrooms growing alongside the flowing water.

Sometimes, revisiting a favorite place is a reminder that there's always something new to see when you slow down and take a closer look. ❤️

Here are a couple of my favorites from the morning. Hope you enjoy them!

After lunch and a short walk at the Testimonial Gateway with Karen in New Paltz, it was time for her to head back to wor...
10/14/2026

After lunch and a short walk at the Testimonial Gateway with Karen in New Paltz, it was time for her to head back to work. I decided to make a stop at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge to see what I could find. 📸

I spent some time chatting with a few birders on the observation deck when this hawk flew by. At first, we thought it might be a Sharp-shinned Hawk, but after getting home and taking a closer look at my images, I decided it was a young Cooper’s Hawk. Always fun to have a little mystery to solve when you get home and start editing!

I also came across a Spotted Lanternfly. Not exactly a welcome sight, since these invasive pests pose a threat to our local environment. I managed to get a nice photo before taking care of the unwanted visitor.

You never know what you’ll encounter when you take a little time to stop, look around, and enjoy the outdoors!

On my way home from a Bird Photography Bootcamp weekend in Cape May, NJ, I decided to make one more stop at Edwin B. For...
10/12/2026

On my way home from a Bird Photography Bootcamp weekend in Cape May, NJ, I decided to make one more stop at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The remnants of Hurricane Isaias were still moving through, but I drove the 8-mile loop road to see what I might find.

The weather was certainly challenging, but you never know what opportunities nature will present. I came across this beautiful raptor perched among the weathered branches, patiently riding out the rain.

Sometimes, the unexpected stops along the way turn out to be just as memorable as the destination itself. You just have to get out there and make the most of whatever Mother Nature throws your way!

The bootcamp was organized by Unique Photo and sponsored by Sony Alpha. A fantastic weekend of bird photography, with one more memorable encounter on the drive home.

Shout out to Bobby Stormer Ivey Kennedy | Wildlife + Nature Photography
Brianna Pflug Jason Etzel Joshua Levy RobbieBulilan.ARW for making it a great event

A little fall morning at the Testimonial Gateway. 🍂🌅I took a short walk out to the Gateway this morning to enjoy some of...
10/05/2026

A little fall morning at the Testimonial Gateway. 🍂🌅

I took a short walk out to the Gateway this morning to enjoy some of the fall colors and, hopefully, catch the sun coming up through the arch.

I think the morning light did not disappoint. 😊

Sometimes you don't have to go far to find a beautiful scene.

How quickly time flies by!Sitting here on a Sunday morning listening to Kenny Chesney sing “Don’t Blink” while trying to...
10/04/2026

How quickly time flies by!

Sitting here on a Sunday morning listening to Kenny Chesney sing “Don’t Blink” while trying to catch up on editing photos from this summer. Where did the time go? I must have blinked. 😊

One of the outings I’m finally getting around to was back on September 1st, when I joined the Orange County Audubon Society for a nature walk along the Heritage Trail at the 6½ Station Sanctuary.

It was a beautiful evening to slow down, explore, and see what we could find along the trail. Here are a few of the moments I captured that evening.

Better late than never, right? 😉

Some images from a recent outing with the Orange County Audubon Society
09/21/2026

Some images from a recent outing with the Orange County Audubon Society

09/06/2026

On Friday, September 4th, I was once again fortunate to have the opportunity to photograph a very special moment at the Mohonk Preserve — the release of four young female Peregrine Falcons. 🦅

These four Peregrines were successfully rehabilitated by The Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ. Each bird received medical evaluation, rehabilitation, and appropriate flight training to prepare them for their return to the wild.

The release was carried out by Chris Nadareski of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Watching these magnificent birds take their first flights back into the wild was an incredible experience. There is something especially powerful about seeing a bird that has gone through rehabilitation finally get the chance to spread its wings and return to where it belongs.

I’m grateful to the Mohonk Preserve for allowing me to document this special event, and to everyone involved in giving these Peregrines a second chance at life in the wild.

Here’s to four young Peregrines beginning the next chapter of their journey. ❤️🦅

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