Bird is the Word Ep04

A laid-back chat about birds, experiences while birding, bird-related topics and much more from around the world. Bird is the Word intends to share a global perspective of the birding experience. 

In this episode, we welcome bird photographer extraordinaire Jason Tiesman. Jason has spent countless hours photographing birds in his native USA as well as in the hot and humid jungles of Central and South America. He has photographed many birds most of us have never even heard of. Join us live for this episode where we shall not only enjoy Jason’s effusive personality, but his mesmerizing photography of owls, warblers, antbirds, puffbirds, spadebills, hummingbirds, and so much more!

Jason Tiesman is a bird photographer from a small city in the Midwest near Chicago, called Rockford. His love for nature and birds has stemmed from his childhood. His mother raised four kids all on her own, so being outdoors was all they could afford. All of his time as a child spent outdoors from camping, fishing or even feeding the ducks at the pond are incredible memories that have molded him into the man he is today. However for the longest time as a young adult, Jason has always had his camera with him while traveling, but birding was the furthest thing on his mind, until a recent trip to Belize 5 years ago. This trip would open his eyes to new things and a deeper understanding into the birding community. He started clicking away and was amazed by the abundance and distinct variety of birds and became overwhelmed by all this beauty in front of him. Now as a birder Jason knew he was onto something and accepted the challenge of bringing these tiny jewels to light behind his lens. Bird photography is more than just a hobby for him, it’s his passion. Never in his life would he have imagined sitting in the deep jungle waiting hours for an elusive bird to appear. However in Jason’s eyes, being a bird photographer has taught him many things besides knowing about birds and being behind a camera. Many humbling life lessons have been learned in the field. Bird watching has taught him patience, persistence and overall love of all living things surrounding us. If he was to offer any tips for bird photographers, he would start off by saying “ just as long as you’re happy with your work, that’s all that matters”