Mark Chitwood Photography

Last week I spent 2 nights in a photo blind at Rowe Sanctuary. This is an amazing experience - and every year and every night is different.

I am going to share some of my favorite pics from this year.

This is a shot at sunset from our blind. I wanted to try to capture the cranes coming to the river. Since your back is to the cranes coming overhead it is a hit and miss kind of thing. You have a tiny opening to the side and then some openings in front but you CANNOT open the door to the blind once you are "locked" in the blind for the night.

I tried my best to anticipate when they would be flying overhead - I grabbed my 12-24 and fired away.

The blinds are not for everyone - 4 feet high - 6 feet wide - 8 feet long - plywood with a little bit of carpeting on the ground. They do not smooth the ground out - but they do provide a bucket in case you need to use the bathroom - needless to say - you do try to avoid  using it - especially if you are sharing a blind. I share a blind because I am cheap and I want to split the cost of $200 a night.

It is not comfortable - but it is spectacular.


Nikon d7000
Tokina 12-24