Birds of the Photo Ark

By BBC Wildlife Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 07 December 2022 at 12:00 am

About Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore is a photographer, author, and 25-year contributor to National Geographic magazine. Through his Photo Ark project, he is aiming to photograph every species of animal under human care, an estimated 12,000.

His book, Birds of the Photo Ark, includes remarkable avian images from the project, accompanied by text from birder Noah Stryker. For avian enthusiasts, from armchair observers to dedicated life-listers, this brilliant book celebrates the beauty of all birds, great and small.

“Joel Sartore is an ambassador extraordinaire for the beleaguered animals of our planet and should receive a Nobel Prize,” says Jane Goodall. “No one can look at these sensitive portraits of the incredible animal beings and not be amazed and inspired to do all in our power to preserve them. I can think of no other book with such a compelling message.”

Find out more about the Photo Ark project and Joel Sartore on his website.

More on wildlife photography:

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The great blue turaco, native to west-central Africa, is nearly three feet long yet weighs just two pounds. © Joel Sartore

 

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These extra long legs and toes allow the wattled jacana to balance delicately on lily pads. © Joel Sartore

 

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A concave facial disc acts like a parabolic dish for hearing for the northern white-faced owl, native to central America. © Joel Sartore

 

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Many waterfowl, including the lesser white-fronted goose, which nests in Russia, form dense flocks during migration and in winter. © Joel Sartore

 

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Not all birds migrate. The Eurasian griffon, a type of vulture, generally keeps within its range, though young birds may disperse long distances before settling down. © Joel Sartore

 

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With its exceptionally wide facial disc, the great grey owl can listen for small mammals, even when they’re hidden under snow, and can pounce with pinpoint precision. © Joel Sartore

 

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Most vultures have hooked beaks (for tearing flesh), bare heads (to stay clean and regulate body temperature), and long, broad wings for efficient soaring. They are found on nearly every continent. © Joel Sartore

 

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A small population in Morocco comprises the only known northern bald ibises in the wild. © Joel Sartore

 

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Birds are colourful, engaging, and specialised, occupying almost every part of the planet and routinely moving between the different corners of the world. © Joel Sartore

 

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Red-fan parrots freely express themselves by erecting a headdress of colourful feather. © Joel Sartore

 

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With wings spread, a white-tailed hawk can soar almost indefinitely. © Joel Sartore