My name is Terry Nunn, and my journey into photography began with a deeply personal mission. My mother’s dying wish was for me to slow down, embrace life, and follow my passion for photography. In January 2022, I honored her wish by purchasing my first camera and stepping into a world of creativity and self-discovery.

One quiet morning not long after buying my first camera, I was out walking around my backyard when a cardinal landed on our fence. Through my newly purchased lens, I saw something I had never noticed before—the delicate texture of its feathers, the subtle gray tones blending with red, the slight tilt of its crest, and the glint of curiosity in its eye. I took the shot, but more than that, I took a moment. And in that moment, it hit me: these weren’t just “red birds.” They were individuals. Each one, unique in color, posture, and behavior—just like people.

That realization opened a door I didn’t know was there. I started noticing differences in blue jays, wrens, finches, buntings, etc. I began learning their calls, their habits, and how they moved through the seasons. What started as a curiosity quickly became a passion. The more time I spent watching birds through my lens, the more I saw reflections of life itself—resilience, fragility, instinct, and personality.

Bird photography became more than a hobby. It became a way to reconnect—with nature, with stillness, and with the stories I had overlooked in the rush of life. Every bird I photograph now feels like a reminder that beauty exists in the details. That no creature is too small to notice. And that sometimes, the smallest bird can change the course of your life.

That single cardinal—once just another red bird—became the spark that lit a deeper purpose in me. And I’ve been chasing wings ever since.

Perch with Terry!

@terrynunnphotography on Instagram & TikTok

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What’s Your Story?

In an effort to place the spotlight on the birding community I am seeking birders who are interested in sharing their spark bird story to be featured on the Modern Birder Collective. Whether you’re a backyard birder, nature trail birder, or in an urban setting, every birder has a story to tell which can inspire others to discover the joy of birding.

SUBMISSION

Want to share your story on the Modern Birder Collective?

It’s easy! Simply write up your unique spark bird experience and email it to modernbirdercollective@gmail.com. Be sure to include the following:

• Your name as you’d like it to appear in the published post.
• A photo to be used as the featured image.
• Your story, written by you, I’ll copy and paste it directly into the post. It can be as short or as detailed as you’d like to capture your experience.
• Any social media handles (optional) you’d like to include so fellow birders can connect with you and grow the community. 

Looking forward to connecting with you soon & happy birding!