Alecia Smith, bird photographer and Beach Naturalist Coordinator at Ventura Audubon Society, has been helping protect Ventura County's endangered shorebirds through the Shorebird Recovery Program at VAS for 5 years. Even before joining the program, they recognized that their connection with birds was deeply healing for them and felt compelled to return the favor. As Alecia followed their journey with birds over the years, she’s become increasingly attuned to shorebird behavior and the critical habitat on which these birds rely. Ethics in bird photography and observation are never far from their mind. Using what they've learned, they advocate for birds and complete the circle of giving by teaching new volunteer Beach Naturalists to become ambassadors for shorebirds and to deepen their own connection with birds.

You can find Alecia's photography featured in the book, Birds of Instagram: Extraordinary Images from Around the World, edited by David Allen Sibley.

If you're interested in purchasing any of the photos in Alecia's gallery or their IG page, please contact them.