In this Beyond the Wild podcast episode, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft sit down with naturalist extraordinaire Russ DeFusco while shooting together in Colorado. Russ shares his remarkable life journey, professional achievements, and passion for wildlife photography and education. Russ’s childhood fascination with nature evolved into a passion for wildlife photography and art, leading him to become an ornithologist and wildlife biologist, where he built a storied career in military and civil aviation bird strike prevention. His work included developing predictive models to mitigate bird-aircraft collisions, saving lives and resources. Russ emphasizes connecting with nature, inspiring curiosity, and educating others. He believes understanding wildlife behavior enhances both conservation efforts and photography. His motto: “If you can name it, you own it,” highlights the value of knowledge in fostering environmental stewardship.

Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.

Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!

Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.