Wildlife In Focus

06/29/2026

Did you know? Bats are one of the most beneficial—and misunderstood—groups of wildlife in Texas.
A single insect-eating bat can consume hundreds to thousands of insects in a single night, making them an important form of natural pest control for farms, ranches, and backyard habitats. Mother bats invest heavily in their young, carrying, nursing, and protecting them until they’re old enough to fly and hunt on their own—a reminder that strong parental care isn’t unique to birds and mammals we see every day.
Healthy bat populations depend on healthy habitats. Protecting mature trees, preserving natural roost sites, and using pesticides responsibly helps ensure these remarkable nighttime hunters continue benefiting both wildlife and people.

06/29/2026

Sometimes the smallest moments tell the biggest stories.
A red-eared slider quietly making its way through a patch of wildflowers may not seem extraordinary at first glance. But these everyday encounters remind us that Texas is filled with incredible wildlife, often just beyond the edge of the trail. When we slow down and pay attention, we begin to see the beauty and complexity of the natural world that surrounds us.
Photography has the power to turn a simple observation into appreciation, and appreciation is often the first step toward conservation. The more people connect with our native wildlife, the more likely they are to value the habitats that sustain it.
At Wildlife in Focus, we believe every image can inspire a deeper connection with nature—and every connection is another reason to protect the wild places we all share.

06/18/2026

Every wildlife story begins long before a photograph is taken.
This sunrise scene from this working ranch is more than a beautiful landscape—it’s a reminder of the connection between healthy land, thriving wildlife, and the people who care for both. The grass supporting these cattle also provides cover for ground-nesting birds, food for pollinators, and habitat for countless species that depend on well-managed working lands.
Across Texas, more than 95% of the land is privately owned. That means the future of our wildlife is tied directly to the stewardship decisions made by landowners, ranch managers, and conservation-minded families every day. When native habitats are protected and managed thoughtfully, wildlife benefits—and so do future generations of Texans.
At Wildlife in Focus, we believe conservation begins with awareness. Through photography, education, and storytelling, we strive to connect people to the landscapes that sustain Texas wildlife and inspire a deeper appreciation for those working behind the scenes to care for them.
Because healthy wildlife populations don’t happen by accident. They start with healthy habitat.

06/17/2026

Did you know male Summer Tanager are one of the only completely red songbirds found across much of Texas?
During the warmer months, these birds spend much of their time hunting bees and wasps, often catching them in midair before removing the stinger and eating them. Water sources like shallow ponds, seeps, and troughs also become critical during the Texas summer heat, and moments like this are a reminder of just how important reliable water can be for wildlife.
Across Texas, healthy native habitat and thoughtful land stewardship on private lands continue to provide important breeding and feeding areas for species like the Summer Tanager.

06/11/2026

As our exhibit at the Witte Museum comes to a close, we just want to say thank you to everyone who came out to support Wildlife in Focus and spend time celebrating Texas wildlife, conservation, and photography.

One of the best parts of this exhibit was watching kids and families engage with nature in such a hands-on way. From coloring wildlife pages and exploring photography books to viewing the images on display and asking questions about wildlife, it was incredible to see curiosity and excitement come alive. Those moments matter. They are how future conservationists, photographers, land stewards, and wildlife lovers are created.

Events like this remind us that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife habitats — it is also about connecting people to the natural world around them.

A very special thank you goes to Claire Vaughan for the tremendous amount of work she put into making this exhibit possible. From planning and organization to helping create meaningful activities for kids and families, her hard work and dedication helped turn this into something truly special. We are incredibly grateful for everything she did behind the scenes to help Wildlife in Focus share our mission with the community.
Thank you again to the Witte Museum, all of our volunteers, photographers, families, and supporters who stopped by during the exhibit. We are excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to inspire conservation through photography, education, and storytelling across Texas.

06/08/2026

To everyone who entered the inaugural Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year contest — thank you.

What started as a vision to celebrate Texas wildlife, wild places, and the photographers who tell those stories has become something truly special because of each of you.

The quality, diversity, and passion shown through these images has been incredible to witness. From intimate moments with birds and native wildlife to sweeping Texas landscapes and powerful behavioral captures, your work reminds us why conservation, habitat stewardship, and storytelling matter.

This contest was created to do more than recognize great photography. It was built to inspire a deeper appreciation for Texas wildlife and the landscapes that support it, while helping grow a community of photographers, landowners, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts who care deeply about the future of our natural world.

To every participant — whether this was your first contest or one of many — thank you for believing in this inaugural event and helping us build something meaningful from the ground up.
We are incredibly grateful for your support, your creativity, and your willingness to share your vision of Texas through the lens.
This is only the beginning.

— Wildlife in Focus

Photo by Bill Harvey

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

LAST DAY TO ENTER – JUNE 7!

Today is your final chance to enter the Inaugural Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year competition! Entries close tonight at 11:59 PM Central Time.

https://wildlifeinfocus.org/2026-tx-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year/

06/05/2026

https://wildlifeinfocus.org/2026-tx-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year/