Richard Moore Outdoor Report: The Wild Side

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — From bobcats to barn owls, the outstanding wildlife photography of Steve Sinclair will be on display this weekend at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Mercedes.

Steve Sinclair has been photographing South Texas wildlife for some 25 years, and his passion for the natural world is reflected in his superb images.

“It’s what I do. It is the reason I get up in the morning and can’t wait to go back out again. I go to all the Valley habitats. Each habitat has its own specialty, for example, the birds and animals that you find at Laguna Atascosa would not necessarily be the animals you find at Sabal Palm," said Sinclair.

This will be Steve’s 13th showing at Estero Llano Grande and is entitled “The Wild Side,” with all the proceeds from the exhibition going towards conservation projects at the park.

“I think they will be amazed at the different varieties. Everything from parrots to bobcats to blue buntings, the migratory birds to herons, and egrets. Things they may not realize are here, and now they get to see wow, this place is something special," he said.

It is a fact that if you don’t know something exists, then you certainly won’t have the motivation to protect it. A talented wildlife photographer like Steve Sinclair can help open people’s eyes to their natural heritage.

“It brings awareness, and to me, that is the most important thing that I do is to bring awareness that this is special," said Sinclair.

If you would like to see Steve’s inspiring photographs, the exhibition will be on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Mercedes. The exhibition is free, but regular park entry fees apply.

While Steve has been photographing Valley wildlife for a quarter century, he has no plans to put down his camera anytime soon.

“I just hope for 25 more years. That might be a little over-optimistic, but you know we can always hope," added Sinclair.