In a world that often moves too fast, birdwatching invites us to slow down. For Canadian wildlife photographer Jinny Montpetit, it’s not only a way to observe the natural world—it’s a way of being present in it.
Based in Montréal, Jinny has spent years patiently documenting wildlife, earning international recognition for her work. One of her photographs was even published as a double-page feature in National Geographic. But beyond accolades, what drives her is the quiet act of witnessing: moments of stillness, subtle movement, and life that unfolds when you give it time.
Her connection with birds is rooted in this way of seeing. Whether it’s a familiar species near home or a rare behavior observed in the wild, every encounter becomes part of a growing visual and emotional archive—one shaped by curiosity, respect, and long hours spent in nature.
Small Bird, Big Eyes
Jinny has a special fondness for the tufted titmouse, a small songbird commonly found in woodlands and suburban areas across eastern North America. Known for its alert crest and expressive eyes, the titmouse is both endearing and energetic—a frequent visitor to backyard feeders.
“One of my favorite bird species is the tufted titmouse,” she says. “I think that they are absolutely adorable with their little tuft on their head and their big eyes.
Snowfall and Stillness
Not all bird encounters require travel or tracking. Some reveal themselves unexpectedly, given only time and presence. Jinny recalls one such moment during a heavy winter snowfall.
“I had the chance to spend several hours with a beautiful barred owl that was perched on a branch during a heavy snowstorm. The moment was pure magic, and I got some incredible images from that encounter.”
Barred owls are known for their calm demeanor and ability to remain motionless for long periods—especially during storms. Observing one in such conditions requires not only patience but also a kind of shared silence between watcher and watched.
Hidden Stories in the Nest
Years of field observation have allowed Jinny to witness behaviors that are rare even among experienced birders. One such moment involved a surprising scene in a warbler’s nest.
"I have witnessed many interesting behaviors from different bird species over the years. One of them was a mother American Redstart Warbler feeding her chicks in her nest. One of the three chicks was in fact a Brown-headed Cowbird that had been transferred in the Warbler’s nest by its own mother. This phenomenon is called brood parasitism. I was lucky enough to photograph and capture beautiful videos of those rare moments."
Brood parasitism is a reproductive strategy used by certain bird species—such as cowbirds—where the female lays her eggs in the nest of another species. The host bird raises the intruding chick as its own, often at the expense of its biological offspring. This behavior is well-documented in North American songbirds but remains seldom observed in person.
Birdwatching as a Meditation
For Jinny, birdwatching offers more than photographs—it provides a sense of peace and groundedness that extends beyond the lens.
“Birdwatching is a form of meditation for me,” she reflects. “It has taught me to enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer when we take the time to stand still and observe the lives that surround us.”
This way of slowing down, of learning to watch rather than chase, is a common thread among naturalists. And it’s part of what keeps birding meaningful, even without rare species or perfect light.
Purple Finch
Quiet Paths, Wild Neighbors
While Jinny has traveled for wildlife photography, some of her favorite birding moments happen close to home.
“My favorite place for birdwatching is a botanical garden close to my house where I can walk all day long and observe many different bird species and beautiful wildlife like foxes.”
Urban green spaces like botanical gardens are important ecosystems, supporting a wide range of bird species across seasons. In cities like Montréal, these spaces provide critical habitat for both migratory and resident birds, from warblers to woodpeckers.
What the Birds Don’t Tell Us
Birdwatching often leads to deeper questions—not just about what birds do during the day, but how they survive when the sun goes down. Jinny has one such question she’d love to ask directly.
“If I could communicate with birds for a day I would definitely ask them where they sleep at night and if they gather together to stay warm on cold winter nights.”
Though not always visible to observers, many birds seek shelter in tree cavities, dense shrubs, or evergreen foliage. Some small species, like Black-capped Chickadees, are even known to huddle together in cold weather to conserve warmth.
Feeding Behaviors, Up Close
Observing birds up close has given Jinny insights into individual behavior—especially when it comes to feeding.
“Having a smart bird feeder allows me to witness and confirm different behavior from different bird species. Some birds take food from the feeder and leave immediately to eat somewhere else before coming back to the feeder to take some more. Some other birds come to the feeder and can stay there for a few minutes while they eat their seeds there.”
These patterns reflect subtle differences in species habits, social behaviors, and comfort levels with human proximity. Some birds exhibit rapid, cautious feeding strategies, while others take time to settle and eat more leisurely.
Photo taken by Smart Bird Feeder
Patience and Respect
Throughout her time with birds, two values have remained constant for Jinny: patience and respect.
“I would like to share with fellow bird lovers that patience is often rewarded regarding birding and also to never forget to respect nature around us.”
Her work, grounded in these principles, is a reminder that the most powerful connections with wildlife are not rushed—they’re built in quiet moments and repeated visits, season after season.
Awards & Recognition
Jinny’s intimate relationship with nature and wildlife isn’t just something her audience notices — it’s something the world has recognized, too. Her photography has been honored multiple times by the prestigious International Photography Awards (IPA).
These international accolades reflect not only her technical mastery but also her deep emotional connection to wildlife and nature.
A Story Still in Flight
As we journeyed through Jinny’s world—one framed by misty sunrises, patient observation, and the quiet drama of wild wings—we’ve come to understand that her photography is not just a visual art, but a deep act of connection. Her lens doesn’t just capture wildlife; it honors it.
We’re deeply grateful to Jinny for sharing her story, her process, and her passion with us.
All images in this article are Jinny’s own work. If her images moved you, you can follow more of her wildlife photography and birdwatching adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Every day, quiet moments unfold between people and birds—some fleeting, some unforgettable. If you’ve experienced one of your own, we’d love to hear it. Reach out and let your story take flight.
FAQs
Q1: Do Tufted Titmice forage with other birds?
A: Yes, tufted titmice often join mixed-species foraging flocks, especially in winter. They commonly move alongside chickadees, nuthatches, and jays to increase feeding efficiency and reduce predation risk.
Q2: Are Barred Owls strictly nocturnal? Can they be seen during the day?
A: Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal, but they are also facultative diurnal. In overcast weather or quiet environments, they may become active or visible during the day, particularly in areas with abundant prey.
Q3: Does brood parasitism have long-term effects on host birds?
A: Yes. Parasitic chicks are often larger and more demanding, which can reduce food availability for the host’s own young. Over time, this may lower the reproductive success of the host species.
Q4: How do birds find roosting spots in urban areas?
A: In cities, small birds often use dense shrubs, building crevices, tree cavities, or nest boxes for nighttime shelter. Some also take advantage of human structures that provide warmth or protection.
Q5: What is the best time of day for birdwatching in winter?
A: The best times are typically within 1–2 hours after sunrise and the hour before sunset. Birds tend to be more active during these periods as temperatures rise and light levels improve.
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