Melissa Groo

About

Melissa Groo is a wildlife photographer and writer. She contributes a regular column to Outdoor Photographer magazine, leads private and group photo workshops, and lectures on her art and techniques. See more at .

Articles by Melissa Groo

Two owl chicks sit in a nest as their much larger mother, with a rodent in her beak, comes in for a landing atop a broken tree snag.
Dead Trees Support a Bounty of Birdlife, but Preserving Them Isn’t Always Clear Cut
December 18, 2025 — By studying Great Gray Owls, scientists hope to help more people see that snags offer vital habitat.
Conservation News
A wall made of logs and branches divides a forest scene. On the left, one person stands in thick growth. On the right, two people stand in a more open area.
Surging Deer Populations Are a Crisis for Eastern Forests
May 21, 2024 — Important habitats for many bird species ‘are in imminent danger of collapse,’ one expert warns, and the federal government may need to step in.
News
Tips for Being a Responsible Bird Photographer in the Social Media Age
March 22, 2021 — Practices to protect sensitive birds and habitat should continue after photographers and birders click the shutter.
Ethics
How to Set Up the Perfect Perch for Backyard Bird Photography
January 03, 2019 — These tips will get you and your subject in position for a great image.
Tips and How-Tos
When It's Okay (or Not) to Feed Birds
May 24, 2018 — Providing food—for photography or simple enjoyment—can be a thorny issue. For guidance, ask yourself these three questions.
Bird Feeding and Care
What kind of food is okay to supply to birds—and when, and where?
May 09, 2018
What to Consider When Buying Used Camera Equipment
June 29, 2017 — Itching for some gear but don’t want to shell out the dough for new products? Here’s how to purchase quality used gear.
Gear
Dos and Don’ts of Nest Photography
May 12, 2016 — You should always photograph birds responsibly. But you have to be extra responsible during nesting season.
Ethics
How to Share Your Kids' Photographs
May 12, 2016 — These apps, tools, and tips will connect your budding photographer to a broader community of bird enthusiasts.
News