Ty Smedes Nature Photography

2026/2027 Presentation Schedule


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I typically have several presentations scheduled, and here are the details. Some of these are open to the public and some are not.

2026/2027 Presentation Schedule
Date & Time
Topic
Description
Location
August 5th - 2:00pm The Return of Iowa's Bald Eagles Join Iowa author/photographer Ty Smedes for a slide presentation and lecture which will reveal many incredibly interesting discoveries about Iowa's Bald Eagles and how they go about their every-day lives in Iowa and the Midwest! See eagles eating fish while on the wing, photos which illustrate the plumage evolution of younger eagles, an eagle nest diary, eagles flying with icicles on their toes, eagles diving, catching fish, and much more. Learn how researchers track bald eagle movements, and where eagles come from that winter in Iowa. And listen to the many anecdotes about Iowa’s Bald Eagles. The presentation will also reveal many highlights of the 2nd edition printing of The Return of Iowa’s Bald Eagles, including updated nesting and wintering statistics, Bald Eagle rehabilitator updates, more than 70 new photos, and many exciting new action sequences. The book will be available for sale and can be signed and personalized by the author. Meadowview of Johnston Retirement Facility - Johnston
August 7th - 2:00pm The Return of Iowa's Bald Eagles Join Iowa author/photographer Ty Smedes for a slide presentation and lecture which will reveal many incredibly interesting discoveries about Iowa's Bald Eagles and how they go about their every-day lives in Iowa and the Midwest! See eagles eating fish while on the wing, photos which illustrate the plumage evolution of younger eagles, an eagle nest diary, eagles flying with icicles on their toes, eagles diving, catching fish, and much more. Learn how researchers track bald eagle movements, and where eagles come from that winter in Iowa. And listen to the many anecdotes about Iowa’s Bald Eagles. The presentation will also reveal many highlights of the 2nd edition printing of The Return of Iowa’s Bald Eagles, including updated nesting and wintering statistics, Bald Eagle rehabilitator updates, more than 70 new photos, and many exciting new action sequences. The book will be available for sale and can be signed and personalized by the author. BRIO Retirement Facility - Johnston
October 15th - 7:00pm Loon Magic - The Life Cycle of the Common Loon As an icon of the north-country, the Loon has created magic for all who have enjoyed his antics and that magical “call of the wild”. Polk City Iowa writer/photographer Ty Smedes will lecture about the life history of the Loon, and will share many stunning images. Ty has made many trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota, where he has captured iconic images of a female loon, on the nest, with youngsters riding on her back, and even the male feeding the young, as they rest there. Ty will share many anecdotes and will show how a nature photographer pre-visualizes and plans a wilderness photography trip. Join us for an exciting and educational presentation! Ames Public Library - Big Bluestem Audubon
October 20th - 7:00pm Birds and Wildlife of Nebraska Although the drive through Nebraska is sometimes referred to as “boring” or “uninteresting”, our neighboring state plays host to a wonderful variety of birds, and mammals. This presentation will introduce you to a stunning variety of Nebraska wildlife, which is unique because of its location “where East meets West”. Along with the scenic beauty of the sandhills, we’ll experience the Sandhill Crane Migration along the Platte River, and visit the waterfowl and wetland birds of The Rainwater Basin. We’ll also travel to a ranch, where we will enjoy Prairie Chickens displaying on an ancient lek, along with the amazing array of birds and mammals that call the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge home. Along the way, we’ll also discuss viewing blinds, visitor centers, and locations to stay, for those nature-lovers who might want to visit! Northwest Community Center - 5110 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines - Des Moines Audubon
November 3rd - 11:00am Birds and Wildlife of Nebraska Although the drive through Nebraska is sometimes referred to as “boring” or “uninteresting”, our neighboring state plays host to a wonderful variety of birds, and mammals. This presentation will introduce you to a stunning variety of Nebraska wildlife, which is unique because of its location “where East meets West”. Along with the scenic beauty of the sandhills, we’ll experience the Sandhill Crane Migration along the Platte River, and visit the waterfowl and wetland birds of The Rainwater Basin. We’ll also travel to a ranch, where we will enjoy Prairie Chickens displaying on an ancient lek, along with the amazing array of birds and mammals that call the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge home. Along the way, we’ll also discuss viewing blinds, visitor centers, and locations to stay, for those nature-lovers who might want to visit! Polk Co. OWLS - Jester Park Nature Center
November 12th - 7:00pm Birds and Wildlife of Nebraska Although the drive through Nebraska is sometimes referred to as “boring” or “uninteresting”, our neighboring state plays host to a wonderful variety of birds, and mammals. This presentation will introduce you to a stunning variety of Nebraska wildlife, which is unique because of its location “where East meets West”. Along with the scenic beauty of the sandhills, we’ll experience the Sandhill Crane Migration along the Platte River, and visit the waterfowl and wetland birds of The Rainwater Basin. We’ll also travel to a ranch, where we will enjoy Prairie Chickens displaying on an ancient lek, along with the amazing array of birds and mammals that call the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge home. Along the way, we’ll also discuss viewing blinds, visitor centers, and locations to stay, for those nature-lovers who might want to visit! EB Lyons Nature Center - Dubuque Audubon
December 3rd - 10:30am Birds and Wildlife of Nebraska Although the drive through Nebraska is sometimes referred to as “boring” or “uninteresting”, our neighboring state plays host to a wonderful variety of birds, and mammals. This presentation will introduce you to a stunning variety of Nebraska wildlife, which is unique because of its location “where East meets West”. Along with the scenic beauty of the sandhills, we’ll experience the Sandhill Crane Migration along the Platte River, and visit the waterfowl and wetland birds of The Rainwater Basin. We’ll also travel to a ranch, where we will enjoy Prairie Chickens displaying on an ancient lek, along with the amazing array of birds and mammals that call the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge home. Along the way, we’ll also discuss viewing blinds, visitor centers, and locations to stay, for those nature-lovers who might want to visit! Story County Nature Center - McFarland Park
January 6th - 7:00pm Birds and Wildlife of Nebraska Although the drive through Nebraska is sometimes referred to as “boring” or “uninteresting”, our neighboring state plays host to a wonderful variety of birds, and mammals. This presentation will introduce you to a stunning variety of Nebraska wildlife, which is unique because of its location “where East meets West”. Along with the scenic beauty of the sandhills, we’ll experience the Sandhill Crane Migration along the Platte River, and visit the waterfowl and wetland birds of The Rainwater Basin. We’ll also travel to a ranch, where we will enjoy Prairie Chickens displaying on an ancient lek, along with the amazing array of birds and mammals that call the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge home. Along the way, we’ll also discuss viewing blinds, visitor centers, and locations to stay, for those nature-lovers and photographers who might want to visit! Des Moines Camera Club - Johnston Lions Club
January 19th - 10:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm To be determined To be determined Pella Retirement Facilities - Fair Haven East, OV/UT, and The Cottages - times as listed
April 1st - 7:00pm To be determined To be determined Loess Hills Audubon - Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux City

 

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All photos © Copyright Ty Smedes-Urbandale, IA. No part of this website may be copied, published or placed on any other website. All images are rights-protected and watermarked for internet tracking purposes. For inqueries: Phone 515-270-9086, email: ty.smedes@smedesphoto.com