About Ron

Photographer Ron LeValley is a biologist who has been enamored with photography and birds for the past 40 years. He specializes in photographs of wildlife of all kinds, from whales and birds to insects and natural scenes.

As a professional photographer, Ron has compiled an impressive collection (over 90,000 images!) of wildlife and nature photographs that he uses for presentations and publications. Ron's photography started back in the 1960's and has evolved with the technology of the time. Presently he shoots with four different digital cameras depending on the situation.

Ron is a founding member of the Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery, 344 North Main Street, Fort Bragg CA where his work can also be seen. He also shows at the G2 Gallery in Venice California, at Icons Gallery in Mendocino and at various shows around Northern California.

Ron is also founder and Senior Biologist of Mad River Biologists, a biological consulting firm in Humboldt County, California. Best known for the identification and distribution of birds along the Pacific Coast, he also has an extensive understanding of a natural history subjects. A lifelong interest in marine birds and mammals was enhanced by his involvement with Point Reyes Bird Observatory beginning in 1966, including serving as a biologist at the Farallon Island research station. Ron gathered a world-wide perspective on ecological issues when he founded and for 15 years directed Biological Journeys, a pioneering ecotourism company. One of Ron's outstanding attributes is sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Ron graduated from Sacramento State College in 1969 with a B.A. degree in Biology and received his M.A in Biology from Humboldt State University in 1980. His affiliations include American Ornithologists Union (Life Member), The Pacific Seabird Group, National Audubon Society, Point Reyes Bird Observatory (Life Member), and Western Field Ornithologists.

In addition to his work at Mad River Biologists, he presently serves as Treasurer of the Pacific Seabird Group and as an Associate Editor for Western Birds.