Snowbirds: Behind the Scenes with Canada's Air Demonstration Team

To millions of Canadians, the Snowbirds are a national icon. An air demonstration team revered worldwide, Canada's aerial ambassadors have performed with precision and pride for over one hundred million spectators across North America. In breathtaking demonstrations of the courage, skill, and teamwork of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Snowbirds have wowed audiences for thirty-five years.

Three years ago, action photographer Mike Sroka was granted unprecedented access to the dynamic Snowbirds team as one of their official photographers. From the beginning, he set out to capture the spirit, dedication, and hard work of the pilots, ground crew, and support staff. Sroka intended to tell the story of the Snowbirds as it has never been told before. As he traveled and flew with the Snowbirds all over North America, Sroka found the heart and soul of the elite team, as is documented in the flawless digital photographs that burst from the pages of Snowbirds.

Snowbirds features a foreword by Lieutenant Colonel Steve Will, Snowbird number 1 (2002, 2003, 2004), an afterword by Major I.W. McLean, current Snowbird number 1, and an essay on the history and intricate workings of the team by Sroka. This essay also includes Sroka's favourite shots of the Snowbirds and information on how the action photographer bagged them. Most thrilling, though, are the 175 full-color, exclusive images, laid out in a page-turning design that takes the reader from the anticipation of tryouts and the complex technology that keeps the Snowbirds in the air, to the determination shown on the practice ground and the high spirits of North America's air shows.

With his unique talent, Mike Sroka has captured the grace and energy of the Snowbirds.

Mike Sroka is a highly respected and creative commercial photographer, from the Chicago area, now living and working in Canada. For more than twenty years, he has produced striking photographs for clients such as Carewest, Bolens, Husky Oil, NOVA, Parks Canada, Harley-Davidson, Miller Beer, Firestone, Wrangler, and Diet Pepsi. Sroka's portfolios of outstanding images taken at Formula One races and at the Calgary Stampede have proven his exceptional skill as a high-energy, action photographer.