It is not typical of me to engage birding photography, a very special branch on the photography tree. Folks who love birds invest major dough in cameras that can zoom in and seize the moment in the life of a wild animal. They have patience and commitment to create the beautiful images of the wild. I have the utmost respect. On the last day of January 2022 I ventured off to the local national wildlife refuge at Sachuest Point in search of the snowy owl who has been visiting our area on and off for the past few years. The majesty of this creature draws many, myself included, to stand in knee deep snow and below freezing temperatures for hours in hopes of catching a glimpse or even better, a prized photographic memory. I invested a few hours and after taking many frames at great distance I have found a few that I am very happy about. Much of my dilemma comes from working with a great lens that has limited reach. As a friend has said about playing music, “outdoors is a big room”. It was very refreshing to get out of the house, feel safe and to feel the bite of this chill and meet some nice folks while enjoying a love with the immense beauty of this planet. Enjoy each day!
As Paul Simon says in Bookends,
“Time it was,
And what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence,
A time of confidences

Long ago it must be
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you”.