How did you first get involved with the Norman Bird Sanctuary?
We moved to Portsmouth in 2018 but it wasn’t until about a year later that I took my first hike up to Hanging Rock with a new friend from my neighborhood. To be honest, I was too nervous to go alone, thinking maybe I’d get lost in the woods! Now I know the property like the back of my hand and I even know which birds and wildlife can be found in the different areas.
Describe your passion for wildlife photography:
My experience with photography began in 1977 when I received a black and white Polaroid camera as a gift. I’ve been taking pictures for almost five decades but it wasn’t until 2020 that birds caught my attention through the lens. Like many people during that year I found myself looking for something fun and relaxing to do. While sitting in our backyard I began photographing Song Sparrows on the fence. My passion for birds and wildlife grew from there. Currently I have almost twenty thousand images of birds. These days I enjoy the challenge of capturing soaring Bald Eagles with prey in their talons. Honestly though, I’ll always adore those Song Sparrows.
What is your favorite time of year to come to the Norman Bird Sanctuary?
Fall is definitely my favorite time of year at Norman Bird Sanctuary. For me there’s no greater season to view color and change in New England. The water in the pond goes from blue to green and back to blue again during the early autumn months. Waterfowl begin to re-emerge and it’s fun to see the Mallards and Green Teals playing together. October leaves are glorious and I enjoy watching them fall from the trees along various trails. Fall migration for birds can be hit or miss but that doesn’t bother me at all.
Describe a moment when you have felt most connected to nature:
After my father passed away in 2019 I found myself craving long walks and needing some time alone. Norman Bird Sanctuary provided the solace and peace I was looking for during that difficult time. One November afternoon I hiked up to Red Fox Trail and sat on the rocky cliff for a few minutes. Closing my eyes, I felt so connected to nature and also to my Dad. Red Fox is a perfect spot for quiet meditation and the view is magnificent.
What is a “don’t miss event” at the Norman Bird Sanctuary?
In February 2023 my daughter Sophie and I attended a murder mystery event at NBS called Fowl Play. Everyone dressed up in 1920s attire as we snacked on yummy apps and enjoyed a glass of wine. The staff did an amazing (and very convincing) job of creating a cool mystery production and it was up to the guests to solve the case. I’m hoping the folks at NBS continue to put on fun events like that because it really brings the community together.
What is your favorite bird that you have photographed?
To date I have photographed several hundred different species of birds. To choose one as my favorite is tricky because each bird is special to me. This year I was lucky enough to photograph a Short-eared Owl and a Great-horned Owl. These were both really cool experiences because seeing an owl is rare and getting good images of one is even rarer. Luckily for me Norman Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of owls and that is one of the reasons I enjoy visiting several times a week.
