Patience for many is a virtue; for the nature photographer it is a necessity. In recent days, a field proved uneventful. I had exposed only half a roll in the last two days, and this was frustrating to say the least. However, I remained optimistic. Times such as this are not atypical to the nature photographer.

With this in mind, I set out accompanied by fellow NPN photographer Jim Galletto, in search of shore birds at Jamaica Bay, New York. The water level, as in weeks past, was low providing a promising habitat for shorebirds. Nevertheless, as luck would have it again that morning, East pond showed very little shorebird activity. Was my streak to continue?

I tried to make the most of the situation photographing a double-crested cormorant foraging in the shallows and on the shore. As my luck remained unchanged and the activity continued to digress, we decided to break for an early lunch. We discussed our options. For those of you who know Jimmy know there is but only one -Perseverance. I, of course, agreed and so we sat tight.

Opting first to look in on Big John's pond, it faired no better, dry as a bone with not a shore bird or wader in sight. Although warblers were about, shooting these elusive birds at this location was made even more difficult because access is limited due to fencing. Returning to the north end of East pond in the early afternoon, we sat for over three hours at the pond edge, alas, we remained hopeful. Eventually we decided in mid-afternoon to wade out to a raised area in the pond where we had seen birds congregate previously.

Sitting there sprawled in the water and ooze for sometime, we reminisced, talked shop, equipment and technique. As we did so, our luck began to change, unbeknownst to us. A few shorebirds arrived and our reward was soon to be realized beyond compare. For the next 3 1/2 hours, at times so close we could reach out and touch them. We were surrounded by hundreds of shorebirds; Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least, Semipalmated and White-rumped Sandpiper, Dowitcher and even a Gull-billed Tern graced us with its presence. It was extremely difficult to isolate an individual amongst the many.

Questionably, amusingly Jim started talking to this one bird, telling it to look slightly left. As it did, a glint of light added life to the eye and we fired off a simultaneous burst, laughed and continued to photograph. How we both singled out this one bird in a flock of many is beyond me. I will tell you the synchronicity with which we shoot is at times scary. The birds spooked and returned numerous times. We contemplated moving but decide to stay put, quite frankly because the mud acted like a suction cup holding our rear ends in place. Moving about in this stuff is no easy task, and a bit unnerving with thousands of dollars of camera gear at risk. We continued shooting in the sweet golden light until the pond was in shadow, exiting the water with smiles so wide our faces hurt.

Within minutes, the sun dropped below the horizon, and as if the events past were not enough for one day, the sky now turned a beautiful pink hue, illuminating the entire pond with pastel serenity. On this day, good things did indeed come to those who wait. My father-in-law once told me "make a memory" and I recall these words often. They are words to live by. I treasure my days in the field with friends, and look forward to remembering and sharing this remarkable day with both old and new friends alike for many years to come.

See you in the field, and remember to "Shoot the Light"

And, Jimmy thanks for the memories.

Chas-NPN 002

Editor's Note - Charles' extensive list of corporate clients includes Atlantis Marine World, where he is the principal photographer. His images can be seen on Atlantis story boards, postcards, in editorial print, and advertising media including the web, movie theater screens, posters, brochures, billboards, and more.

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