If you go to the Las Gallinas Sanitary District ponds early in the morning, chances are you’ll see Caitlin McCrory-Tomelden walking around, with her camera in hand. It’s one of the Terra Linda bird photographer’s go-to places in Marin to scout out her fowl friends, before heading to her job.
Since her teenage days developing black-and-white film, McCrory-Tomelden, 58, has kept a camera close by. But, nothing has enthralled her quite like birds, which has turned into a six-year passion project.
A selection of some of her avian photography can be seen through December at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church.
Q How did you end up going to the ponds?
A A friend mentioned that someone had seen a red-necked loon, which is a really beautiful bird that I love, at the ponds. I had never been out there. I never even knew about it. I went out looking for this loon and I was amazed at the bird life. I know the ponds intimately now. There are sometimes birding groups that go out there and people are looking for certain types of birds and I want to jump in and go, “No, those guys are over there in that corner!”
Q Did you end up photographing that loon?
A I never did. It’s one of many birds on my list of birds yet to see. I was very driven by finding new birds all the time and just kept venturing farther and farther out. Then, I had to get into the car to find others. It’s at the point where I am traveling internationally to find birds.
Q What does an outing look like for you?
A I am able to spot birds and recognize them from a great distance, even if I can’t see them very well. I know what their shapes are and their movements. I am out there, just me and my camera; I don’t need a scope or binoculars. I am tuned into what’s going on around me. It opens all my senses, and it really makes me feel focused and alive. It’s quite invigorating. Being there with the birds is also about tuning into nature and becoming one with nature.
Q Why have birds captured your heart?
A I think they are one of nature’s most incredible art forms. I feel I am connecting with them and that’s the most special of all. I think some of my favorite shots are those where the bird is looking at me and checking me out, too.
Q What are some of your favorite birds to photograph?
A I tend to love big birds. I think pelicans are one of my favorite all-time birds because they are so graceful and so strong, yet, have these awkward bulky bodies. They are so synchronized, it’s like watching the ballet. I love ducks in flight, especially when they are doing their courtship routines. I don’t think you can look at a flock of ducks without smiling. They are just happy-looking birds.
Q What do you hope people take away from your photos?
A A woman said, “I am so inspired and so in awe by your photographs. I want to take the time to go out in our county and sit with these birds and get to know them.” And that just brought me to tears. If I am able to inspire people to love them more and to focus on them more, maybe then people will get interested in helping them and conservation efforts, and helping organizations that are trying to restore and maintain habitats for birds. If I can have an affect on people that way, I will just be amazed and thrilled.
"bird" - Google News
December 15, 2019 at 03:01AM
https://ift.tt/2tblpOX
Terra Linda photographer keeps an eagle eye on birds - Marin Independent Journal
"bird" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2s1zYEq
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
No comments:
Post a Comment