Photo of the Month
"Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to visit year round but I particularly enjoy the springtime & early summer. Most species of birds and animals are busy with domestic responsibilities, from nest building and incubation, and then feeding and child rearing. Because of the great job the refuge does maintaining a diverse habitat, Bluebirds and other songbirds are plentiful. I cannot recall seeing a Bluebird house unoccupied. Knowing this I went to find one that had a nearby perch actively being used regularly. Before the birds enter their house or leave the area they normally go to their favorite perch. I picked a likely house with perch in good light and waited for the birds to disappear, either hunting or in the house then I made slow but deliberate movements toward the perch until I was in range with a 300mm lens. A good portrait of a single bird is a success, but a couples shot, without disturbing their behavior, made my day."
Eric Horan
Photo tip-exposure: You may get an occasional great image by hitting the brakes in the car and jumping out in time to capture a nice rainbow or the perfect sunset, but your percentages of getting quality images of wildlife behavior will increase drastically when you’ve done your homework and study a location for light, seasonal wildlife movements and tides.
Spring/ Early Summer is a great time of year for avian photography on the Carolina Coast with the shorebird and neotropic migrants including an impressive assortment of birds of prey that pass through or stay for all or part of the summer. So much is happening at the same time it is often difficult to decide what to focus on. Since the neotropics are only here for the spring and part of the summer season, it’s hard not to dedicate a chunk of time observing them. Check in with your local pros, park guides, and employees with Department of Natural Resources for tips and guidance, then make a plan, pack your gear, your sunscreen and bug juice and go after it. To see more of Eric’s work visit www.southernlight.biz.
For more information visit Eric Horan's Website
southernlight.biz or call 843-524-3037