Moving at Nature’s Pace: Bird Photography on St. George Island

Moments of Wonder
Written By Jennifer Carr

When we weren’t chasing the light of sunrise and sunset, photographing lighthouses, or exploring the charm of the coastal community, we found ourselves spending hours meandering through the wild, natural beauty of St. George Island State Park.

Another important stop of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park’s diverse habitat- from dunes and beaches to pine forests and salt marshes- are a haven for nearly 300 species of birds. Over the course of just a few days, we spotted an incredible variety of raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl. From the commanding presence of eagles and hawks to the melodic song of a warbler, each sighting showed us how rich this region is for birding.

The highlights came when we spotted both Great Horned Owls and American Kestrels- two of my bucket list birds. We also enjoyed watching a Northern Harrier on the hunt, pausing occasionally to rest on a bush.

Birding- and especially bird photography- has a way of teaching patience. Even the most observant person quickly realizes that nature moves at it’s own pace. To photograph birds well, you have to slow down, settle in, and sometimes wait even longer than you thought you would. The stillness is part of the reward.

Juvenile Bald Eagle

American Kestrel

Great Horned Owl

Northern Harrier

Juvenile Coopers Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk

Coopers Hawk

Jennifer Carr

Jennifer Carr is a photographer who splits her time between the Outer Banks and the Pacific Northwest, with camera in hand and a passion for sharing the joy of photography. She's also a mentor, guiding others to discover their unique visual style. Explore her workshops and retreats at The Saltwater Retreat and Mentoring & Lessons.

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http://www.jennifercarrphotography.com
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