Welcome!

In the spring of 2007, the Goldenrod Foundation proposed an artist residency at the Goldenrod Cottage, which I gladly accepted as my time has allowed. This opportunity has allowed me to both observe and document the shorebirds and terns, both migratory and breeding, up close and in person. In addition, a permit was granted by the Town of Plymouth which is allowing me to chronicle activities which I otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to see on an up close basis.

The major portion of this work began in May 2007. Many hours have been spent not just photographing these creatures, but acutely observing the nuances of their existence. I’ve been able to capture full breeding sequences of Least Terns and Laughing Gulls…the intricacies of which are simply amazing. My wife and I have spent many hours watching Piping Plovers, Least and Common Terns among others, tending to their eggs, feeding their young and recently, watching the youngsters as they’ve developed from beautiful little fluff balls to equally beautiful juveniles. Along with the joy of these observations, we’ve also shared some sad times as we watched youngsters hatch even after their nests had been submerged by seasonally high tides, only to return to the earth hours or days later, most likely due to the stress of their time in the egg. As unfair as it seems, we also know that this is part of nature.

It is my intention to continue this work and to document all of the seasons here.

In the spring, thousands of shorebirds use this beach and a resting and refueling stop on their breeding migration north. Many of these birds breed in the arctic regions and without this beach, it would be much more difficult, if not impossible for them to continue their journey. Again in the fall, these birds descend upon Plymouth Long Beach to rest and refuel for their journey south for the winter. This time however, they have company as their offspring follow behind them on their first ever migration south from the places where they were born. The innate ability to fly thousands of miles mere months after the juveniles come into the world simply amazes me.

Not only is this a vitally important area for shorebirds, waterfowl, waders and sea birds, but others such as the various swallows mass here in the thousands in August in order to gain their strength for the journey south as well.


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With the continued support of the Goldenrod Foundation, my work will continue in the spring of 2008 so that I may chronicle the arrival of the birds which breed here and more fully chronicle the northbound migrants as well.

Plimoth Plantation will be home to a 7 month exhibition titled “Flight Path”, which will detail the importance of this wonderful barrier beach, and show how this and other areas are vitally important to bird migration. Currently, over 80 of the images I photographed last year will be on display. The show also includes expert guest speakers and films, highlighting bird migration and also the struggles which they must endure.

The public opening will be held on May 3 and the show will continue through the end of November. If you’re in the Plymouth area, please stop by…I think that everyone, both young and old would really enjoy this exhibition.

If you'd like to view my other on-line galleries, they can be found at www.pbase.com/soonipi1957

Thanks for stopping by!