A day I hoped wouldn’t come.
I published the first edition of Feathered Photography over 13 years ago, on August 18, 2010. For the first several months I only published posts sporadically but beginning in December of 2012 I began a daily publishing schedule. I stuck to that schedule with rare exceptions, such as when I flew to Florida to be with my daughter Shannon after her traumatic brain injury or when I didn’t have internet service on camping trips.
Unfortunately, my daily publishing schedule is about to change. In fact, you may have noticed that it already has.
For a variety of reasons, birds and other wildlife are becoming increasingly scarce. Around here those reasons include anthropogenic climate change, the disappearing Great Salt Lake, avian influenza (HPAI), out of control development (I call it “development on steroids”) and what I consider to be mismanagement of our natural resources by federal, state and local agencies such as US Forest Service, Utah State Parks and Murray City Parks.
I could keep posting daily but I refuse to sacrifice the quality of Feathered Photography by posting run-of-the-mill photos, whether they be ‘pretty bird pictures’ or photos documenting behaviors. And to be perfectly honest, I look forward to some relief from the self-imposed pressure to post daily, with birds and other wildlife becoming increasingly difficult to find.
I’ll post when I can, when I think I have something of quality and/or value to offer. How often that will be, I just don’t know. Hopefully, with the changing of the seasons, birds will soon become more prevalent and I’ll be able to resume a posting schedule that more closely resembles what we’re all accustomed to.
I figured subscribers to Feathered Photography and other loyal blog followers deserve to know what’s going on. I hope you’ll stick with me through the slow times.
Ron
I too will be here whenever the stars align for you to do what you do so well. Like you and so many others I am upset by the declining number of birds and other wildlife and the certain knowledge that this situation will only get worse. Hopefully this will only serve to make me work harder to fight the good fight to mitigate the damage we do.
I’ve been with you for a long time and I’m not leaving – I’ll be here whenever you post. I may be a tad late looking in on you, but I’ll always be around unless I pass. Hey, I’m 87 so no one really knows what tomorrow will bring, but if I’m here I will always check in!!
I have loved your shots and I am just as concerned as you and others about the dwindling species. At my age I have seen the species become less and less – very disheartening and it makes me pessamistic about the future for what my children and grandchildren will experience.
Stay healthy. – Dick
Ron, I am so heartbroken that our wildlife is disappearing and there doesn’t seem a solution or even awareness by most of the public. I’m am finding this every where I go. My photo workshops keep getting more difficult because of the lack of wildlife. I totally understand your reasoning and will miss your daily posts. But I’ll look forward to when you do post!
Ron, your retirement from the regular posting of your photography, knowledge, tenderness and humor is indeed a loss, made more profound by the reasons why. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Great Salt Lake and environs through your blog and I look forward to future posts, whenever you feel the inspiration. I thank you kindly for sharing yourself with us!
In addition to wonderful photos and great tidbits on the natural world, the way you write about your experiences in the field allows me to pretend I’m there with you…sharing the highs and the irritations. It’s a companionable sort of experience. And your followers add to that feeling. You’re giving a great deal and creating a little virtual community at the same time. Thanks so much and I look forward to your posts whenever they arrive. Pat
Oh, Ron. I have just been rereading Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac. Your and Leopold’s comments on nature, human mismanagement, and the wonder of the wild have sustained me through my own observations of habitat loss (such as the vanished killdeer that used to nest in our pastures) and reflections on environmental changes. I love Utah, but I fear our travel councils and hotel industries see only dollar signs and ignore the true heart of what our state is. May you continue to find hidden treasures with your camera and with your heart.
Thanks for all your hard work over the years posting daily. Quite a feat to do that and I have enjoyed. So many have shared some of what I would of said. It will be fun when your future posts pop up and will bring a smile to my face. Take care.
I have been absent for awhile (quite awhile) from the FP comment section but I’ve been keeping tabs off and on while sorting through my own personal (and rather indefinable) dysphoria …. I just wanted to pop in now to tell you I have always deeply appreciated your way with a camera (all your cameras!), with wildlife (especially raptors), and with words, your special gifts that have allowed all of us to explore the territory with you and revel in—or rage at—the world around us.
While I do hope your energy for this work will soon be restored, I also know that that “world around us” is currently in dire straits and it might be awhile. Sometimes taking a break is the only answer. Take good care of yourself, Dr. Dudley! ♥️
Ron: I will keep looking out for your next post. Out of so many bird photos and stories that appear daily – yours stand out.
Thanks so much for all I’ve learned about birds and other wildlife from you. Birds and especially butterflies have been far fewer this year in Wisconsin but we’ve been blaming that on our unusual extreme drought. There’s little else I can do but echo everyone else’s world of appreciation and support for you your decision. You have been a a gift to your followers. Unexpected and infrequent future gifts are something to look forward to from you.
Oh my, offering a heartfelt thank you Ron from me, one of your long time appreciative and grateful forever followers. You have always set the standard. Looking forward to see what develops…
From early February 2013 through the first week of May of this year I set myself the task of walking the same small patch of floodplain along an otherwise unremarkable seasonal river that bisects the city where I have lived for the last 50 years. I spent an average of three hours walking the 3 hectares each time. I did this weekly so it amounted to nearly 600 walks totaling over 2000 hours.
My agenda was simple. I took an average of 50-75 digital images and made a journal entry of each visit including notes and sketches of whatever captured my attention. I made an audio recording each time out and occasionally guided others—adult groups, college classes and elementary and middle school groups—around the site.
My goal in 2013 was to do this for at least ten years just to see what I might. I was not disappointed. I’ve seen plenty of large and uncounted numbers of small wonders to last a lifetime.
To my dismay, late in April—ten years and two months into this self-imposed routine—my arthritic lower back and hips threw in the proverbial towel. Walking on a sidewalk more than a few steps became a major challenge. Walking the uneven ground of my floodplain “nature reserve” was impossible. I haven’t been back since.
For some weeks I felt a similar sadness to what you have articulated here. But after a time that edge softened. I find that reflecting on all the bits of magic my ten years carefully attending to one small patch of nature revealed to me is almost as rewarding as those weekly jaunts.
One day—after both hip joints get swapped out—I am thinking I will get back out and resume my informal natural history rambling. In the meantime paging through my journals, looking at pictures and listening to sounds captured on corresponding days takes me right back to those times.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every posting you’ve created. I can’t begin to imagine doing it as a daily routine as you have done. My hat is off to you and I will continue to look forward to whatever you can manage going forward. Once a week or once in a blue moon I will be watching.
Ron, I have so appreciated your posts for the short time I have been following you. I totally understand the frustration with all that’s happening outdoors now, so will patiently wait for every post that you choose to provide in the future. Hopefully conditions improve.
Also, I drove through the valley to Orem last weekend, then up the canyon a couple times, and frankly, I don’t know how you deal with all that traffic! I know you get out early, but your return trips must be frustrating!!
Thanks again for all the great photos and education you have provided, and I look forward to what you will find in the future.
Best wishes –
Quentin
Thanks for all the kind, supportive comments everyone. They’re appreciated, probably more than you can imagine.
Thanks for your heads-up – all of us appreciate your candor and your philosophy of life.
You have both entertained and informed us and we look forward to that continuing, albeit at a reduced frequency.
The World is in a sorry state and it is likely to get worse before it gets better. It is not as though we don’t know what and why it is so and how to redress the situation……..
We have also noticed in our travels, and with meticulous record keeping over decades, the huge decline in numbers and diversity of wildlife around the planet. The accumulating data sets show it is real, not just a perception.
Until we meet again, online if not in person, best wishes from New Zealand
I will be happy when you can post again. Maybe a respite will deepen all our perspectives.
I’m sitting here with tears on my face because this is so heartbreaking, not only because it’s so hard for you and your devoted followers, but also because of how thoroughly it highlights how much trouble we’re in on this planet. In my birding classes, I have often gently teased about not saying that a certain bird is “Just a …” to indicate its common status. It’s no longer a joke, and I now say, “Appreciate every bird because we don’t know how long we’ll have it.” I have always strongly encouraged birders to follow your blog and to learn from you how to really “see” and appreciate nature. What a gift you have given us. Please bless us with your incredible photography and insights when you can. Thank you.
I will be sad not to be able to read your posts; I have kept up reading though not responding as I once did. I have learned a great deal from your posts especially about raptors. I think I understand the frustration you feel because I have sensed the difference in my area.,,and I don’t do the fantastic work you do. But I see a decline in birds that were abundant and frequent …I spotted my first Kestrel of this entire year two days ago. I was both elated and saddened. Not a single rough-Legged Hawk last winter or spring, I have not spotted a single ‘Gray Ghost’ all year…and I could go on with the decrease with certain songbirds. It is a sad state of affairs but sadly those in authority do not or won’t see the problem. In some ways I fear Rachel Carson’s ‘ Silent Spring’ is rearing its ugly head. I will continue to monitor your website for further postings…
Ron,
I’m sorry to hear the birds are more scarce. I see that too here in SW Oregon. In any case, I applaud you decision to relax your schedule to fit your needs and high standards. Fewer posts will make each one more precious.
Not sure I can add much – I agree with other comments, especially regarding the sad state of humans and our lack of care for the world and environment in which we live. I can understand how your decision would be depressing.
Like others, I value your photos, education, and commentary. And I certainly will stick with you whenever you do post. Thank you for all you do.
Duane.
Well HELL! 🙁 Sad tho not totally surprised I guess with your ongoing comments about the lack of birds…… I’m going nowhere and hopeful we will continue to hear from you from time to time. Your posts are always uplifting and educational for me.
It’s hard to see the changes we have caused on this planet. There are several birds I once required my students to learn because they were so common. Many of those I seldom see now. Your posts have always been a refreshing look beyond the human impacts and your standards and ethics make them all the better.
I’ve admired your ability to make daily post, especially of such high value. I don’t know that I could do something everyday like you have done. We all look forward to seeing whatever you wish to post and whenever that is. It need not be daily to bring great value into our lives.
Through FP I have come to know and admire someone I now call my friend and I thank you for that opportunity. Perhaps, one day, we will have the chance to meet in-person. Refresh yourself in these pauses and look for the better days as they show themselves from time to time.
Of course we understand. And will mourn and rage with you and celebrate those days you have something you consider worthy of posting.
Hey Ron
I hear you loud and clear…..a portion of our species is hellbent on destruction it seems. Some days it’s a heaviness that overwhelms me.
I read of the changes of the Great Salt Lake and it is chilling, to say the least. …and where will all those birds go when that lake is no more??? It breaks my heart, as I know it does yours.
I appreciate so much all I have learned from your posts and being a raptor geek, your photos always make me swoon 😉
Please know how very appreciated you are by so many for your art and your environmental advocacy and your educator self.
You are a gem! And whenever you post, I will be grateful…
Take the best care, Karina
Many short sighted community leaders and corporate fat cats…. that’s why we can’t have nice things, right? The Davis County corridor is a perfect example of the prevalent level of wildlife dismissal. I have learned all my photography ethics from you. Thank you for being thought provoking and educationally committed to the wildlife. Thanks for writing well and sharing your vast experience and knowledge. I will be checking daily after MY back physical therapy. Best wishes, Suzanne McDougal
Sad news indeed.
What I can say is, you were, are, and will always be an example for me, not only in the field of photography but also and more importantly as a human being, and nothing will change that.
Of course I will miss reading your posts every day, but on the other hand the expectations will be greater when a new one appears.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns with us.
The birds and animals need people like you to keep nature in the forefront of our minds. Otherwise big industry like MMM on the GSL will continue in their ways. I will look forward to whatever you can muster up to post and pray that you won’t give up entirely. Stay with us my friend !!!!
Though I look at your posts daily, I haven’t replied before. I’m sad and shocked to hear how the numbers and variety of birds around Salt Lake are diminishing, though it comes as no surprise. Thank you, not only for the beautiful photos but for the education that goes along with them in your posts. I’ll look forward to the days you do have something to share.
Yes it is looking more grim every day! I hope to keep hearing from you from time to time but understand all reasoning in your post. Seems we have to drive farther every month to find wildlife in natural settings. You know I have been complaining bitterly and trying to email and phone agencies when I see such change. Falls on deaf ears, money speaks louder.
I thank you your years of sharing – your fantastic photos, insights and suggestions for improving photographs – successes and challenges, model ethics, fascinating stories, insights into bird behavior and biology, and of course the humanity that shines in your posts. As a friend of mine once told me when my sons left for college and I was missing their energy and our traditions — “Yup, your old traditions are gone — won’t it be fun to start some new ones!” …. I still hope to see some occasional posts that you just can’t help posting!
I’m relieved this break is not due to health issues.
btw I’ve caught up since the last time you had to take a break. 🙂
Post whenever you like and as always, thank you for letting us readers know.
The birds will be back. Just keep a weather eye out for them.
I’m sure there are places where they’re thriving somewhere far away from human interference.
I think a lot of us are experiencing the same thing – less birds, in particular less raptors. Around here it’s probably the result of climate change due to global warming and avian flu. Sometimes I don’t even download my memory card. Please post now and then to , at least, let us know how you’re doing.
Good morning Ron, you will never be forgotten & I totally understand your reasons. I will check every day for your posts as they are so meaningful to me & others. The bird sightings here in the Kootenays are getting less & less! Only a few Mallards, some Canada Geese and the occasional Great Blue Heron are my sightings. Take care Ron.
Ron, it’s only 8 am PST, and you’ve got 27 comments already. My guess is you’ll be seeing a bunch more with a similar theme – sadness at the destruction of the natural world you document, thanks for the amazing work you have produced and shared over the years, and friends in the background ready to open any FP email that arrives in our inboxes. Your sabbatical will be tolerable for us if we still have access to your archived posts. Enjoy your rest. I’ll be thinking of Utah and following news of your challenges there.
We will love every new bird photo that comes our way from you, and treasure every bird we see.
. We all face a sadness in Earth’s future. It’s not the world we knew anymore.
Ron, it is too bad that the impacts on your local wildlife spots are becoming so intense. I have always admired your dedication to daily articles, and I know how hard that must have been. I will, of course, still follow you and look forward to learning more from you.
Ron, better than I expected. When I first read the intro my first thought was the back. I thought maybe a post surgery set back. So taking that into consideration – not so bad what you are announcing. We will all wait to see what you do come up with and can tolerate a few mornings with no FP greeting. Really respect your high standards. It would be easy to just send us whatever you can come up with. I think we all respect your decision and can live with it.
No pressure from me Ron, I enjoy looking at your postings whenever. When I was young I thought federal agencies like BLM, US Forest Service, etc. could turn on a dime with changing user expectations and updated science, now however I doubt these agencies can change at all.
You should enjoy this blog, not feel pressured by it.
FWIW, your posts about the R5 were so instructive that I now have one and love it, weird behaviors and all. Had it not been for you talking about the periodic freezing, I would have panicked during a pelagic trip when mine did just that. Turn it off, pop the battery, put the battery back in, and return to photographing (probably albatrosses because there can never be enough photos of albatrosses).
I will look forward to your posts, when they arrive with their beautiful images and great technical information. I’m also interested in how you’re doing. I’ve been following you for a lot of years now. You take care of yourself.
Catherine, it helped to elevate my attitude this morning to read that the forewarning I provided about the R5 freezing up was useful to you. Thanks for telling that story.
Just from reading your blog and viewing your photos I can say that your an amazing educator and artist. You, also are a person of great worth due to your advocacy for the environment and the other people, who like you , advocate to cherish and save what we have.
Take Care,
Kaye
I SO agree with Kaye and look forward to your published blogs, however often they arrive in my inbox. I continue to learn wonderful things about birds and photography from your wealth of wisdom!
Not your I meant “you are”
I will be here. I have learned a lot about photography and bird behavior from you and I look forward to future posts. I also empathize with your position as a witness to the decline of bird populations. Very depressing to see repeated evidence of the negative effect of human activity on wildness. I’ve admired your discipline to keep up a daily, high-quality blog lasting years & years. Take a pause, take a break, come up for air. Thank you so very much. I will stay tuned. 🦉
Oh, gosh. Well Ron it’s a sad state of affairs, isn’t it, that we’ve done so much damage to our home. I too have noticed, many hundreds of miles away from you, that we see fewer species and fewer birds. I’m nearly ecstatic when I see a few turkeys together here, or the occasional flicker or hear the whip-poor-will at night. I understand the need for less pressure on a daily basis – getting old is just something we have to acknowledge and deal with the best way we can. Boy I’ll miss seeing your email every day. Imagining what you saw and did when you were out so early just comes naturally because you write so well. Aren’t we lucky, we followers, to have the luxury of looking back into your archives. Thank you for all you’ve given us and will continue to give as the occasion arises. I hope you find your spare time satisfying and peaceful. I’ll be looking for the next post!
So sad, the same greed took over the island I grew up on. Thanks for all of the info that you share. Especially the right way to take bird photos. I don’t trust a lot of the pics I see except for yours and a very few others.
“I don’t trust a lot of the pics I see except for yours and a very few others.”
Thanks for that, Jo. It put a spring in my step on an otherwise depressing day.
You, the person, have influenced my photography in many ways, Ron. For that, thank you.
Whether you publish your work online or not, knowing that such people with integrity exist will provide hope for all those you continue to touch.
You fans, which includes me, selfishly hope you will continue to show us glimpses of nature as you see it. We will all be here when that happens.
Nature connects us all.
I’ve learned so much and enjoyed your art. I’ll be happy to tune in whenever you post.
I always have looked forward to your posts Ron and am so happy you are yet continuing them based on subject availability. Your posts are always interesting to me, thank you.
I have been enjoying your post & photographs for many many years. I would never have had the pleasure of viewing so many high quality photos of birds, if it was not for you, as I live in New York City. I do, and will always appreciate any posts you send, whenever you send them. Thank you for allowing me to share your stunning pics!
I have been amazed at your dedication to get out every day as you have done. So I sure understand your slowing down in that regard and your reasons for it make it real clear that unfortunate changes are taking place and harming the things we love. Keep on keepin’ on!
It’s a tough decision, but in my opinion, the right decision. Sorry we live in a world where your photographic subjects are on the decline. When are we and our politicians going to pay attention to the canary in the coal mine? You (and Mia and Jim and many other superb photographers) sure are doing your part to raise awareness. I look forward to all the superb shots you will continue to share. Thank you.
As the saying goes for those who await someone important to them, “We will keep the light on for you.” Enjoy your respites!
Gee Ron
That was a depressing way to start my day.
Yet, I get it. The sprawl has been getting to me as well. It’s not my valley, my city, my canyon, my mountains anymore.
Hang in there.
By the way cool back x rays.
Doug
“It’s not my valley, my city, my canyon, my mountains anymore.”
That’s exactly how I feel, Doug. I wish I’d thought to put it that way in my post.
Oh….Ron…….sadly , I do understand. It will take a miracle to turn
things around, environmentally–a miracle which would awaken
our species as to what they have to do, and to stop doing–it’s no
mystery, but the will just doesn’t seem to be there. I hope that the change of season -and migration–will bring some solace to you
( and me, and to all of us like-minded and sorrowing folks ).
I understand. Even when I visit your local pond, birds are few and even the squirrels have left the park side of the pond.
I/we have always “enjoyed” your post and will continue to,
Wishing You & “Our Birds/Critters/Country” The Best!
Take care,
CJ
Ron,
Your decision is well reasoned. I suspect that you might find this respite will be welcomed and bring more enjoyment to your work.
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this. Rest assured that I will be looking forward to your next post, whenever that will be. I’m willing to bet that all the rest of the folks who follow you feel the same.
Michael
When I saw the post title, my first worry was that something had taken a turn with regard to your back. I’m glad to see that that’s not the case, although climate change is a larger (and in many ways scarier) beast. I’ll continue to enjoy the high-quality photography here regardless of how often a new post rolls in.
That was my first thought as well! So glad to have been wrong.
The whole world is becoming harder to take . I look forward to your pictures and prose and my hope is you will still find the natural places that you love and share when it pleases you. I will be waiting to see your notices of posts to come and hope you find some peace in your sabbatical.
Tough times, indeed. I will be happy to see Feathered Photography whenever it arrives in my inbox! 🙂
I once asked a flower-photographer I greatly admire how it was that he regularly posts such splendid, high quality images. His response? “I only post the good ones.” It’s an approach I understand. It would be wonderful if you had such a surfeit of subjects that daily posting was a joy, but just like the tides, subjects come and go. We’ll appreciate what arrives in our inbox when it comes.