Almost a month ago I announced that Feathered Photography was “bowing out”. It was my firm intention that it would be a permanent and irrevocable move – for reasons I explained. At some point in the near future, Feathered Photography would be gone from the internet – including all of my old posts.
Primarily for two reasons, I’m modifying that decision.
- Readers keep reaching out to me, primarily via email and private messages, just checking in to say that they miss my posts and the camaraderie generated in the comments by folks who became part of a special community over the last 15 years of Feathered Photography. Those messages have touched my heart and reminded me that I miss the same things. Not that I needed reminding.
- As several have pointed out, search engine results that have to do with bird behaviors often return old Feathered Photography posts in the #1 slot. If not #1, close to it. In my book that’s nature and science education that Feathered Photography is contributing to, as long as it’s active. It goes against the grain of this retired teacher to shut it down completely.
So, I’m going to keep Feathered Photography active for the foreseeable future. And it’s now my intention to publish new posts – not daily, not weekly, not on a schedule of any kind. But only when I feel like it and the opportunity arises. That way, the pressure (admittedly the pressure is self-imposed but it’s there and at times it can be overwhelming) is gone but I can still contribute when I have something worthy to contribute. And I can keep in occasional touch with my blog followers. I’ve missed you guys.
With that thought in mind I recently visited Antelope Island for the first time in months to see what I could find.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 1600, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I didn’t find much, other than this Burrowing Owl that was hunting by hopscotching from one sagebrush to another. Most of the time ‘he’ was looking down but occasionally he’d look back at me to make sure I wasn’t up to no good. Eventually he flew off to the north.
I know that many of my readers, even many of those from out of state, have been to Antelope Island so I thought some of you might be interested in the progress being made on the construction of the new visitor center. It will be five times the size of the old visitor center and cost $13 million. It’s scheduled to open in 2026.
It’s bigger than it looks.
Another look at the new center, from a different angle. I couldn’t help but wonder if the lone bull bison near the center of the photo was acting as a fire lookout, after the devastating wildfire last summer that was reportedly caused by the construction crew.
And now for a change of pace.
Followers of Feathered Photography have become well acquainted with my daughter Shannon’s struggles following a fall in her kitchen that caused a devastating traumatic brain injury ten years ago. So I thought some of you would be interested in another health challenge she’s been dealing with.
She’s been having severe pain in her hips and upper legs for years, pain that numerous doctors thought was caused by an arthritic spine. It turns out they were wrong. Instead, she’d been suffering from arthritic hips for decades. Recently she found out that she needed to have both hips replaced as soon as possible.
So earlier this month Shannon and her husband traveled to NYC to have both procedures done at the same time. The timing was a little ominous because the surgery was done on September 11th only blocks from the site of the Twin Towers but the surgery went well and her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.
This is Shannon on September 14th at a matinee of MJ the Musical (about Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour) at the Neil Simon Theater on Broadway, only three days after having both hips replaced.
They flew home to Las Vegas a week after surgery. I talked to her a couple of days ago and she told me that she’d been walking around her home without the aid of a walker or cane for several days already. She’s still in some pain but it’s manageable. Her biggest inconvenience is having to use some fancy-ass “ice machine” (it doesn’t use ice, it just generates cold) on her hips, four times a day – 20 minutes each hip.
It seems that hip replacement surgery has come a long way recently.
Ron
Coming in late, just saw your “announcement’. So happy to see you back and look forward to whatever you choose to post, and whenever your time allows. I missed your posts immensely.
And so happy to hear of your daughter’s successful surgery. Both hips at the same time – that’s a challenge, don’t think I would want to take that on!
Again, welcome back!!
Phew! So glad you’re back, at least once in a while, Ron. I have never been able to get your email alerts, for some unknown cyber reason, so I have to check your web page every day to see if you’ve posted. It’s worth it. I missed you and your wonderful photography.
So glad you’re back. It would have been too great of a loss of that kind of photographic talent of yours.
So happy to see your post this morning! What a great capture of the owl. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing your stunning bird photography now and again.
Two miracles in one day, the return of Ron and the phenomenal success of Shannon’s double hip replacement. Hurray! Welcome back, Ron!
so glad your keeping your wonderful photos available for folks. Nice to see Shannon, who’s looking good.
Another ‘Lurker’ is glad to see you are back Ron! Also echo the sentiments posted by your followers. I first came across your blog when I was searhing for for information on distinguishing Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles in 2016. (First year as a BLM eagle census taker.) What an eye opener I was in for! Been a follower ever since…Thanx
Amy, that post about distinguishing eagles has been one of my most popular post over the years. At least it was last time I checked, which was a while ago.
I’m so HAPPY to hear from you! I completely understand the “self-inflicted” pressure to stick to a schedule. As you can clearly see, we all miss you.
Wonderful news about Shannon and I’m curious as to what she thought of MJ – I LOVED it!
Thank God! I’ve been in a daze since your announcement. I’m a bird lover and a people lover, missing you and your blogs. I’m sure the rest of your online friends are delighted as well. Welcome back!
Angela
Much appreciated, Angela.
Thank heavens you are back. My mailbox has been missing your emails terribly and your wonderful photos. Thank you, thank you.
It’s only been ayear or so since I came across your blog. It’s been great “seeing” birds that I don’t see, at least the owls I don’t see. It sounds difficult, frustrating, etc to watch the habitat dissolve as you have seen. Now I’m a beginning photographer and hope to be able to look back through your blog for camera setting ideas.
It’s a beautiful resource.
Thanks for all you’ve done to capture and share such beautiful moments.
Thanks, Jean. I didn’t always post my camera settings but I tried to remember to do it most of the time. Thanks for appreciating them. They’re kind of a PITA to include in my posts but I know that some folks like to see them.
Ron,
I’m one of your silent followers and I can honestly say that your post made my day. Good news for us, and you, that you will occasionally have some new posts. I always enjoyed your photos and how you added some insight to the birds’ behaviors. I remember your daughter’s accident and the tough times you had with her recovery. Great news that she’s doing so well after having both hips replaced. Enjoy your days ahead.
Thanks, Chris.
The ten-year anniversary of Shannon’s accident is coming up late next month. They’re planning a big party to celebrate her survival and recovery.
So good to hear from you and to hear Shannon’s good news! I’ve been a “lurker” – reader but mostly not a commenter – for years and it’s a joy to know we’ll hear from you from time to time. The love of birds is a community bond I treasure.
Much appreciated, Becky.
Hey there!
I just found your blog last week, as I’ve been searching for reference photos for an artwork commission [birds in flight, to be put in my friends nursery walls!]. From perusing your incredible catalog of blog posts and stunning photos, I was sad to discover the news of it coming to an end. I am now ecstatically looking forward to journeying through this lovely collection of words and pictures.
Thank you so much for keeping this online!
Best Wishes ~
Ron—This makes me so happy! I have learned so much from your photos and narrative and was crushed when you “closed up shop”…. even though I completely understood. A warm WELCOME BACK from all of us who find such joy in your photographic offerings and marvelous commentary. You are one of a kind…Thank You for reconsidering!! And now just be sure to stick to your guns about setting you own pace and jumping in only when it feels right on your end.
The burrowing owl is wonderful. And your daughter’s good post-surgery news makes me happy for her, and also for you! Thank you, Ron.
Today is a good day.
If Shannon doesn’t know already, tell her the easy way on that ice machine is to freeze 3-4 bottles/jugs of water. What ever will fit in the machine. Then all you need to do is pop a fresh one in, put the used one back in the freezer and you’re ready to roll. No dumping melted ice water or juggling bags of ice. Just rotate your frozen bottles.
YEA! Thanks for coming back but do it at your own pace. I had a feeling you might do just this and treat us with some new images at a more leisurely rhythm. I applaud it as a very wise and welcome choice given the consistently high quality of your pics, observations and commentary.
I certainly wish I’d had Shannon’s surgeon for my two hip replacements done last year. Recovery from both was far slower. Given her history with the brain trauma she must be delighted with the current outcome. Great news.
Jim, she’s pretty happy about her recovery, at least so far. I hope it continues that way.
Good news Ron, both for your daughter’s recovery and your sometimes return to the blog! Your photos are much more informative than most so thanks for keeping them available.
Lee Wilson
Thank you, Lee.
Excellent news all around!
Looking forward to your occasional posts!
Good. Thanks, Jeff.
I admit that I teared up when reading “Feathered Photography Is Bowing Out”, and I teared up again when I saw this in my inbox today! I regret not being one of those readers who reached out – so I can at least speak up now to express my gratitude and delight at your (version of a) return.
With everything going on in the world right now, when I stumbled across this blog a couple of years(?) ago, it felt like a bright spot. Your care for, knowledge about, and appreciation of your feathered (and non-feathered) subjects makes this strikingly different from other photography blogs I’ve browsed in my time. And the additional perspectives in the comments, with names I quickly grew to recognize as I became a regular reader, only add to the sense of community.
I wouldn’t call it escapism, because you don’t shy away from heavy topics – take the previous post, for example! – but maybe this blog has been something of an antidote for me, a reminder that there are still plenty of people out there who are passionate about nature and the environment and want to see it protected for generations to come. So, this is my long-winded way of saying thank you for allowing it to continue to be that bright spot for all of us readers. I hope that it can be a positive thing, rather than a source of pressure, for you too!
(And lastly, I’m very happy to hear that Shannon’s surgery went so well.)
Melanie, knowing me I expect I’ll come back to your comment and read it again, repeatedly, whenever I need a pick-me-up. Thank you very much.
Great photos – owl (very clear), bison & building. Glad to hear that you are back to what you love – but do not run “faster than you have strength”.
As for Shannon – I was going to email you to see how she was doing – and to see how you were doing. She is a beautiful woman – and it is a beautiful thing that all went well – and that she is able to get around.
On another note – I saw a “V” of geese (I think) flying overhead yesterday – and thought of you! Some friends are not to be forgotten.
“Some friends are not to be forgotten.”
I couldn’t agree more, Judy. You and I go back a long way – 55 years to be precise (to when I was student teaching for Ferris Clegg in 1970). And by the way, I used your (original) cookbook again just a few days ago.
I can’t hardly contain my joy! (Imagine an old lady trying to jump up and down.) Whatever you post, and however seldom it may be, we are in your debt – if only there were a way to repay your generosity.
And then such great news about Shannon’s surgery and recovery.
This post has really made my day. How lovely to see your photos and read your story. Thanks so much, Ron.
“Imagine an old lady trying to jump up and down”
Or an old man, Linda. At least this old man. Just the thought of it makes my bones hurt.
I’m so happy to see that you are back! Whatever posting schedule suits you is fine by me. I’m also happy to see Shannon looking so well. Thanks for the update and for keeping your fan club together here online.
Thanks on all counts, Linda.
Oh Joy! This is great news about FP, and even better news about your daughter!
Yay for you keeping in touch with us and giving us a chance to read all the archives, and Yay for Shannon!!
Thanks, Cheryl.
Hello, I am so very happy to see you/your post today. I cannot stop smiling. Beautiful photo of owl, intense look .
I am glad your daughter has found relief for her hips. I wish her only progress.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Ron taking care of Ron, goodness gracious, that’s just fine news. Taking the pressure off while continuing to do what you love on your terms is the only way your appreciators want it to be. AND…beautiful Shannon is better than ever! Perfect.
Thanks, Susan.
So very happy to hear that you’re keeping in the loop…as you feel like it…great decision for all concerned…many thanks to you Ron✅❣️✅ You are certainly appreciated and admired for all you do/have done ❣️ Take great care…live life as you please 🥰
“live life as you please”
I’ve tried to do that for most of my life, Carolyn – to the consternation of some…
Thanks for revisiting the issue I have missed your posts.
Oh. My. Goodness. Well, the best news I’ve had since the bad/sad news you gave us last month! And what a way to rejoin the blogosphere…treating us to a *fabulous* burrowing owl, a look at the new AI visitor’s center (I thought the old one was quite lovely and large enough!) and a very happy update on Shannon and another successful surgery … 🥳
I join all the others in welcoming you back with arms wide open! ❤️
“I thought the old one was quite lovely and large enough!”
To be perfectly honest, so did I, Chris.
I’m so glad to hear this! Have really missed your posts. Your new plans sound healthier and doable. Your posts are always a pleasure – beautiful images and interesting information about bird behavior. Yay!!
Good news about your daughter — hopefully this will make a big change for her. I note that she looks like you but much, much prettier.
Ha, doesn’t take much to be prettier than this old codger!
Love this burrowing owl.
I’m very happy to hear all this good news Ron. Thank you for the update on your daughter; this is wonderful news you’ve shared about her.
Most sincerely, Linda Parlee-Chowns
Thank you, Linda. I couldn’t be more pleased about Shannon’s recovery so far. She feels the same.
Ron, Nice to see your post and hear that you and your daughter are doing much better. I have heard that hip surgery is easier than the knee replacements. Being 81 years young my self hope I don’t have to have hip surgery. I ended up with Sciatica Nerve pain in both legs for 3 years. I am now feeling much better the past couple of months. I will love to see you making more updates on your blog. Have a good fall season.
Trudy, my friend Diane has had multiple hip and knee replacements over the years. She says nowadays new hips are a breeze compared to new knees.
So excited to find you in my mailbox this morning, Ron! 💜 Love seeing Mr. Grumpy keeping an eye on you and the Bison Supervisor keeping an eye on the visitor center construction. Hopefully, there will still be something for those visitors to see once it’s completed.
Best news of all is Shannon! She’s amazing! So glad that she got to see a Broadway show too (something on my Bucket List). Please give her our best. 💜
Marty, I was very pleased to have that bison in the photo. Pretty close to perfect placement for him too.
Wow, good news on so many fronts! Thank you, Ron. So happy to see YOU in email this morning, rather than one more sad comment from one of us fans. 😢. Shannon looks beautiful! Welcome back and take care.
“Shannon looks beautiful!”
Ellen, I’ll grudgingly admit, she probably got that from her mother.
Yayyyyy!!!! Hugs, hugs & more hugs!!! An owl & Shannon – very fitting check-in. Thank you Ron 🤗💕🦉
Glad you enjoyed it, Kathleen. Thanks.
Yayyyy!!!!! Love the Burrowing Owl, and the good news of your daughter!
Thanks, Barbara.
Hi Ron. I’m have been in the “lurker” category for years with regards to Feathered Photography. I have been amazed at the dedication you have exhibited with your site and the science based information you have shared in your posts. Have to admit also, I even like the pretty pictures of birds. Change is good and inevitable but I had concerns that stopping cold turkey what you had created was perhaps not the best course of action. Kudos for taking some time to reevaluate and reimagine a new Feathered Photography. You have added to my daily routine greatly over the years and just wanted to acknowledge that. I hope you continue to share your birding and photography insights well into the future my friend. Gary.👍
Thanks, Gary. Hearing from you always brings back fond memories from long ago of our time together on NPN. I always considered you to be one of the good guys over there.
What a lovely and unexpected surprise. I used to happily start my day with your post and I’ve so missed it. Thank you for making my day. So glad your daughter is doing well.
Good news all around, missed your posts, and happy to hear your daughter is doing well.
Thank you, Jeremy.
Ron,
Oh I am so happy to read your update!!! Bravo for continuing for the sake of science education and etc!
I had a friend who was told this and that for years about leg pain–turned out a new hip resolved the issue. Good for Shannon.
I have never posted except for a couple of times. But I have very much missed your photos and commentary. Best, Laura
So happy you are keeping the blog going! I really like your tech nerd posts. They are helped me a lot on certain things.
Take Care!
Welcome back to all of us. And cheers for Shannon.
Thanks, Sallie.
Ron – as one of many who have contacted you to see how you were doing I am glad to see you back. I think that is an excellent idea to just post when something interesting comes up. Lots of unneeded pressure in doing an every day post. Sad news that Shannon had to have those surgeries, but good news that she is doing so well in
her recovery. Love the owl.
Thanks, Everett. You were one of the few to know that I was considering posting again.
The owl was worth the trip! Shannon is one tough women; glad it all went so well. Plus, happy to see you back, my morning coffee missed you.
Jo, my morning coffee missed you guys too!
Was happy to see your post and that we will hear from you at times! No pressure, just when you are so moved. 😊 Loved the owl and the wonderful news on Shannon.
Thank you, Laurie.
I’ve missed a lot! But for good reason. 🙂 I am graduating this December from The University of New Mexico with my BA in History. I’m 64. One of my deepest regrets has been not finishing college (graduated HS in ‘79.) I can take that off my bucket list in a mere seventy-five days.
Professor, I’m so glad FP will be still here. 🙂
Congrats on a huge accomplishment, Arwen!
Congratulations, Arwen! Woo Hoo! 💜🌈💜
Congratulations, Arwen, that is a wonderful accomplishment!
Great news all around, Ron! Nature and Science Education thank you for your decision to maintain your archives – new additions gladly accepted, whenever!🤗
Lone bison in the midst of that construction is a little unsettling.
Fabulous about Shannon. The stories from my friends re hip replacements are so amazing, although no one has braved both at the same time. Wishing her all the best.
Thank you for Burrowing Owl on Sagebrush!
Carolyn, I’ll admit that I feared that Shannon hadn’t made the best decision when she chose to have them both done at the same time. I shouldn’t have worried.
This is great news on both fronts. I was so happy to see Feathered Photography in my inbox this morning.
Ron, I just posted to this blog a few moments ago, but somehow missed your previous blog on why you were planning to end the blog.
I just want to add how much I appreciate and agree with your sentiments about the development and destruction of natural areas, not just because of the effects on birds, but all the rest of the biota.
I don’t know if anything can stop or even slow the juggernaut blasting across this country, but I guess we should try.
At least we need to try and find the remaining spots and enjoy them while we can.
I hear you about the physical challenges! I’m an 84-year old retired biology prof, and I sure don’t get out to photograph the way I want to. At least I get out some with one of my former students ( from 40+ years back!) here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Even though he is a Canon user and I am Nikon!!!
Again, wishing you the very best.
It’s discouraging, isn’t it Tony.
Keeping in contact with some of my former students is one of the joys of my life.
For sure! Many of my Facebook friends are former students.
I am **so** happy! to see your post ~ I have missed seeing them and knowing there might be new ones and that the old ones will be available is terrific news. Shannon’s recovery from double hip surgery sounds miraculous.
Thank you, Nancy.
So glad to have you back Ron even on a limited basis ! You have been missed by a lot of people !! How’s the level of the lake ?
Yay,yay,yay! So delighted that you’re reconsidering the retirement of FP -it’s the best thing on the internet and the birds need every advocate they can get! Thanks for the update on Shannon. She’s a trooper, and the nuts don’t fall far from the (Dudley family) tree. Looking forward to the next post, my friend!
“the nuts don’t fall far from the (Dudley family) tree”
You’ve got the “nut” part right Diana, at least as it pertains to me. 🙂
Im happy you’re back on! I have been a ghostly beneficiary of your photos and comments since the lockdown. I will look forward to going to the new visitors’ center in May of 2026 when I come for a U law school graduation. I’ve never been to Antelope Island, but won’t miss it this time. Thank you for sharing your creative mind with all of us! All the Best,
Meg
Ron, I just want to let you know that I have enjoyed your posts for many years. While I hope you continue to post, I hope you do so ONLY if you get enjoyment from it. Even the best of things can become jaded over the years, and as attitudes about photography, life, etc. continue to evolve.
Regardless of posting, keep enjoying birds and the outdoors. Both are therapeutic and greatly enhance life in general.
Cheers!
Not to worry, Tony. I’m just selfish enough to quit if I’m not enjoying it.
What a fantastic surprise to see a notification of a FP post this morning, and some really great news. So happy that we’ll not only have the archive around for a while, but also an occasional update from you.
And in one post you reminded me of many of the aspects I enjoy about your blog – a beautiful bird photo with some narrative, news of your neck of the woods, and an update on your family (great to hear Shannon is doing well).
Thanks for brightening my day, Ron!
Welcome back. Your blog was a tremendous help when I began photography because I could see the settings and hear you teach about how you took the photos. I’m happy to know that your site will remain up forever. I’m also very much looking forward to any of your new posts.
Thanks, Dan. Your second sentence means a lot to me.
Good to have you back! Glad for Shannon.
Had to do a double take… So happy to see you in my inbox! I think I speak for a few that we will take whatever we can get from you. So happy your daughter is out pain and doing so well.
Take care and hope to hear from you soon😊
“Had to do a double take”
Made me smile, Diana.
Welcome back! Resuming on an “as I feel like it basis” is wonderful. Love the owl shot, and delighted for your daughter.
“Resuming on an “as I feel like it basis” is wonderful.”
Maybe a little selfish of me but I think it just might work. Thanks, Burrdoo.
I am so glad you have returned! Your posts were such a bright spot for me, and though I understand your reasoning for ending them, it is wonderful that you have returned on a sensibly modified basis. An errant, not frequent visitor, and the more welcome for that. Thanks.
“a sensibly modified basis”
That’s how I look at it, Kate. I probably should have made the change earlier.
So happy to see your post this morning. Beautiful burrowing owl!
I’m also really happy that you are not fully retiring Feathered Photography!
Congratulations to Shannon on getting a proper diagnosis and on her super-fast recovery.
Thanks, Sharon. We still don’t understand how so many doctors missed an accurate diagnosis for so long.
Ron– I can’t tell you how happy it made me to see “Feathered
Photography” on my inbar line-up this morning ! Like Judy, I’ve
had a knee-jerk reaction, almost every day, to look for it, and
just resigned myself to hoping that you were enjoying your
freedom from being tethered……however often the “spirit moves
you ” in the future, I’ll be appreciative to see the results ! I know
a number of folks who’ve had hip replacements in recent years,
but Shannon’s results sound to be the most spectacular-I’m so happy for her !
Thank you, Kris. It’s good to be back, even though I won’t be posting often.
Glad you decided to keep posting, even if on a relaxed schedule. Your posts have taught me a lot about birds, and about photography. And we need wide-awake observers like you in the world!
Glad you are back. I have missed your posts. If the posts are sporadic, so be it, I will take what I can get.
Thank you, Connie.
YES!!! So happy you made this decision. It is a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy horizon.
“I didn’t find much, other than this Burrowing Owl…” That is more than enough. A happy photo.
That visitor center looks huge. Mixed feelings about that.
That daughter of yours is a real trooper. She is an inspiration. well wishes to her and the whole family.
This post represents a life well lived in every way. Thank you.
Thanks, Michael. I’m pretty damn proud of Shannon. A “real trooper” is a good way to describe her.
So good to see you back !
I haven’t been much on “comments” but I did miss seeing your posts . So good that Shannon is doing well .
Thanks, Laurel. You likely won’t see me posting often but I do intend to have an occasional presence.
Welcome back! So happy to see you. “Don’t hide your light under a bushel basket,” my mom used to say. I’m glad you’re tossing yours. That owl photo is spectacular. L
Thanks, Marcia. I’m old enough to remember what those old bushel baskets used to look like.
I’m so happy for your daughter’s miraculous recovery.
What wonderful news. And to start your revival with the best photo of a burrowing owl I’ve ever seem — awesome.
Kent
Glad you like the Burrowing Owl photo, Kent. Thank you.
YES! 🙂 I have still automatically been looking for your post in the mornings…. Glad Shannon’s surgery seems to have gone well and, hopefully, will provide permanent relief for her…… 🙂 Mixed feelings about Antelope Island center…..
“Mixed feelings about Antelope Island center”
Me too, Judy. “Progress”, I guess.
What a pleasant surprise to find FP in my inbox this morning! And man, what great news about Shannon’s surgery and recovery. She looks fabulous, and I am amazed that just 3 days after double hip replacements she was able to sit in a theater seat for several hours. Years (many) ago when my mom had hip replacements, she always had to spend several weeks not bending the hip at all, sitting on a tall stool on the unoperated hip with the other leg as vertical as possible. Great advances, indeed!
Thanks, Sue. Shannon’s surgeon has an impressive reputation, apparently well deserved.
Delighted to have you back, Ron. And thanks for the Shannon update, too.
Thank you, Dan.
Yay! Welcome back. Fantastic news about Shannon. I also heard of your contributions to the new wildlife center. Kudos.
Thanks, Brett. Those “contributions” aren’t official, yet.
I hope this means your stunning photography will be hanging on the walls, bringing awe to all.