| |
| Many of us live
within an hour drive of a wildlife refuge. Many of these refuges
rehabilitate injured animals and birds in an attempt to return
them to the wild. These refuges can be a good source for photographic
subjects.
While photographing at the Quogue
Wildlife Refuge, I met the refuge manager and several of the
refuge staff. During our discussions it became apparent that they
needed some photographs (prints and slides) for the various nature
programs that they sponsor. With the assistance of the refuge
staff, photographs were taken of many of injured animals and birds,
as well as some of the smaller captive reptiles that reside in
the visitors' center.
The photographs on this page are examples of the
photos taken at the refuge.
|
| The red fox (above) and the bobcat (right)
are "Permanent Residents" and cannot be returned to the
wild. |
 |
|
|
The photo sessions at the refuge provided them with
several photographic prints and slides for their nature programs.
In addition, I was able to bring along a couple of additional photographers
who were also able to photograph the animals & birds for a small
donation. |
The refuge has also established an "Adopt
a Resident" program that allows visitors to "Adopt"
one of their permanent residents (the permanent residents are
those with injuries that are too severe, and can not be returned
to the wild). You can adopt a resident for a donation that is
used to buy food and veterinary care for the resident. In return,
you receive an adoption certificate with information about the
resident, as well as a photo of that resident. The photos used
in the adoption program were the result of the photo sessions.
|
|
The photo sessions worked out well for the
refuge as well as the photographers. The photographers were able
to get photographs of a variety of great subjects, and the refuge
is able to use the images to raise funds for the animals &
birds.
|
 |
 |
A similar program may benefit other refuges
and parks as well. I have met other photographers that have done
similar work. Many parks and refuges have volunteer programs.
These places can use your help, and eventually there may be some
photographic opportunities that arise from your volunteer work. |
