"3-Day Photography Meet-Up-Shorebirds at Nickerson Beach- Long Island- NY-Tues July 7-Thurs July 9th"
by Kathy Murphy Coordinator
Tuesday , July 7, 2:00 PM


The week after July 4 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday -July 7-9, Kathy Murphy will host a meet up on Long Island for shorebird photography. For those who have never been, it is a real a treat and I can show you the ropes for access and finding your bird-s of choice.

Nickerson Beach is a great place to photograph shorebirds- there is a succession of mating and chicks starting in June with Oystercatchers, Common Terns in July and Black Skimmers in August. We will get to see some chicks although it is not guaranteed to see young chicks. The timing of hatching varies a little each year.

I typically drive down on Tuesday, check in to the hotel and then shoot that evening, both morning and evening the second day, and then Thursday morning before heading back home. By going mid-week, we avoid the worst of the traffic but there are often delays due to construction or high volume at that time of year. Parking at the beach is free from 5:30 PM in the afternoon and before 9:00 AM in the morning. You can shoot until dark in the evening and stay as long as you wish in the morning without any fees.

There are many places to stay in this area- hotels, house rentals, etc. I usually stay at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY. I’m sure you can find alternatives that are less expensive, but I like the convenience of the Marriott. They have a bar and casual restaurant that is open in the evening after we return from the beach. I can also show you our favorite breakfast stop after shooting in the morning -Thomas’ Ham and Eggery, a classic diner with great pancakes.

We can do as much or as little together as desired. I’ll take my cues from you. Anyone who stays at the Marriott can follow me the first time to the beach. It will be nice to have a few of us spotting for chicks. This is not as easy as you might think- there are thousands of birds there. The first time an eagle or a peregrine falcon flushes the birds, you will be awestruck by the magic of Nickerson…

If you would like to go, please let me know by text or email at cell 617 306 6671 or email at kmthephotographer@gmail.com

Hope to see many members join me there.
Thanks Kathy