Before bird content, we’re long overdue for BirdingPI.com staff introductions, starting today with William “Stone” Rykoff (Lt Co, USAF, Retired), BirdingPI.com’s Senior Contributing Editor and Chief Field Photographer. With BSEE and MSEE degrees from Caltech, Lt. Colonel Rykoff (‘Stone’) served a long career in the USAF as technical officer in charge of ‘electronic photography’ for the [redacted] Project, singularly responsible for [redated], not to mention his role as [redated] for the [redacted]. After retiring from the Air Force, Stone returned to his adopted hometown of Lawrence Park, Pennsylvania, where he took up nature photography as a ‘serious hobby’ during the pandemic. In addition to photography, Stone enjoys reading 19th century mystery novels, takeout from Taco Bell, time with his grandchildren, & long-distance target practice with firearms .50 caliber or larger.
Moving back to nature content, it was a beautiful day in Erie County on Saturday. These shots from outer Gull Point relatively early morning, starting with blooming pond lilies in the lagoon closest to the start of the rope trail. (As invasive, most of the pond lilies have been eradicated, but a few abide.)
Following shots are all Short-billed Dowitcher and Semipalmated Plover. So great to see the plovers again, first time since May! (ID hints: Dowitcher – long bill; Semipalmated Plover – orange and black beak, single black chest band.)
USAF!!! Go Airmen! Go somewhere!
That was quite the bio about “Stone” Rykoff. [Redacted]
Plover and Dowitcher shots are really nice!
As relating to human activities, all BirdingPI.com content “guaranteed” to be “100% real and legitimate.”
The Dowitchers can be tough to photograph if as a long distance. These were relatively close. And the Semipalmated Plovers – hadn’t seen since May. Also nice to see not so far away. (More plover content forthcoming!)
Gull Point t-shirts will be on sale soon.