Photography by Michael Bonkowski

Pirates Cove Custom Carolina Shootout, Day 2

2009-07-25T22:13:00.007-04:00

So I'm here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina working on a few photography projects. One of which involved a day aboard the boat Hunter during the 6th Annual Carolina Custom Shootout Tournament at Pirates Cove Marina. This charity event is produced by the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Dare County's boat building heritage by actively supporting the students and families within its community.

It was a slow day, however I did get one opportunity to photograph this White Marlin. Nothing great about the shot, but considering this is only the second billfish I've ever photographed I'm happy to have it.

npr, All Things Considered, July 12, 2009

2009-07-15T23:24:00.005-04:00

On May 19th, I blogged about a Ruddy Turnstone and a Red Knot feeding on horse crab eggs on the Jersey side of the Delaware Bay. I was aware that the Red Knot populations have been decreasing since 1990; however I wasn't aware it's now a candidate species under the Endangered Species Act. Click here to read the story.

Terrapin's in the Road

2009-07-02T00:20:00.006-04:00

If you're traveling to the Jersey Shore this weekend, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for Terrapins in the roadway. These links, between mainland and the barrier islands, are a growing threat to Diamondback Terrapins. In 2004 researchers from the Wetlands Institute began to install temporary barrier fencing along the coastal causeways, in an attempt to reduce road mortality of nesting terrapins in areas known to be major “kill zones.” While this has reduced terrapin mortality, on average, approximately 84 percent, not all of the causeways have barrier fencing. To read more about Terrapin Conservation at the Wetlands Institute, head here!

While this female wasn't on the causeway, she was hanging out in the middle of a dirt road at one of the wildlife refuges. She was more than willing to allow me to snap a few shots before heading back to the water.

Rolling Through

2009-06-02T20:27:00.006-04:00

I received a phone call about a storm which was making its way across New Jersey. I headed out to the tidal ponds to intercept. Kind of felt like a storm chaser, for the moment anyway. The storm didn't brew into anything spectacular, but I did walk away with a few images I'm happy with.

Feisty Fella

2009-05-19T19:19:00.001-04:00

The migration North, to the breeding grounds in the Arctic, brings a variety of shore birds to the Delaware Bay. It serves as a stopover to feed on an important food resource, horseshoe crab eggs. This fella, a Ruddy Turnstone, wasn’t too pleased to have this Red Knot searching for eggs so close. Red scurried away after Ruddy tried to look for eggs on its head.

Simple Shoot

2009-05-13T18:01:00.001-04:00

I headed down to Cape May point again, to shoot the light house at first light. I later made my way down the beach when I came across this American Oystercatcher who was more than willing to pose for the camera.

Hatchlings

2009-05-12T17:45:00.004-04:00

I visited Cape May Point to scope out some locations for upcoming shoots. While I was at the Cape May Light House I had an opportunity to capture some images of this Mute Swan and her young. The little guy on the right was obviously looking for some attention.

Like Plucking Fish from a Barrel

2009-05-09T22:17:00.006-04:00

As most of you know the weather hasn't been cooperating, heavy rains were making it nearly impossible to shoot wildlife. Wednesday was a little better, with overcast skies. I was itching to shoot, but I only had an hour before I had to be on the road. So I headed into the tidal ponds.

At first it seemed like the wildlife was still hunkered down from the storm the night before. But then a Great Egret flew right over my head and into the pond behind me. This was definitely the hot spot and this Egret made it look easy, like plucking fish from a barrel. I shoot for a solid hour before the sky opened up and it started to rain. Guess my hour was up anyway.

Imaged captured with Nikon D3, 500AFS

DJ Bishop

2009-05-06T20:45:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago I photographed a wedding and met DJ Bishop from DJ’s Available Sound and Light. I took some photographs of Bishop and sent them his way. Next thing I know, I was blogged. It was because this awesome post that I decided myself to start blogging. Thanks Bishop!

Image captured with Nikon D3, 24-70AFS

Fashion Show Transportation

2009-05-06T11:27:00.017-04:00

I had an opportunity to work with Bob Schiavo from Albert’s Transportation (http://www.albertstransportation.com/) during Our Lady of Good Counsel’s (http://www.olgcnj.org/) 51st Annual Fashion Show at the Merion (http://www.themerion.com/). Bob’s a classy guy and runs a top notch full service transportation company. Whether you transportation needs are for business or pleasure Bob's the guy to call (800.804.0015).

Image captured with Nikon D3, 24-70AFS

Mayra & Armando

2009-05-05T18:17:00.003-04:00

Video

Splash

2009-04-23T22:58:00.017-04:00

C Therapy made its splash in the Outer Banks not long ago and I had the distinct pleasure of photographing this beauty out on the water for Corolla Bait & Tackle and Outer Banks Charter Fishing. Bookings have begun, so be sure to give Keith a call at 252.453.9500 to reserve your trip. You can also visit them at http://www.corollabaitandtackle.com/.

Image captured with Nikon D3, 70-200