Scott Flaherty Photography

Scott Flaherty Photography Photography of Scott Flaherty.

Local Fisherman Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio As I was wrapping up my morning below Griggs Dam, one of the local fish...
02/09/2026

Local Fisherman
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

As I was wrapping up my morning below Griggs Dam, one of the local fishermen stepped into the river and settled into the quiet flow. The mix of warm light, slow water, and the rhythm of casting created a calm scene that fits perfectly with the character of this stretch of the Scioto River.

Anglers are a constant presence here — sharing the space with herons, egrets, osprey, and the rest of the wildlife that moves through the corridor. It’s a reminder of how much activity happens along the river at first light, and how people and wildlife often intersect in the same places.

Sony A1 II • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0× TC

Turkey Vulture Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio Conservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulation Trend: Stable and wi...
02/09/2026

Turkey Vulture
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable and widespread across North America

Turkey Vultures are masters of effortless flight, riding thermals with almost no wing-beats. Their broad wings, slight dihedral, and steady glide make them one of the most efficient soaring birds in North America. Capturing one overhead below Griggs Dam highlights the structure, feather detail, and subtle control that define their flight.

Despite misconceptions, Turkey Vultures play a critical ecological role. Their highly specialized sense of smell allows them to locate carrion, helping maintain healthy ecosystems by removing decaying material and reducing the spread of disease. Seeing them along the Scioto River corridor underscores the importance of intact riparian habitat in central Ohio.

Sony A1 II • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0× TC

Great Egret Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio Conservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulation Trend: Increasing after...
02/09/2026

Great Egret
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Increasing after long‑term recovery

A Great Egret in flight is all precision — long wings, extended neck, and the controlled glide that makes their movement look effortless. Capturing one lifting through the foliage below Griggs Dam highlights the elegance of a species built for quiet, deliberate travel along river corridors.

Great Egrets hunt by moving slowly through shallow water, striking with accuracy at fish and amphibians. Their presence along the Scioto River reflects the value of healthy riparian habitat within central Ohio, especially in areas where wetlands and river edges remain intact.

Sony A1 II • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC

Great Egret Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio Conservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulation Trend: Increasing after...
02/09/2026

Great Egret
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Increasing after decades of recovery

The Great Egret is one of North America’s most elegant wading birds — long neck, precise posture, and bright white plumage that stands out sharply against the dense green habitat below Griggs Dam. Their slow, deliberate movements are designed for hunting: watching, waiting, and striking with accuracy at fish and amphibians along the river’s edge.

Once pushed to near‑collapse in the late 1800s due to plume hunting, Great Egrets have made a strong comeback thanks to conservation laws and wetland protection. Their presence along the Scioto River corridor reflects the value of healthy riparian habitats within central Ohio.

Sony A1 II • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC

Ring‑billed Gull Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Conce...
26/08/2026

Ring‑billed Gull
Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable across North America

This Ring‑billed Gull was captured mid‑call along the shoreline, a behavior often used to establish territory, signal alarm, or maintain social spacing within flocks. The open‑beak posture and vocalization reflect the adaptability of a species that thrives in both natural and human‑altered environments.

Gulls are highly social, and vocal displays like this one are central to their communication. Along Alum Creek Lake, these calls echo across the beach as individuals interact, forage, and maintain their place within the colony.

Sony A7R V • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC



Ring‑billed Gull Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concer...
25/08/2026

Ring‑billed Gull
Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable across North America

Ring‑billed Gulls are one of the most familiar gull species across the Great Lakes region, but a pan‑blur capture reveals something different — the motion, structure, and precision of a bird built for effortless flight. The extended wings, soft feather glow, and directional blur highlight the aerodynamic balance that’s easy to miss in a static frame.

These gulls thrive along lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, feeding on fish, invertebrates, and shoreline forage. Their adaptability makes them a reliable indicator of healthy, accessible waterways. Seeing one in motion over Alum Creek Lake underscores how dynamic even common species can be when photographed with intentional technique.

Sony A7R V • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC



Caspian Tern Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com Conservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPop...
23/08/2026

Caspian Tern
Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable globally; variable regionally

The Caspian Tern is the largest tern species in the world, instantly recognizable by its powerful red/orange bill, black cap, and commanding presence along open water. Their size, sharp dive profile, and confident posture set them apart from smaller tern species that frequent Ohio’s lakes and reservoirs.

Caspian Terns migrate through the Great Lakes region and stop at inland reservoirs like Alum Creek during seasonal movements. They hunt by hovering briefly before plunging for fish, relying on clear, healthy water systems to support their foraging. Their presence here reflects the ecological value of Ohio’s managed waterways for migratory bird life.

Sony A7R V • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC



Bonaparte’s Gull (Juvenile) Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.comConservation Status (IUCN): Le...
23/08/2026

Bonaparte’s Gull (Juvenile)
Alum Creek Lake Beach, Central Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable across most of North America

Juvenile Bonaparte’s Gulls stand out with their soft gray plumage, subtle facial markings, and the delicate posture that sets them apart from larger gull species. Unlike most gulls, Bonaparte’s Gulls nest in boreal forests rather than coastal cliffs, making them one of the few gulls that build nests in trees. Seeing a juvenile along Alum Creek Lake highlights their adaptability during migration and wintering periods.

These small gulls forage with precision, picking insects from the water’s surface or diving lightly for small fish. Their presence along Ohio’s reservoirs and lakes reflects healthy aquatic systems that support diverse migratory bird life.

Sony A7R V • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC



Turkey Vulture Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.comConservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulation ...
17/08/2026

Turkey Vulture
Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable across North America

Turkey Vultures are masters of effortless flight — broad wings, steady glides, and a sense of balance that lets them ride even the faintest thermal. Capturing one in motion over the Scioto River highlights the species’ precision and the ecological role they play in keeping landscapes clean.

In the wild, Turkey Vultures rely on an exceptional sense of smell to locate carrion, making them one of nature’s most effective recyclers. Their presence along rivers and forest edges reflects healthy ecosystems with functioning nutrient cycles. Adaptability has allowed them to thrive across rural, suburban, and urban environments, including the riparian corridor below Griggs Dam.

Sony A9 II • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0x TC


Eastern Bluebird Lake Logan, Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.comConservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulation Trend: I...
16/08/2026

Eastern Bluebird
Lake Logan, Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Increasing across much of the eastern U.S.

The Eastern Bluebird is one of the most striking songbirds in North America — vivid blue wings, a warm orange chest, and a posture that always feels alert and deliberate. Their presence is a strong indicator of healthy open habitats, from meadows and pastures to park edges and suburban green spaces.

Bluebird populations have rebounded thanks to widespread nest‑box programs and improved habitat management. They rely heavily on cavities for nesting, and human‑made boxes have played a major role in reversing declines caused by competition with invasive species and loss of natural nest sites.

Sony A7R III, Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.5 GM


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