Scott Flaherty Photography

Scott Flaherty Photography Photography of Scott Flaherty.

Caspian Tern Alum Creek Lake Beach, Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com Conservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulation ...
06/09/2026

Caspian Tern
Alum Creek Lake Beach, 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, unmistakable with its bright red bill, black cap, and commanding presence along open water. This moment at Alum Creek Lake Beach captures the species’ bold posture and vocal behavior, standing out sharply among the gulls that share the shoreline.

Caspian Terns migrate through the Great Lakes region, relying on healthy reservoirs and inland lakes for resting and feeding. Their presence here highlights the ecological value of Ohio’s managed waterways for long‑distance migrants moving between breeding and wintering grounds.

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

American Herring Gull Alum Creek Lake, Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com Conservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopulati...
04/09/2026

American Herring Gull
Alum Creek Lake, Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

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

This American Herring Gull was photographed along the shoreline at Alum Creek Lake, showing the mottled brown plumage typical of a younger bird. The soft foreground detail and shallow depth of field highlight the feather patterning and structure that often goes unnoticed in passing.

Herring Gulls are adaptable, thriving along coasts, reservoirs, and inland lakes throughout the Great Lakes region. Their presence at Alum Creek reflects the diversity of gull species that move through central Ohio’s waterways year‑round.

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

American Black DuckBelow Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern...
03/09/2026

American Black Duck
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

Conservation Status (IUCN): Least Concern
Population Trend: Declining in parts of its range due to habitat loss and hybridization with Mallards

The American Black Duck’s rich, dark plumage and bright bill make it one of the most distinctive waterfowl species in eastern North America. Photographed below Griggs Dam, this bird shows the classic contrast between the deep body coloration and the lighter facial markings that help separate it from female Mallards.

Black Ducks favor quiet backwaters, marsh edges, and shaded river corridors — all features found along the Scioto River. Their presence here highlights the value of maintaining healthy riparian habitat in central Ohio, especially as the species faces long‑term pressure from habitat changes and widespread hybridization.

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


Local Fishermen Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio www.scottflahertyphoto.com This stretch of water is often defined by he...
03/09/2026

Local Fishermen
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

This stretch of water is often defined by herons, egrets, ducks, and raptors overhead, but the presence of anglers adds another layer to the story — people and wildlife sharing the same corridor, each connected to the river in their own way. Documenting these moments highlights the balance between recreation and habitat along central Ohio’s waterways.

Sony A1 II & A7R V • Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM + 2.0× TC

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 www.scottflahertyphoto.comConservation Status (IUCN): Least ConcernPopul...
02/09/2026

Turkey Vulture
Below Griggs Dam, Columbus, Ohio

www.scottflahertyphoto.com

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



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