For Bill Kepner of Londonderry Retirement Community in Easton, MD, capturing the wildlife on Londonderry’s waterfront property has expanded his lifelong career as a photographer, bringing enjoyment to the residents of his retirement community. Kepner credits the new photography equipment available today as providing him with sharper optics to take the detailed images of wildlife he has been able to capture.
Kepner’s interest in watching wildlife developed while living in Bozman near the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary. He has especially enjoyed watching the birds which migrate through our area, including indigo buntings, grosbeks and northern flickers. After moving to Londonderry in 2009, Kepner began observing the wildlife on the property and watching the animals routines.
Many of Kepner’s photos are displayed in the hallways of Londonderry’s residences and common areas, creating interest among its residents. Wildlife has included geese, deer, fox, osprey, hawks, snapping turtles, and bullfrogs. He comments, “I enjoy seeing the reaction of residents to the wildlife. They see something in their lives they are not used to seeing and it gives us dinner conversation.”
Many of Londonderry’s residents have birdfeeders on their properties and last year a purple martin house was erected on the grounds, which has created a following of those interested in bird watching. Michelle Burgoon, Director of Marketing, Londonderry Retirement Community comments, “The residents have really enjoyed watching for the purple martins to come, playing recordings of their songs to attract the birds. Some residents keep track of the birds they observe while living here. Bill Kepner has also presented programs on the birds of Londonderry to help residents recognize the birds’ songs.”
In the spring, Kepner credits being at the right place at the right time, with capturing some unique images of wildlife and their babies, including an amazing photo of a mother squirrel nursing her babies and five Canadian goslings moving about the property with their mother.
Kepner adds, “Watching wildlife at Londonderry takes us outside of ourselves. Being a part of nature is part of wellness and that helps to keep us all healthy.”
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