No matter which way you look at it, or what your personal beliefs are, Covid-19 has changed the way we navigate the world. While some find minor inconveniences, many are forced to adjust their approach to daily living in ways that were unimaginable just a few months earlier. Being stuck at home for endless weeks while the world tries to figure itself out can prove tedious and worse, boring. For those who work directly with others it has been detrimental.
Aside from time, the one resource everyone has at their disposal is the great outdoors. Spring blew in and no one seemed to notice as flowers bloomed, leaves sprouted, and nature started getting back to normal. One of the greatest displays of wildlife surrounds us—usually without most of us paying attention. They flit between trees. Sing and call across backyards. Patiently wait for feeders to be filled.
There are over 475 wild bird species that call North Carolina home. Our state’s diverse habitats provide unique conditions that attract species throughout the year. Their vast array of colors, size, and calls are a natural treasure and a reminder of a simpler life. When a man (or woman) takes the time to sit down and notice them for the first time they are often entranced by the simple yet alluring beauty. This is the story of one such man and his journey into a secret world hiding in plain sight.
Long time Holly Springs resident and United States Air Force veteran-turned-professional-photographer Don Feely understood early on that he was going to have to either adjust his business model or be forced to shut down altogether. As a photographer, Don was used to wandering wherever inspiration took him, from scenic old tobacco barns to event photography and a gig doing headshots for the town of Apex’s local government officials.
Needing a creative outlet, Don began his Quarantine Bird Photography Project. Originally intended as a means to keep his skills from growing rusty and to occupy his free time, he found the simple wasn’t so simple after all. Sitting in his sunroom, Don began noticing the various types of birds flitting from tree to tree. Inspiration struck—they became his muse. A few quick trips to the Tractor Supply Company later, Don had several feeders and water features emplaced throughout his backyard. He turned to seasoned bird photographers for direction and tips on how to best capture God’s beautiful creatures.
Don adjusted quickly, doing his research and learning how to dial into the proper camera settings to find the perfect shot. As you can see in these pages, he not only learned but mastered them. Don credits watching and understanding the behaviors of the different species with how great his photographs have turned out. There is simple majesty in both his pictures and the birds. Don’t get him wrong, however. Birds are flitty by nature and some—most notably the blue jay—are hard to capture.
Each day, Don can be found sitting patiently on his back deck or within the confines of his sunroom as he seeks the perfect shot. The details in his images are consistent, displaying the unquestionable beauty each bird species exhibits, whether from their plumage or their behaviors. Patience and diligence are critical to success. Don’s outdoor office is placed to capture the best angles and lighting to give his images a unique pop.
From the intensity in the eyes of the brown thrasher that gives it an angered appearance to the multi-shade blues draping the blue jay’s back, Don captures the simple majesty of each species. The Quarantine Bird Photography Project book is set to be released later this year and is the perfect coffee table conversation starter for every family. He can’t wait for the book to be published so everyone can marvel at the gifts he is given every day.
That Don manages to capture such amazing images is testament to his skills and patience. It hasn’t always been an easy road. Life took an unexpected turn for Don in 2014 after being laid off from the Fortune 500 company he had worked with for nearly twenty years. Needing something to occupy his time until his next job came along, Don dusted off his old Nikon D90 DSLR and the rest is history.
Anyone interested in learning more about the birds of North Carolina—and those that visit during their migration patterns—can check out several sites dedicated to our avian friends. The two most prominent are: http://ncbirds.carolinabirdclub.org/ or the National Audubon Society https://www.audubon.org/.
Don Feely was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Eager to leave home, he joined the Air Force, where he served as a telecommunications systems control specialist. After leaving the service, Don worked for various companies, from American Airlines to Cisco Systems, Inc. He is currently the Lead Network Support Engineer for Arch Technology Solutions, based in Oklahoma City, OK.
Don started his photography gig six years ago and has quickly become a recognized figure in Wake County and central North Carolina. His photographs have been published in several area magazines. His natural talent is evident in every shot. Being able to share them with the world is just one way he manages to give back to the community.
When he finds the time, which is not easy given his job, hobbies, and grandchildren, Don can often be found cycling throughout Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. He is an active member of his church and 100BMTE. He believes each day is a gift and could not be happier than to share them with his wife of many years, Sherry.
Now that the world is slowly getting back to normal, Don is eager to start photographing people and events throughout the community. Anyone interested in hiring Don can contact him through his website: donfeelyphotography.com. Fill out the form and he will be more than happy to discuss your project.
