Jim Young – James Leon Young

March 8, 2023March 13, 2023

Photographing Dragonflies at St. Marks NWR

Many photographers and birders visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge to take photographs of birds. Some also take pictures of the beautiful butterflies and moths that are present much of the year.

Another interesting flying insect at St. Marks NWR is the dragonfly. This amazing prehistoric creature can be quite difficult to photograph due to its behavior and the weather conditions at St. Marks.

This blog will discuss the techniques I use to photograph this amazing creature.

June 6, 2022June 7, 2022

My experience with shingles

My wife and I did not immediately run out to get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) when it was first promoted. We did our research, decided to get the Shingrix vaccine along with our Covid-19 booster, and were discussing what date we would go to the pharmacy.

We waited too long, at least for me. My shingles developed before I could get even the first of the 2 shot course of the Shingrix vaccine.

January 24, 2022January 24, 2022

Please keep your dog on a leash at St. Marks NWR

The Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect birds and other wildlife. The refuge welcomes human visitors and has reasonable rules to protect the wildlife and the visitors from harm.

One such rule is the leash requirement for pets. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Sadly many people (including people who know better) allow their dogs to run unleashed on the beach and around the lighthouse.

Letting pets run unleashed can have tragic consequences. In 2015 a dog was eaten by an alligator at the boat launch.

January 15, 2022March 12, 2023

New Galápagos video on YouTube

When forest fires and poaching of iconic Galápagos tortoises broke out in 1994 on Ecuador’s Isabela Island, the Galápagos National Park Service and international partners evacuated endangered giant tortoises to save their lives.

One young tortoise had severe damage to a hind leg. Park Guards named it “Patojito” for its lame foot and advocated for its survival. They sent it for treatment to the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) on Santa Cruz island.

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021

Beautiful red Salicornia plants at St. Marks NWR

Next to the Lighthouse at St Marks NWR is an elevated observation deck that looks over the marshes to the southeast.

At high tide pools of water and marsh grasses are visible and at low tide large sections of sand are seen.

At certain times of the year, particularly in fall and winter, the sand appears to be red. I originally assumed it was red algae but I later discovered color is mostly from a salt loving succulent known as Salicornia (aka glasswort).

September 16, 2021September 18, 2021

Why I created a new web site

As a photographer I spend a lot of time improving my skills, both in capturing images and developing the raw images.

My two favorite raw developers are “Darktable” and “RawTherapee”. These programs are constantly being improved and are much better than the versions I used in the past.

Looking at my images on this site I often wish I could go back and change them using my improved skills and better software.

May 28, 2021March 9, 2023

Reasons to keep your COVID-19 mask

The CDC says fully vaccinated individuals can now go without face coverings in most situations. However, I think we should consider keeping them on, or at least keeping one in your pocket because there are quite a few non-COVID reasons to continue wearing masks.

May 16, 2021June 5, 2022

On having a Tongue-Tie

Many years ago I was born in the small Alabama town of Phenix City. At that time and place, a newborn baby was apparently not given a very thorough exam. The baby’s gender was noted for the first time, and a quick check was made to see if arms, legs, fingers and toes were in tact. Apparently examining the mouth was not part of the process.

March 10, 2021June 5, 2022

My vaccine history

My wife and I just got our second Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shot and that got me thinking about the vaccinations I had during my life.

The Polio vaccine was not available when I was born, but by the time I was 5 years old the Jonas Salk vaccine was released. I was too young to remember that vaccination.

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020

Santa visits the Charles Darwin Research Station

Santa arrives by panga (small boat) at the Charles Darwin Research Station dock on December 23rd 1994.

Everyone welcomes Santa on his way to the Station cafeteria. There he greets the staff’s children and regales all with holiday sweets. By tradition, Santa and helpers deliver a special gift to each child.