Taking flight with Jeffrey Domm
Award-winning illustrator discusses his love and awe of birds
SALTWIRE NETWORK
Nova Scotia based and awardwinning illustrator Jeffrey Domm is no stranger to wildlife and the great outdoors.
He has illustrated more than 30 wildlife themed books, including Formac's Guide to Nova Scotia birds. When he is not out in nature sketching animals, Domm can be found teaching illustration and drawing at NSCAD.
The following is a question and answer session with Domm.
Q: Are there any birds in Nova Scotia that you have spotted that were unusual?
A: One story was quite recent. During the hurricane we had an amazing event took place. On the Eastern Shore we had the eye of the storm come through. I was outside right in the middle of the eye taking some nice photos. Then we noticed all these birds flying around, barn swallows were everywhere. Hundreds and hundreds were flying around! I had never seen that quantity before.
So, I walked down the shoreline and my neighbours were out there looking at the same thing. They were flying around scooping up insects right in front of us. It had a real dramatic feel to it; we knew they had been trapped by the storm. It was coming from the south, they were probably migrating south and got caught in it. My neighbour opened up his garage, and all the swallows flew in for the night. When he opened the garage in the morning they all took off. It was amazing.
Q: What are the best spots to go bird watching in the province?
A: I spend a lot of time at Rainbow Haven back behind the trails. But it all depends on the season. I find you get a nice variety of bird life other there, usually bald eagles.
Q: What is one of your favourite birds?
A: I like small delicate birds. Like the yellow warbler, they are beautiful and fierce. I also like song birds with their music.