Fairfield, CT - The public is invited to the reception for “Flyway of Life: Love Letters to the Natural World”, wildlife photographs by Tomas Koeck at the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery in the Fairfield Library on Thursday, April 10 at 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Tomas will talk about his work at 5:30 pm and be available for book signing. The show will run from April 5 to May 31 during all library hours.
On Tuesday, April 22, at 7:00 pm, the Flyway of Life documentary film will premiere at the Sacred Heart Community Theater across the street from the Library. The Kershner Gallery will host a pre-movie reception at 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The film celebrates the Atlantic Flyway and the incredible migratory journey of North America’s birds. The film showing will be followed by an engaging panel discussion with leading conservationists, members from the production team, and avian experts from the Connecticut Audubon Society.
Flyway of Life highlights how different environments are important for bird populations along the Atlantic Flyway. Featuring wildlife scientists, conservationists, and naturalists, the film explores several different ecosystems along America’s easternmost migration path - showing how different habitats are interconnected.
Tomas Koeck is director of the project and Sacred Heart University alumni. He states, “What started as a documentary about birds has metamorphosed to a film on how birds connect all of our environments, and vice versa. Nature has always been an escape for me—a way to disconnect from the busy and chaotic world we live in today... Nature was always there whenever I needed it, whether I was having a bad day at school or when I wanted to celebrate a positive event with family, I could always rely on nature to make me feel whole.
What I discovered years later as a natural history photographer is that nature is not an escape; rather, it is a way to connect with the world around us. The plants, bugs, and animals are all interconnected through the food web, animal migrations connect habitats, and different environments are all linked through the organisms that live within them. I also found that nature can connect people...nature has the power to bring us together. It was then I discovered how my photography could connect those around me as well. I find just as much satisfaction in exciting others about our amazing planet as I do in clicking the shutter while out in far away places.
It is through this way of thinking that I was able to find my voice. I want anyone looking at my photography to know that everything you see in my imagery is obtainable for you to find and observe in your own adventures. So, pack your bag, hit the trails, and grab your camera to embark on your own journey. Immerse yourself in our planet—there are so many beautiful things to see. To me, that is what makes life truly worth living.”