It’s kind of a long and convoluted story but it deserves to be told.
First, a recap, so the story makes sense.
Readers will remember that my good friend Jaimi Butler, Coordinator for Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster College, spent over a week winter-camping on Antelope Island beginning at the end of January this year.. Her “vigil” on the island was part of a herculean effort by Jaimi and others to focus the attention of our legislators (who were in session at the time) and the general public on the dire implications of the disappearing Great Salt Lake.
While she was on the island we had our coldest spell of the winter and Jaimi was dry camping (no running water) in a tiny, spartan and canvas-sided camper. As someone with cold weather camping experience I knew what she was going through for a cause near and dear to us both. So on the morning of February 3rd I paid her a surprise visit to provide some moral support and bring her the last of my whiskey supply, which I figured she’d appreciate in those conditions.
This photo was taken in the early morning while we were visiting outside of her camper (Covid, ya know). I knew Jaimi was passionate about the Great Salt Lake but I was so impressed by what she was gladly willing to endure in its support I published a blog post about her efforts. It was appropriately titled Jaimi Butler, Badass. Readers who are unaware of her motivation for the vigil might want to follow that link for more info.
The bottle of whiskey was nearly full when I gave it to her with this note attached (I didn’t know if she’d be there when I arrived so I thought I might have to leave it on the step of her camper). A few days later she sent me this selfie of her and the bottle taken inside her camper and included this short note: “Last morning of the vigil. Don’t worry. I put it to good use.” Needless to say, I adore the photo.
OK, with that long-winded introduction here’s the rest of the story.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 1600, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday afternoon I ran across this Burrowing Owl photo that I posted to Feathered Photography seven years ago. I was unhappy with the way I’d processed it back then so I reprocessed it with the intention of substituting it for the poorly processed version in my post.
Even though the photo wasn’t taken on Antelope Island, most of my Burrowing Owl photos were, so while I was reprocessing the image my mind wandered to the sad state of affairs on the island these days. Most species of birds and wildlife on the island, including Burrowing Owls, are really struggling for several reasons but the primary cause of their precipitous decline is the disappearing Great Salt Lake. By the time I’d finished reprocessing the image I’d worked myself into a depressing funk over the dire straits of the island and the lake.
And it was at that moment that my computer dinged with the following message from Jaimi:
“The post you made about me and the vigil raised $800 to support the project. They all came from different states, one from NZ. When I looked at the report it was very clear that they came from your post. It took a bit of head scratching cause they were out of state and country until I saw a note that said “thanks to Ron Dudley.””
Talk about a pick-me-up!
Almost immediately I decided to report the good news back to my readers and I told Jaimi so. She responded by asking if she could write “some words of thanks” to be included in my post. I’ve included Jaimi’s love note to the readers of Feathered Photography below.
“A friend asked me (with much skepticism in her voice), how I was doing in my frigid camper after it snowed. I imagine she was worried about my cold toes or that I would tell her about my frozen poop. “Overwhelmed with love and support” was my answer.
The lake has never seen a fraction of the support that it did this year. From the legislature (all GSL and water bills passed!), artists, activists, students, filmmakers, designers, lawyers…. And YOU! Readers of Feathered Photography donated over $800 to support the vigil over 2 days. All donations came from different states (only one from Utah) or countries! Thanks Ron Dudley and readers for overwhelming the lake with love and support!
P.S. I am glad that I forgot to keep metrics on how much whiskey was donated in support of the vigil.”
See what I mean about the warm fuzzies? Readers of Feathered Photography, take a well-deserved bow.
Ron
I am absolutely flabbergasted that the Utah legislature did the right thing on this issue. In my 30+ years in Utah they near always managed to get sidetracked into the woods on any environmental, social, or educational issue. I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear this.
And congratulations to you and Jamie no raising some dough to boot!
Ken
Well done Ron and Jaimi.
I was pleased to receive a personal thank you for my donation.
What is happening to the Great Salt lake is typical of the environmental degradation, particular in regard to lakes and wetlands, around the world, in pursuit of short term economic gain. It is a distressing situation that is not improving despite the science and the data.
Be aware that we ‘down under’ are watching what is happening over there with as much concern as if it was in our own back yard (which it is, as it is only one small planet).
Keep up the good work.
Very well said, Gary.
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for all the good work that you and Jaimi and all the like-minded folks are doing everywhere. (And it gives me hope for our youngsters.) Great blogs, these, Ron. Always, of course.
Ron you underestimate your reach with your blog. You do great work informing and educating. You have developed a wonderful family within your blog following. Good people to the core. I have been following Jaimi’s work for a while too, she is an incredible spokesperson for the GSL, thank you Jaimi for fighting a good cause. Without the lake and its surrounding habitats we might not have a place to return the injured and orphaned wildlife we work so hard to save at WRCNU. I loved the book she co-authored, Great Salt Lake Biology: A Terminal Lake in a Time of Change. https://www.amazon.com/Great-Salt-Lake-Biology-Terminal/dp/3030403513 The book is a wonderful collection of knowledge and history. I know, Ron, when you have written a story about WRCNU and wildlife rehabilitation we receive donations from your blog family. The donations are very much appreciated. Thank you Ron and Feathered Photography family!
This brought tears to my eyes….. Well done!!!!
Like attracts like and you are “good people,” Ron. ❤️ (Especially donating the last of your hooch to such a good cause!) So glad to hear that Jaimi’s poopsicles weren’t in vain and that the legislation got passed. Here’s hoping that trend continues!
“Poopsicles” – damn, wish I’d thought of that. If I had I’d have worked it into my text, somehow.
I’m delighted to hear that our extended Dudlian Fans(family in that virtual way) pulled together for your friend. Any friend of Ron’s….
You do good things. Thank you for being so kind as to share all of this with me (I’m pretty sure that’s an us.)
Definitely an “us!” 🙂
Thank you, Marty!
I must admit to a lot of astonishment and a bit of encouragement that good and honorable people like Jamie and you helped sway the Utah political establishment to pass such desperately needed legislation, late in the game as it is.
I think you should have included the one phrase that probably would have most quickly brought up this post: frozen poop😁
Lyle, I very nearly did exactly that. Jaimi does have a way with words, doesn’t she!
Very uplifting post Ron, and I need it suffering from the highest pollen count in the US. Great story and what a nice effort by your FP followers. That definitely should lift you up.
Wishing you and all your followers a very nice day and a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY.
I owe my Irish to my beloved late grandmother Katherine Marie Sheehan Sanborn.
Hheartwarming (and bird-saving) incidents like this restore my faith in humanity and the power of good deeds. Thank you Jaimie, and thank you Ron, and thank you to everyone who donated to this worthy cause.
YAY! You and Jamie make a GREAT team……. 🙂 Just never know what’s going to be helpful with these things! “Locals” often “take things for granted” so guess it’s not surprising there was only 1 from UT. A morale booster for Jamie and needed $$$ for the Lake.
Thank you so much, Ron. You and Jaimi are examples of what the world needs now!
As a nature lover and blog follower from MA, the original post about Jaimi and her vigil was both sobering and an inspiration that prompted a contribution. I am so glad to read her followup note and to hear that some good came out of the actions of the 2 of you. Talk about the power of the people. So nice to know that positive change is possible when folks share their passion for protecting the planet.
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story of support for Utah’s Great Salt Lake and Jaimi’s sacrifice to protect it, Antelope Island and the waters of Utah. Even though I live in NC I am very aware of how the GSL is struggling and how important it is to native wildlife and migrating birds. Thank you for spotlighting Jaimi Butler, the Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster College and the effort to save an amazing natural wonder. Please continue to educate us. (PS – I love the follow-up selfie from Jaimi! Whiskey put to good use just tastes better)
Thank you Ron for sharing this post, living in NC I was not aware of this and I admire Jamie and what she and her group are doing and their efforts!
Theresa Keller
Fabulous! I’ve been awfully busy, and I’ve just picked up on the good work that your friend is doing. How wonderful the people are rising to the challenge and providing much-needed funds.
Warmest thanks to you all, out in the field, sending reports, and sending donations.