Meet Coralie Toomey, a lifelong Mobile, Alabama resident and Scenic98Coastal.com
photography contributor. You can reach Coralie at Coralietoomeyphotography@gmail.com or
see her photography on Facebook at Coralie Toomey Photography.

Coralie and her husband, John, have had a second home on Dauphin Island for more than twenty-five years. Coralie has a wide variety of interests including growing award-winning camellias and showing blooms in The Camellia Club of Mobile’s annual camellia show each January. She also plays the piano, taking weekly lessons and participating in recitals throughout the year, including the annual Sonata Competition featuring Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.

Coralie’s interest in photography “got more serious” three to four years ago. She wanted to get closer to the wonderful and abundant birds, fauna, and flora throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area. “I can get lost in time when I’m out with my camera.” She is self-taught and enjoys learning new things every day about what she captures through her camera’s lens. She uses a Nikon D3400 and, for the long-distance close-up shots, a Tamron 150-600mm lens.

Q&A

Coralie, how long have you been coming to Dauphin Island and what about Island life keeps you spending so much time here?

I’ve been coming to the island off and on since childhood. I love the sun, the water, the salt air, and the smell of the pines. My husband has been coming all his life. His grandfather, John Toomey, was instrumental in getting the original bridge built back in the mid-50’s. In 1992, we began renting and then bought the house that we are still in today. The Island holds an amazing community of people. Island life is laid back, relaxed and peaceful. A rainy day on the island is better than a sunny day anywhere else.

When did you develop your love for wildlife photography? How did you start out?

I’ve always loved the birds, both at our home in Mobile and at our home at Dauphin Island. I began riding my bike all over the island and would see and hear birds in trees or in water along the roads. In the spring, I would see all these people with binoculars and cameras watching little movements, and I was amazed at the license plates from all over the place. I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to be one of those people!  So, I asked for a camera for Mother’s Day and said it could be counted as my gift for every occasion over the year. That was a very good year for me!

Where are your favorite places on the Island to explore and photograph? What goes into finding the best places to capture your shots?

I love the “Airport Marsh.” It is a salt marsh that attracts many herons and egrets, as well as other types of birds. The tide makes a difference. I have found that if it’s too high or too low, fishing isn’t so good for the birds. During Spring and Fall migration, I always check out the Indian Shell Mounds and Goat Tree Reserve. A really nice thing is that birders/photographers will share where they’ve seen birds. Of course, the bird might not be sitting there waiting for me but it’s a good start!  I have learned that they love mulberry and bottlebrush trees. I enjoy walking on the landlocked pier and down the steps to the beach to look for shorebirds whose names I’m still trying to learn. All those little birds look so similar!

Tell us about the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, which include the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Goat Tree Reserve. And the historic Indian Shell Mound Park. Why are they special to you?

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary offers wonderful trails for walking. There is a freshwater lake with turtles, water lilies right now, and a resident alligator. The Goat Tree Reserve is another great birding site. The Indian Shell Mound Park is the best place to begin looking for migratory birds. There are areas protecting birds from the wind and predators, and areas that hold water that attract birds. There are wonderful paths that wind all through it... just look down as you look up, and walk heavy because there are snakes... naturally, it is their home. I love these places because they put me right with the sounds and peacefulness that nature brings.

What are your other favorite things you like to do on the Island?

Visit the art galleries—there are two!  Shop at the boutiques and gift shops, including the gift shop at the Aquarium. Also, if you’re an early riser, you’ll love watching the sunrise. Of course, the sunsets are gorgeous.

Last question, what “must see” things would you recommend to someone coming to spend a day at Dauphin Island?

Go to the Aquarium!  It is wonderful. See Fort Gaines. The history throughout the fort will amaze you. Sit on the beach and fall asleep listening to the surf...better take an umbrella! You can rent kayaks and enjoy the calm waters on the north side of the island. You can also rent bikes.  Hire a fishing guide. You might not ever want to leave. I know I don’t!

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