Bird and nature photographer Terry Hartley of Mobile has been selected as the special guest presenter for the opening night reception for the 2007 Alabama Coastal BirdFest. The event is planned for Oct. 18, at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Hartley replaces photographer Dave Cagnolatti, who is unable to attend.

“We’re very pleased to be able to present Terry’s work at our Thursday night reception,” said Dr. John Borom, president of Mobile Bay Audubon Society, one of the event sponsors. “I understand that he is preparing a slide show set to music that will be shown on the big, flat-screen TVs at 5 Rivers and will run throughout the evening. We will also have a exhibit of his prints in the 5 Rivers Exhibit Hall, and he will talk about his work.”

An active member of Camera South, Hartley’s photo of a snowy egret was awarded first place in this year’s statewide Outdoor Alabama photo contest. His stunning photo appeared on the cover of the February 2007 issue of Outdoor Alabama magazine.

His work has been selected for numerous exhibits and shows, including the recent Shared Expressions exhibit of Camera South at the Mobile Museum of Art and for juried exhibits at the Eastern Shore Art Center and other galleries.

In 2004, Hartley was awarded a Mobile Press Club Award for magazine photography for his work in Mobile Bay Monthly magazine.

A member of the Mobile Bay Audubon Society, Hartley is an enthusiastic birder who has participated in numerous bird-count activities. In years past, he has assisted the Alabama Coastal BirdFest as a tour guide and by donating prints for the silent auction.

“I think it’s going to be a great night,” said Borom. “Five Rivers is a beautiful facility with gorgeous views of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. We are going to have a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beverages for everyone to enjoy while they are taking in the views of the Delta or looking at Terry’s work.”

A native of Mobile, Hartley says that being outdoors has always been an important part of his life. He and his wife, Jennifer, became interested in birding when they moved into a home on Mobile Bay next door to avid local birder Elizabeth Williams.

Hartley has been a photographer since he joined the camera club at McGill-Toolin High School, and he’s been “hooked on digital” ever since he bought his first digital camera in 2000.

When he is not enjoying the outdoors, Hartley stays busy as President of Hartley Brothers, a commercial cabinet manufacturing business that he began with his brother, Jim, in 1984.

Advance registration is required for the 18 guided birding tours and two evening events of the Alabama Coastal BirdFest. To register or for more information, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com, or call (251) 621-1902.