Stony Brook & Setauket

Living along the storied shoreline of Long Island is to live at the edge of light itself. The quiet harbors of Stony Brook and Setauket whisper with history, while the open reaches of the South Shore—places like Robert Moses State Park and Fire Island—pulse with tidal rhythms, migrating birds, and skies that never repeat themselves.

But just a mile and a half from my door lies a small miracle: West Meadow Beach. Facing west—an uncommon gift on this island—it turns every unsettled sky into a stage for the setting sun. When storm clouds gather and the light begins to glow from beneath, I feel the familiar pull. Keys in hand, heart racing, I drive as if I’m chasing something fleeting and alive, knowing the window may last only minutes. There, with sand beneath my feet and sky ignited above, I set up and wait for the light to finish its quiet performance.

An added bonus for me has been an Osprey family that has settled into a nest close to the beach. With long glass in hand (Nikon Z 180-600mm) I usually wait while Mom & Dad venture out to catch them coming back to the nest. It’s critical not to ever stress them, so I stay a good distance away- but these guys mesmerize me with their agility, grace and rather funny personalities!