Vernon discovered his passion for birding later in life, beginning in 2004 when his daughter received a Stokes Beginner's Guide to Birds as a gift. That moment, paired with finding Newfoundland's weekly birding digest Winging it One, ignited his interest. However, it wasn’t until moving "home" to Labrador that he became fully immersed in the birding world.
Over the years, Vernon has chased mega rarities across Newfoundland and explored hotspots like Point Pelee. Yet, his true joy lies in the simple pleasures of scoping shorebirds, tracking unfamiliar songs, and adding new species to his life list. Ranked 4th on ebird for all-time Newfoundland checklist submissions, he appreciates every bird and values both discovery and the thrill of the chase.
Balancing photography with respect for nature, Vernon now treasures the full experience, savoring each encounter beyond the lens.