KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 22, 2023
By Natalie Cook Clark
Wildlife live among Katy residents and are seen everyday. A Katy resident captures local wildlife on camera.
All photos courtesy of David Tumino
David Tumino moved to Katy in 2004 when his neighborhood of Seven Meadows was a long way from being built.
Much Has Changed Since the Tuminos Moved to Katy
“Katy Gaston was a 2-lane blacktop with ditches,” says Tumino. “Gaston quit at Legendary and there was no Seven Lakes HS, JH. No Bonnie Holland. No 1093 toll road.”
From the beginning of his family’s time in Katy they saw wildlife such as coyotes, raccoons, snakes, big green frogs, turtles, squirrels, alligators, nutria, rabbits, lots of migrating birds, lots of fish.
Wildlife sightings continued over the years even as the area around them developed. Tumino took his life-long passion for photography and turned the lens to capture these amazing critters that share our community.
Tumino’s passion for photography started as early as 1966 when he was inspired by a younger high school classmate.
“I purchased my first camera in 1968 from my Uncle George, who worked in a camera story in Queens, Woodhaven, NY,” says Tumino. That purchase was his high school graduation gift to himself.
He went on to be the yearbook photographer at the United States Air Force Academy. He has photographed kids sports, wedding, and various events over the years and finally turned to digital in 2005.
Katy Wildlife Gives Him Plenty to Photograph
But Tumino loves photographing nature and Katy gives him plenty to work with.
“What could be more inspirational than local wildlife?” asked Tumino. “They’re innocence, survival, diversity, and beauty. The bird traffic in Katy is also amazing.”
A Visiting Katy Bat
This last weekend they saw a new critter, a bat that took refuge from the heat under their umbrella.
“We went to raise the umbrellas and there he was at the crown,” says Tumino. “He moved around a bit while we were being nosey, but he didn't seem afraid of us at all.”
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Bats are common in the greater Houston area and are great at pollinating and eating bugs.
Tumino continues to photograph Katy wildlife and enjoys it in his retirement.
“I love capturing life as it lives, as it struggles, as it survives,” says Tumnio. “Nothing is contrived…it’s all real.”