Most people take a break at lunch, but Paul Weyn grabs his camera bag and tripod to photograph birds at Golden Gardens instead.

Weyn works for an electronic manufacturer on Shilshole Avenue and likes to spend an hour each day at the park.

As a photographer, Weyn finds birds to be a perfect design of nature.

"The seagull is an ordinary bird. But is beautiful when you see the details in the feather structure," said Weyn, a self taught photographer who has been pursuing his passion for the last two years.

"I'm really amazed at the number of varieties that seem to be present almost all year round. So far I've seen mallards, American wigeons, buffleheads, barrows golden eyes, hooded mergansers and northern shovelers. There are others at different times of the year that I just haven't seen," said Weyn.

Overall, Weyn has identified 12 species of ducks. He often finds them in the north end of the park near a pond surrounded by trees.

"It requires a lot of patience. I go there for a few minutes each day. Some ducks are more elusive than others," said Weyn.

During his outings, park visitors often strike up a conversation.

"A lot of people ask me about ducks and the varieties. I've actually made a few friends and acquaintances that way. I think this is a great thing in today's world as normally we shy away from striking up a conversation with a complete stranger," he said.

Weyn prefers shooting Neopan 1600, a highly sensitive black and white film that produces high contrast images.

"Photography gives me a creative outlet," said Weyn, who has also designed furniture in the past.

He says nature is a very appealing. "I like to find something interesting about an ordinary thing," said Weyn.

He likes to support local stores in his photographic pursuit, having his film processed at Ballard Camera and prints framed at Annie's Affordable Art.

His pictures can be seen at the Kimball Gallery in Gig Harbor and online at http://anglersartgallery.com.