While the new day officially starts at a moment after midnight, for me it truly begins once the Sun starts to brighten the Eastern horizon. Today was one of the more magical beginnings; beautiful and mystical and inspiring. The feeling of hope for the day ahead wrapped me in warmth and I felt such joy for this beautiful place called Chatham.
I have been on whale watches many times, three times just this year. Each time is a totally different experience and each time I am overwhelmed with the beauty and majesty of these gorgeous creatures of our oceans.
After we had been out for close to two hours, I mentioned to my friends who joined me for the boat trip that the one thing I had never seen and hope to see soon is a breaching whale. Less then 15 minutes later we saw multiple breaches in less the 10 minutes and it was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced on a whale watch.
I almost forgot to focus the camera to take the picture; I was so in awe of what I was seeing. But I was fortunate to capture a few pictures of these graceful giants putting on a show as if the boat company had payed them to entertain the passengers. And it was a show none of us will ever forget.
And yes, I am going out again one more time this year in October. I'll bring gloves.
The Audubon Sanctuary here on Cape Cod arranges a cruise of Nauset Marsh several times during the season. This year I have been out on the cruise 4 times with a final cruise scheduled in October.
I have come to love the marsh, with its lovely views and the diversity of its inhabitants. Its one of those settings that motivate me to continue to improve my knowledge of photography and this time was no exception. As always I deleted more the 10 pictures for every one I kept, but this particular photograph is one of my favorites. This Great White Egret was flying low over the marsh and I love the way it sort of "pops" out of the photograph.
If you click on the picture it will take you to the Flickr site with more photographs from the cruise.
Went boating today on Town Cove with Betty on her pontoon boat. It was a great way to escape the warm humid air in town and the conditions were perfect for us to manage the boat ourselves. While cruising through the Nauset Marsh area we spotted what turned out to be an Osprey with his/her dinner, a nice sized fish that he carried away as we approached the area where he was dining. if you click on the picture you'll see some addition shots. it was really cool...
This time of year I am frequently walking around Chatham Gardens with my camera and sometimes I just aim and hold down the shutter button for 3 or 4 or even more sequential pictures. The result is often a bunch of pictures that are identical but sometimes a gem shows up that would not have happened any other way - at least not for me. With a fast shutter speed I captured this bee hovering near a favorite flower - the Catmint.
The Catmint also attracts Goldfinches but they are not as accommodating when I get this close with my camera. But I'll keep trying.
Spring is in full swing here at Chatham Gardens. The lilacs were spectacular and the peonies just exploded this year. Roses are now blooming and most will continue through the entire summer into fall. Hydrangea buds look promising and should put on a great show this summer as well.
Birding has been consistent with no new sightings here at the Gardens but I had a Bluebird who looked very interested in one of the empty houses. He hung around for quite a while and I was able to get some good pictures as he investigated the potential nest including going in and out several times. But I guess we failed inspection because he has left and has not returned. Oh well, I will take a bluebird visit anytime.
