Sept 2010 Whale Watch

Sept 2010 Whalewatch-39.jpg
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

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.

Sept 2010 Nauset Marsh Cruise-8.jpg

Sept 2010 Nauset Marsh Cruise-8.jpg
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

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.