Signs of Spring

2011 Birds of Chatham Gardens-85.jpg
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

While the temperatures continue to say Winter there are several signs that say the seasonal cycle is alive and well and that we will most definitely be enjoying Spring; hopefully in the near future.

To me, nothing speaks of Spring more beautifully then the sight of a pair of Bluebirds preparing a nest. A beautiful couple have been scouting out the available houses on the top of the Chatham Gardens hill and I am hopeful that one of them will be their future home.

If you click on the picture it will take you to my Flickr site where you can see lots more pictures of this beautiful pair of Bluebirds while they visit Chatham Gardens.

Sunset at a Snowbound Skaket Rock

Feb 2011 Skies-4.jpg
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

One of my favorite beach destinations is Skaket Beach in Orleans, MA. It is also a favorite of all of the younger house guests due to the far receding shore at low tide which creates lots of tidal pools filled with interesting marine life to be explored, captured, handled with the occasional attempt to bring said marine life back to Chatham Gardens. Not Encouraged!!!

Not far from the high tide mark is the famous Skaket Rock - a marker of sorts which at high tide is completely submerged. Last night at sunset the rock was clearly visible surrounded by the icy landscape.

A very different picture then I see on summer days filled with bright sunshine and laughing children. But if you have been there on one of those days, just close your eyes and call up that memory. The promise of spring feels really good.

Sunrise at the beach

Jan 2011 Skies-12.jpg
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

I recently spent six weeks in Durham, NC and I felt homesick as I never have before. I couldn't quite put words to my feelings or be specific about what I missed. But today brought some clarity.

As I watched the sunrise at one of my favorite sunrise viewing spots - Forest Beach Conservation Area - it became crystal clear that I missed the beach, the ocean and the way the sky blazes with color before, during and immediately after the sun has risen above the horizon.

I witnessed beautiful skies in NC too but without the vast openness of the ocean and the beach the drama is minimized and it fails to wrap me in the warmth of the promise of a brand new day.

Today's sunrise filled me with peace and comfort and the promise of a day I will remember for its beauty.

A Chatham Sunrise

Oct 2010 Skies-13.jpg
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

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.

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.

Whale Watch

Whalewatch video-2
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

This past Saturday I went on a whale watch out of Provincetown, Ma. It was not the first watch I have been on; in fact it was not the first one this year. But without exception it was the best one I have ever experienced.

In addition to the perfect conditions, including clear blue skies and calm open seas, we encountered a pod of 4 whales that included an 8 month old calf. The calf was full of curiosity and stayed close to the boat checking us out and of course the 3 adults were never far.

In this video, the opening frames shows the calf for a few seconds and then off in the background, all three adults surfaced. What magnificent creatures they are, full of beauty and grace.

When you click on the video for viewing, it will open in my Flickr page and you can then look at the few other videos I took and the many, many stills. I took well over 600 photos and it was hard to decide which ones would make the cut for the album, but after three days - I decided to delete no more!

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed the challenge of capturing them. Let me know what you think...