Sea lion, Alaska Sealife Center, Seward, Alaska.
A big sea lion greeting!
King Eider Closeup
King Eider, Alaska Sealife Center, Seward, Alaska.
I had so much fun on assignment yesterday at the Alaska Sealife Center. The staff was awesome, I think I photographed every marine mammal including a baby sea otter. Spending time up close to their birds was cool too. I photographed the King Eider in the Arctic last year, was cool to see this amazing bird up close. The Sealife Center is doing some great work in an attempt to restore the population of Stellar Eiders in Alaska.
Spyhopping Humpback
Humpback whale spy-hopping, near Petermann Island, Antarctica.
I’m still recovering from 41 straight hours of travel – definitely still in a bit of a fog. However, have exciting memories of the numerous whale encounters I had in Antarctica. I really had some amazing, close up encounters with humpback and minke whales where they repeatedly circled and checked out my Zodiac and close range, including spyhopping like you see here! Very exciting!
Cruising Through Ice
Cruising through the ice at sunset on the Ortelius, Antarctica.
Ship cruising through ice has lead to some of my favorite memories in Antarctica. Tomorrow I begin the long travel to the other side of the earth!
I’m excited for this trip. The emphasis on whales with a number of whale scientists on board should be interesting. Having sunset / sunrises and a more manageable time of day will be a plus. And, it looks like we may be able to make it below the Antarctica Circle, something I haven’t done since my first trip – and still my most memorable experience in the region. Sounds like we have some interesting people on board including a film crew from National Geographic working on a documentary on the region.
Before I leave tomorrow, I’m going to turn off comments since I won’t be around to manage the increasing amount of spam comments. Since you when I get back!!
Fishhook Cactus
Fishhook Cactus
Since I don’t photograph during my workshop, I just grabbed this quick image with my phone. Along with the desert lilies, the fishhook cactus are blooming like no year I have seen! Especially on the Cactus Loop Trail near the Tamarack Campground. Ocotillos are looking great as well.
Desert Lily
Ladybug on a Desert Lily, Anza-Borrego State Park, California.
There is a lot of green in Anza-Borrego this year, but wildflowers are running late this year. If anything, good years are usually early, like they were last year and in 2005. However, there is an incredible number of Desert Lilies! Way more then I have ever seen even in 2005. Out Coyote Canyon there are hundred if not thousands! I have seen them through out the Park, but especially in Coyote. This has to be one of the most beautiful desert wildflowers.
The other plant doing really well is the Chuparosa – very bright red versions can be found in many washes. More wildflowers are on the way, next couple of weeks should be good.
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