"Bill captured a great moment here. The massive Orca is struggling to get into the shallows to capture a Sea Lion, creating chaos around her, while all the other sea lions on the beach are watching. It gives a sense of a wild place. Great composition"
Part II of our Journey to see the Polar Lights
"Dave's Dog Sled Camp" -- On our last night it warmed up to a balmy 24’F but the cloudy daytime skies cleared for us right after dinner so we headed out to Dave's Dog Sled Camp for some crazy fast moving Aurora activity that moved from one end of the sky to the other. One minute the sky was on fire with dancing lights and the next it would be gone, only to pop up again in another spot. Dave has a number of sled trails thru the forest as well as a Teepee and a Trappers Tent which we lit up with a lantern as a foreground for our Aurora photography. Well after midnight we decided to call it quits but on the way back to town we spotted some Aurora activity out over Hudson Bay so we headed over to Churchill's famous Inuksuk rock sculpture for a couple of shots although the clouds were moving in on us so we headed back to our hotel a little after 2am.
Northern Lights over a Trapper's Tent
Northern Lights over the sled dog pens. Sometimes the lights would get the Dogs all worked up barking.
Wandering the Boreal Forest
As clouds moved in we had our last glimpse of the Northern Lights over Churchill's famous Inuksuk rock sculpture
While you might think an ice covered bay is an endless flat plain, you would be wrong. As tide action raises and lowers the underlying sea the ice cracks and heaves up and down creating a pretty rough and dangerous landscape. Especially considering it's where the Polar Bears roam hunting for seals as they come up through breathing holes.
One day we came across a Canadian cold weather military training exercise as about 40 snowmobiles returned from a 150 mile trek through the winter wilderness.
Just taking a short walk in Churchill's winter can be a chore.
What an awesome trip we had, thanks to Natural Habitat Adventures and specifically to our great Guide, Eddy Savage
If you missed Part I of our Churchill Northern Lights Photo Expedition click link: "Churchill Northern Lights Blog Part I"
For more photos visit Bill & Linda’s Wildlife website at: "Wildlife Photos"
© Bill Klipp 2020, All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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A Two Part Journey to see the Polar Lights
Like many people I have always been intrigued by the photos and videos of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights but in spite of our many trips into the high Arctic and even Antarctica they have eluded us. I have attributed that to bad luck and the fact it has been mostly daylight in the extreme latitudes during the times of year we have been there. So we did some research on where and when is the best opportunity to see Aurora activity. There are lots of good Aurora viewing spots in Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Finland but Churchill Canada stood out as one of the best inhabited spots on the planet to see the Aurora consistently.
So this past February we headed north to Churchill Manitoba in Canada’s sub-arctic to join a photography workshop organized by Natural Habitat Adventures ( www.NatHab.com ). As remote as it is, getting to Churchill on the north eastern side of Canada is relatively easy. Step one fly into and overnight in Winnipeg Canada where we stayed at the historic Fort Garry Hotel, an iconic old landmark hotel built in 1913 as one of Canada's grand railway hotels.
Our plane being de-iced in Winnipeg
Notice how large Hudson Bay is. It essentially stretches the distance from Washington DC to Kansas City
There are no roads paved or otherwise to Churchill so to get there you have three choices; train, plane or boat. No boats in the winter of course, the train when it runs takes 2 days to cover the 650 mile journey and is incredibly unreliable, so Nat Hab arranges a charter flight for it’s groups. They also offer any empty seats on the plane for free to Churchill locals to help them get back to / from civilization. Nice way to give back and support the local community.
Natural Habitat Adventures 2 hour charter flight Winnipeg to Churchill.
Welcome to winter in Churchill
Churchill train station. The train tracks and bridges were heavily damaged in May 2017 by flooding and service didn't resume till Dec 2018. During this 18 month period the only way in or out of Churchill in the winter was by plane.
Wandering down to ice covered Hudson Bay, the second largest Bay on earth at 850 miles long.
In the far north of Manitoba Canada nestled between the mouth of the Churchill River and the western shores of the Hudson Bay sits the town of Churchill at 58’ North Latitude. The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights circle the globe in an irregularly shaped elliptical "oval" band which passes right over Churchill making it a sweet spot for Aurora activity with over 300 days of Aurora each year. As this oval band of Aurora activity circles the earth most of it passes over the waters of the high arctic. In fact it passes well north of Iceland making it only visible there on cloudless nights when there is heavy Aurora activity as measured on the Aurora KP index (0-10). Churchill on the other hand sits right under the "oval" of Aurora activity enabling viewing at even the lowest KP index values. We used an app called "My Aurora Forecast" to predict the timing, location and intensity of any expected Aurora activity. It was surprisingly accurate.
Note how the sweet spot of the Aurora oval passes over some of the most remote and inaccessable areas of the planet. With heavy Aurora activity however the Northern Lights can be seen much further south around the oval, but Churchill gets it 300 days per year.
The bright dancing lights of the Aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are known as 'Aurora Borealis' in the north and 'Aurora Australis' in the south.
Auroral displays appear in many colors although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.
The key is seeing these Dancing Lights in the Sky is to have a dark cloudless night where the stars are visually prominent, and this is best done in the dead of winter. Mid February is a good time in Churchill with little light pollution and temperatures ranging from -20’F to -40’F. At these extremely low temperatures there is little chance of precipitation or clouds.
Winters in Churchill are all about extreme sub zero temperatures and heavy winds. We regularly had 30-40 mph winds when we were there.
During the day the weather can sometimes be deceiving. Above the ground layer of wind-borne snow and ice is actually a clear blue sky.
So in mid February 2020 we headed to Churchill, into the blowing snow and windchill of -49’F and guess what we saw on 3 of our 4 nights? We saw the Skies on Fire in unearthly and surreal colors, We saw Dancing Lights gyrating from horizon to horizon, We saw slow moving dull green bands take shape and quickly twist, turn and vibrate across the sky moving from the horizon to straight over our heads, We saw the sky go crazy with painted movements and then like a light switch it would be gone only to pop up again in another direction. We were lucky to get 3 nights of very active Aurora Borealis because as our trip was ending the temperatures were headed above zero increasing the chances of cloud coverage and blocked skies. We definitely had good karma.
Click above photo to see winter in Churchill
"Our Nightly Aurora Routine" -- Natural Habitat Adventures has been guiding tours to Churchill for many years and has developed some custom Aurora viewing stations outside of the town’s ambient lights. Each night after dinner (3 restaurant choices) we would head back to our hotel to gear up for a long evening of frigid outdoor photography. Once we are all bundled up our group of 10 would head out usually after 9pm to one of Nat Hab’s Aurora cabin’s which provided a spot to escape the cold and warm up or to grab a snack or drink. I must say though we spent very little time inside as even with lots of viewing windows, outside was a must for photography.
"Aurora Pod" -- Custom-built for Nat Hab clients the Pod offers a spot to warm up and have a snack while still being able to have 360-degree views of the night sky through its glass top and sides. Conditions were ideal for our first night out in search of the Northern Lights in Churchill Canada. The skies were clear with no moon or clouds in sight. The ambient air temperature was -21’F with 30 knot winds treating us to a -48’F evening, yes it was cold but we headed out to the Boreal Forest, set up our tripods and had non-stop action of dancing polar lights till we called it quits after midnight. And this was only night 1. What a way to start our adventure.
My selfie
We braved the extreme cold, standing in the snow as the winds whipped tiny ice particles in every direction. We got stiff necks from staring at the skies from 9pm till 2am. But it was simply amazing, unearthly, almost alien like. We took many pictures which depict the Aurora at a moment in time but the Northern Lights are constantly changing, sometimes slow and sometimes fast.
Still images just can’t covey the motion in the sky we experienced as surreal colors and shapes moved about skies so I set up my camera to take a variety of short time lapses which I blended together in a 1 minute video. Welcome an alien world.
Click Above Photo to see Aurora video
Our main trip objective was photographing the Northern Lights which kept us out after midnight each night so we usually slept in starting our day after a late breakfast before heading out for some local daytime activities
Using hand saws we cut blocks of snow for a traditional Igloo
"Igloo Building" -- One day we visited the Churchill Northern Studies Center which is a non-profit field station focused on scientific research and education in the subarctic. After a tour of the facility we joined some of the staff to learn how to build an authentic Igloo.
The Igloo is actually built from the inside.
Using a machete to shape the snow blocks
When done the builder is locked inside and a door needs to be cut in the snow dome
Viola!, all done
A ready made shelter from the elements
While we were learning how to build an Igloo I set up a camera to create a time lapse of our Igloo building.
Click above photo to see the Igloo video
Churchill Northern Studies Center scientific research field station which hosts visiting scientists.
Sunset over the frozen Churchill River
Snow Shower, ever wonder what happens when you fling a thermos of boiling water into -40F weather? Our most excellent Guide Eddy Savage shows how the boiling water immediately freezes into little ice / snow particles as it hits the frigid air
As we headed out to the Aurora Dome on our second night the sky lit up like it was on fire.
We all started yelling at the driver to pull over as the Northern Lights were dancing crazy all around us.
We jumped out of the van with our cameras and tripods and set up along the road. I stepped off the road to find a better composition only to sink up to my waist in deep snow, bad move, back to the road to set up.
The lights were moving across the sky very fast in every direction. sometimes in front of us sometimes directly overhead.
At one point I looked behind us back towards the town, they were everywhere, crazy
What a workout after a couple hours of non-stop action in the blowing -40F weather we climbed back into the van to continue onto our original destination, Nat Hab's Aurora Dome cabin
Aurora Dome cabin with its large dome roof ports for viewing the Aurora
"Aurora Dome" -- We scored again big time on our 2nd night in search of the Aurora Borealis. We headed out a little after 9pm at -20’F with windchill of -43’F, the makings of some excellent Aurora conditions. Our plan was to head out to the Aurora Dome, a small building designed with some large Dome viewing ports on the roof but we didn’t get too far, as we drove down the road the skies became alive with bright green quickly moving Northern Lights. Not wanting to miss one of the better shows of the year we pulled over on the side of the road and set up our tripods and started shooting for about an hour and half before heading to the Aurora Dome for yet more action. What a night, didn’t get to bed till close to 2am.
“Unearthly” -- Some say the Auroa Borealis can be unearthly or even “Alien” like. This one was a good example of Pareidolia, looks like an alien's head to me. What do you think?
PS. Pareidolia is a type of illusion or misperception involving a vague or obscure stimulus being perceived as something else. It causes people to see patterns like faces or images in everyday objects such as in cloud formations, rock faces or other inanimate objects.
"Historical Churchill" -- Located on the shores of the Hudson Bay, the Town of Churchill and the surrounding area are steeped in history as old as Canada. Archaeology in the area shows evidence of human presence dating back 4,000 years to the Pre-Dorset and Dorset people and for centuries, Churchill has been a meeting place for culture and trade being at the critical intersection of several ecosystems. The first European to explore "The Bay” was Henry Hudson in 1608 and in 1670 the Hudson’s Bay Co. was formed to promote and service the exploding fur trade. In more recent times Churchill was a strategic spot for the Canadian and US Military being an easy flight to Europe and a good place to perform arctic weather training. After the Second World War, Canada and the US jointly sponsored a training and experimental rocket center which researched the possibility of harnessing the geomagnetic power of the Aurora Borealis as a potential weapon. The base was officially closed in 1980 but remnants remain today as when facilities are built in such remote areas they tend to be just abandoned vs removed when no longer in commission.
Churchill's St. Paul’s Anglican Church dates back to 1892
A stained-glass window donated to the parish by the widow of Sir John Franklin, the famous Arctic explorer.
Polar Bear Jail. In the fall when many Polar Bears migrate through Churchill the town has a Polar Bear patrol to keep the locals and visitors safe. People are encouraged to keep their house doors unlocked so everyone has an easy escape from a potentially deadly Polar Bear encounter. Any Bears wandering into Town are darted and locked up for a while in unpleasant conditions hoping to discourage them from future visits.
Classic old General Store stocked with a little of everything. No Amazon Prime here.
When you go to the small supermarket in Churchill you can pick up a head of lettuce (maybe) or a Snowmobile
“Mushing” -- While our nights were busy staring at the skies during the day we had some fun activities. One morning we hit Kelly’s Dog sled camp for some good old Mushing at Churchill River Mushing camp in 30 knot winds and sub zero temperatures.
Getting briefed by Kelly about his Dogs and Mushing
The Dogs just love pulling the sleds
Off they go...
It was a frosty ride on the sled
Click above Photo for our Mushing Video
"Current Day Churchill" -- Although some fur trading still exists the hey days are long gone, the military has mostly left so today Churchill with its population of 900 is mostly supported by a seasonal tourist industry. In the fall it is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the world as roughly 1,000 Polar Bears migrate through the area on their way to the frozen sea ice covered hunting grounds of Hudson Bay. It is one of the few places in the world you can experience reliable land based Polar Bear encounters. The highlight of the winter of course is the Northern Lights and from June to September, approximately 3,000 uniquely white-colored Buluga Whales visit the Churchill River basin and approximately 60,000 come into the Hudson Bay area.
Churchill train station
Organized by the Panga Seed Foundation's Sea Walls project several muralists from around the world joined forces in Churchill to created 18 large-scale murals that promote ocean conservation
Star Wars anyone ! Now this has to be one of the more unique vehicles I have ever seen
"Aurora Cabin" -- On our third night we headed out by snow coach driving over a frozen creek to an Aurora Cabin in the Boreal Forest. The Cabin was specially designed to be mobile so once winter sets in they use a tundra vehicle to tow it up a frozen creek deep into the Boreal Forest. The Cabin owners don’t need roads or own the land as they technically have the cabin sitting in the middle of a creek on frozen water. Before the Spring thaw they just tow the Cabin back to town so when they remove it after the season there is Zero environmental impact once the creek thaws. Unfortunately though it warmed up to a balmy -2’F which brought in some cloud cover blocking our view of the Northern Lights that night.
Clearing the snow off the ice covered creek
Snow cat clearing the creek of snow for us
On the way out to the Aurora Cabin we stopped for some sunset shots
While the clouds made for a nice sunset it wrecked our visibility for any Northern Lights viewing.
A cozy warming hut on skis sitting on top of a frozen creek, very cool idea
Tonight we had some homemade dinner in the Aurora cabin, but unfortunately no Aurora.
Aurora Cabin was in an awesome spot, deep in the Boreal Forest, but the cloud cover hid the Aurora from us.
Coming up one more night of crazy Northern Lights at Dave's Dog Sled Camp in Blog Part II
Check out Part II of my Northern Lights Blog as we head to "Dave's Dog Sled Camp" for our last night in Churchill. Click link: "Churchill Northern Lights Blog Part II"
For more photos visit Bill & Linda’s Wildlife website at: "Wildlife Photos"
© Bill Klipp 2020
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Part II of a two Part Series of our recent trip to Brazil's remote Pantanal region
After a long bumpy, slippery 6 hour drive down the Transpantaneira Highway the road finally came to an abrupt end at the edge of the Cuiaba River. It is here at the Port Jofre Hotel an old fishing lodge that would be our base for the next 5 days as we explore the local rivers and creeks by small boat. Each morning began with an early breakfast then before sunrise the 6 of us along with our Guide Alyson and our boat driver would hit the river exploring for about 6 hours, returning to camp for lunch and to escape the mid-day heat before heading out again mid-afternoon into early evening. While the mornings were a little chilly we had expected some pretty intense daytime temperatures and were not disappointed with 100 degree highs with no shade. Glad we brought our Kenyan Kikoys to keep us cool but our only real relief was when we were cruising along the river catching a breeze. We had expected the area to be very buggy but other than the annoying biting flies it wasn't very bad at all.
Yacare Caiman
Giant River Otters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. A group of Otters is called: bevy, family, lodge or romp
The mornings on the river were a bit chilly
But by mid-morning it had started to heat up. On one of our African Safaris our Guide introduced us Kenyan Kikoys. Essentially a cotton scarf which we soak in cold water which then acts as a personal air conditioner as the water evaporates. They work great proving a few hours of cooling as well as a sun shade or even bug protection.
Click above photo to see video: "Headed out on the River" To search for Jaguars we used small boats to explore the rivers out of Porto Jofre in the Northern Pantanal. Our friend Bud took a short video of us heading out one morning
Jaguar Karma, an awesome beginning
Linda and I often feel we have some sort of wildlife karma and it played out today on our first day on the river. 50 minutes into our first morning on the Cuiaba River we found a Jaguar stealthily hunting a Caiman (unsuccessfully) along the river shore line. A couple of hours later we had another Jaguar encounter as the big cat stole a fish from a Cocoi Heron. After lunch we quickly found two more Jaguars on a riverside beach where we spent 2 ½ hours observing and photographing them from about 30 yards away. The highlight was a seldom seen interaction between a male and female. Four Jaguars up close, and its only day 1. What an awesome beginning to our trip.
Sometimes the Jaguars might seem to just be wandering along, but make no mistake they are constantly on alert. A large bird caught this one's attention as he moved along the top of the river bank.
We saw a small Caiman in the water ahead of the Jaguar, and it did not escape his notice.
Two quick leaps and he was in the water
Notice the splash on the lower left! It's the Caiman making a quick escape to deeper waters
Better luck next time
Cocoi Heron is the most common and easy to see heron, as it forages in the open, and occupies a large range of habitats where there is water.
Cocoi Heron taking flight
Plover with a worm
Green Kingfisher telling us which way to look
Giant River Otters are in the Mustelids family which include weasels, badgers, martens, and wolverines
Jaguar working it's way down the shoreline looking for Caiman
When tracking a Jaguar on the move we would often position the boat further up long the river to intercept it at key locations. This time we came across a Cocoi Heron who had just speared a fish. Being opportunistic the Jaguar took off after the Heron who dropped the fish which turned out to be a nice snack for the Cat
Ringed Kingfisher taking flight. One of the larger and very noisy of the Kingfishers
Adult Tiger Heron hunting for fish
Lounging on a beach
We were watching this guy for well over an hour as he hung out on the beach near some Black Skimmer nests which got the birds all upset as they periodically would dive bomb the Jaguar
Black Skimmer
Little Green Kingfisher watching the waters for fish
Diving for Fish
We were anchored in our boat for several hours watching a Jaguar on the beach when I noticed a little Green Kingfisher diving for fish about 50 meters from us. I locked my camera focus on the water where he was diving and waited for 20 minutes for his next dive. I tracked him as he screamed down from the tree top crashing into the water. My pre-focus helped me capture a nice 11 frame sequence as he emerged from the water returning back to the tree top in under 1 second, unfortunately without a fish.
In the distance across the beach we saw a female Jaguar headed our way
They slowly checked each other out, the male hoping to the female would be receptive
They did some play fighting
In the end she wasn't interested so the male wandered off, upsetting the Black Skimmers again
A Japanese film crew was onsite filming the Jaguars
We were often able to get up real close to the wildlife
Yesterday we found two Jaguars on this beach. Today we found a few Capybaras there. What we are missing is them both there at the same time. Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world reaching 70-140lbs. I'm told they are good eating.
It is now in the dry season that all sorts of wildlife concentrate along the river edges making access and photography much less challenging than shooting in the dark jungles of the Amazon or Costa Rica. The rivers rich with fish and other life provide a virtually feeding buffet for all sorts of mammals, birds and reptiles. As we cruised the rivers for many miles seeking Jaguars we would stop often to photograph the many other creatures which seemed to be around every turn.
Black-Capped Heron, one of the most beautiful of the Herons
Black-Collared Hawks typically perch above shallow pools or marshes and drop onto prey such as fish
Anhinga sometimes called Snakebird or Darter is a water bird of the warmer parts of the Americas. The word "anhinga" comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means devil bird or snake bird.
The light tan coloring of the Pampas Deer allows it to perfectly blend into the surroundings
Southern Caracara taking a drink but always watching it's back
Osprey are fairly common raptors that live near fresh or salt water and can be found from Alaska to Argentina
Coming in close on a Caiman
Yacare Caiman were once heavily hunted for its valuable skin but now protected, they are found in incredibly large numbers within the Pantanal. They are similar in appearance to the Spectacled Caiman, and reach a maximum adult length of 10 feet. Their smaller size makes them a favorite prey of Jaguar and Anaconda.
Click above photo to see our video: "Cruising the Cuiaba River"
While Jaguars roam from Mexico to Argentina they are normally very elusive and difficult to see in the thick jungle like habitats they usually inhabit. The rivers of the Pantanal however offer a unique opportunity to see these magnificent cats active in daylight as they move and hunt along the river edges. The area around Porto Jofre is remote and difficult to get to and for many years was visited only by a few locals and adventurous fishermen seeking an exotic fishing location. Over time the fishermen ignored the Jaguars and vice versa and like the indifference many African animals show towards safari vehicles the Jaguars got used to the presence of boats in their eco-system. So a few years back some of these fishing lodges and camps expanded into eco-tourism with local wildlife viewing and particularly Jaguars being a highlight.
Bats
Jaguars have always been my favorite of the Big Cats although I had never seen one in the wild. That changed big time this week as we had 17 different Jaguar encounters some for 2- 3+ hours at a time with 10 different animals. Jaguars are typically known to be one of the most elusive of the big cats although here like no-where else the Jaguars of the northern Pantanal emerge from the forests in the dry season onto the river banks to hunt for Caiman (South American Alligator), Capybara (world’s largest rodent) and other creatures. Unlike Lions and other big cats which spend a lot of daylight hours sleeping all of our Jaguar encounters were with very active animals.
We saw a Jaguar headed our way so we tucked the boat into the weeds. Turns out we ended being about 25 feet from her
A small group of Giant Otters Swam by peaking the Jaguars' interest
These guys were swimming along at a fairly quick pace, diving periodically and pulling up one fish after another
While most Cats avoid water Jaguars do not avoid water but as very good swimmers they use water to their advantage, to cool off, to make easier passage and to hunt. The river areas of the Pantanal provide ample prey including; Caiman, Capybara, Fish, turtles, Anaconda, Deer, Tapirs and Peccaries to name a few. This abundance of food has resulted in the Jaguars much larger than those in Mexico and Central America. Due to their size and weight they are not as good climbers as Leopards, but they will climb trees on occasion to rest or ambush prey. Like all cats (except Lions) Jaguars are loners except when mating or caring for their young and live in defined marked territories of many square miles. We did however come across a pair of brothers who liked to hang out and hunt together. Jaguars have up 4 cubs who stay with their Mom for 2 or more years learning how to hunt before they are chased off to find their own territories.
These cats are very comfortable in the water and often seem to take a water route. This guy was swimming across a pretty wide stretch of river
After Tigers and Lions, Jaguars are the 3rd largest of the cats and the largest in the Americas, with body lengths of 5-6 (plus 3 foot tail) and weighing sometimes over 300lbs. Like other cats they live 12-15 years in the wild. Prominent in ancient Native American cultures the name Jaguar is derived from the Native American word Yaguar, which means “he who kills with one leap.” Unlike other Cats which usually grab their prey by the neck these cats go for the skull. They are stealthy ambush predators with an incredibly strong bite easily piercing the skulls of Caiman and other prey. They will even sometimes dip their tails in the water to lure fish and we came across a couple of Jaguars with red/ pinkish tail tips where Piranhas had nipped off the tip of the tail.
Like many animals knowing their habits and behaviors helps tremendously in finding them and getting into position for a good shot. We had an awesome Guide, Alyson who was one of the original Northern Pantanal Jaguar guides and he knew how to anticipate their movements and behaviors advising our excellent boat driver who expertly got us into position for the best photography. As a boater I can appreciate his skill in the often swift moving and hyacinth choked rivers. I never expected that we would end up shooting well over 8,000 Jaguar photos in 4-5 days. These thrilling encounters with Jaguars far exceeded the many other animals we encountered on this trip.
We spotted 3 Capybaras swimming across the river onto an island where they just seemed to hang out.
We had seen a Jaguar on the other side of the island headed this way, so we anchored our boat to see if anything would develop. While the Capybaras never saw they Jaguar they got spooked and gathered together in a defensive triangle where they had 360' view. Ultimately the sun went down and we left before anything might have happen.
While the upside is the areas around Porto Jofre are rich with wildlife and unique as a Jaguar habitat the downside is in the last few years it has attracted a lot of eco-tourists. The key is to be the first boat to find a Jaguar so you get some alone time with the animal before a dozen or more other boats show up as the boat drivers are in constant contact with each other sharing news of sightings. To my surprise the Jaguars mostly totally ignored the boats and the clicking cameras
It’s a small world -- You never know what you might find on the river in the Pantanal. We just bumped into a friend and one of our favorite Lindblad Naturalists and Wildlife Photographers , Carlos Navarro, who was leading another group out of Porto Jofre.
We were following this guy along the river when he joined his brother. An unusual situation for normally solitary animals
Until you see them being hunted its hard to believe that these South American Alligators are the favorite prey of Jaguars in the Pantanal. Check out the next video
Click above photo to see short Nat Geo video: "Jaguar Attacks Caiman", its pretty cool.
While my hope was that we would find a scene like the video above. We did not. We did however get see a number of Jaguars in hunting mode and even leaping off the river bank a few times only to miss the Caiman they were after. Very exciting
Great Egret with fish in Hyacinth pond
Capybara
Blue & Yellow Macaw
While Jaguars were our target species our photo expedition in the Pantanal yielded a number unique mammal species. After leaving the River at Porto Jofre we spent a couple of nights at Araras Ecolodge in the dryer Savanah regions of the northern Pantanal.
Green Kingfisher
Jabiru Storks feed on many types of aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, snakes, insects, young Caiman, crabs and turtles. When feeding they move about actively in shallow water, splashing with their bill to flush prey.
Muscovy Duck
Yellow Armadillo
Coati
Hooded Capuchin Monkey
Hooded Capuchin Monkey
Tiger Heron
Whistling Heron with a worm or eel
Click above photo to see our video: "Canoeing in the Pantanal"
If you missed Part I of "Pantanal Wanderings" click here:
"Journey to Brazil's Remote Interior"
For more photos visit Bill & Linda’s Wildlife website at: "Wildlife Photos"
© Bill Klipp 2019, All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Part I of a two Part Series of our recent trip to Brazil's remote Pantanal region
Over the past year or so our wildlife photography travels have taken us from the diverse ecosystems of Australia and Tasmania to the jungles and deserts of Madagascar to the savannahs of East Africa to the remote islands of the Galapagos (with our 2 eldest granddaughters) and more recently the Pantanal in central Brazil home to the largest contiguous wetland on the planet. A place with an amazing diversity of Flora and Fauna.
A large Yacare Caiman aka South American Alligator
Jaguar hunting Caiman and Capybara along river's edge
Giant River Otters, no where near as cute as our North American Otters
Black-Collared Hawk
The Pantanal covers an area of about 75,000 square miles and is composed of tropical savannah, forest, rivers and lagoons. It is sometimes described as the largest fresh water marsh on earth and is akin to a huge Delta that empties to no-where, as most of the water is trapped until the dry season. The Pantanal has two very distinct seasons, the rainy season during which roughly 80% of the Pantanal floodplains are submerged, nurturing a biologically diverse collection of aquatic plants and helping to support a dense array of animal species. In the dry season the waters recede creating a new life cycle of vast grass lands with scattered lakes and lagoons. As you would suspect this radical shift in seasons creates an environment rich in biological diversity with over 650 bird species as well as many other unique creatures such as Jaguars, Capybaras, Giant Anteaters, Sloths, Tapirs, Anacondas, Caimans, Giant River Otters, Coatis, Deer, Wolves and many species of Bats. In addition the region has many species of freshwater tropical fish including Pacu and Piranhas.
Jaguar lounging on a river beach
Capybara an aquatic mammal and the largest living rodent on the Planet
Giant River Otter with fish
Jaguar preparing to cross the river
A stealthy Yacare Caiman swims past our boat
Our main objective of this trip was to explore the Cuiaba and surrounding rivers deep in the interior of the wetlands of central Brazil in search of Jaguars (our target species) the third largest cat on the planet. To get there we flew into Sao Paulo Brazil and then onto Cuiaba where we began a 6+ hour drive to Porto Jofre along the Transpantaneira Highway. I designed our custom photo expedition with Ged Caddick the owner of Terra Incognita Ecotours (www.ecotours.com ) one of our preferred and highly recommended boutique Eco-Tour Operators. We designed the trip for us and two other photography obsessed couples that we have traveled with a number of times. In addition to our traveling photography friends Chris and Tamar we were joined by Alyson Melo our local guide and naturalist for the first segment of the trip.
Great Egret. As we got closer to Pousada Piuval we stopped a few times to photograph some of the wildlife along the road. Sometimes we would come across a very small creek that would have maybe 2 dozen different species poking around fishing
Sunbittern in appearance they are something like a cross between a Rail and a small Heron but when they spread their wings you will see spectacular sunburst pattern on the wing feathers
A baby Yacare Caiman. It seemed like almost every body of water we came across there were Caiman of various sizes
Southern Caracara eating a Crab-eating Fox roadkill. Common to agricultural land, grasslands, marshes and open forests of Central and South America this large raptor feeds on a large variety of items, but particularly carrion, reptiles, and arthropods (crabs, spiders, millipedes).
Why did the Rhea cross the road? Take a guess. The Rhea is a large flightless bird native to South America and distantly related to the Ostrich and Emu.
Campo Flicker a fairly common bird found in South America in the Woodpecker family. Though it frequently can be seen in trees or bushes, it is among the very few woodpeckers that spends a significant portion of its life on the ground
Amazon Kingfisher on a post overlooking a small pond along the road and filled with catfish
To break up the long road trip and explore some additional ecosystems we spent a few days each direction at a couple of large wildlife rich private ranches; Pousada Piuval and Araras Ecolodge. In these dryer savannah regions of the northern Pantanal we found a diverse array of mammals and birds.
Throughout the property there were very friendly Blue & Yellow Macaws often munching on Palm nuts
Crab-eating Fox tends to be a similar size and shape to most foxes and found mostly in the savannahs and woodlands of Central and South America. Mainly nocturnal they are also active during dusk, spending the day in a den dug by other animals. The Crab-eating fox is an omnivore, mainly feeding on crabs, fish, reptiles, rodents, birds, insects, eggs and fruit.
Crane Hawk -- Their long, orange, "double-jointed" legs are used to reach into crevices and cavities to obtain snakes, nestling birds, bats, and other food items.
A few hours south of Cuiaba our first stop was at Pousada Piuval for a couple of nights. In the wet season much of the ranch is under water but during the dry season we were able to explore this 17,000+ acre private ranch via safari type vehicle and by foot in search of Capybara, Caiman, Coati, Anteaters, Deer, Monkeys and a myriad of bird species that are all found on this working ranch. The 20+ air conditioned rooms were very comfortable and wildlife seemed to wander everywhere mostly unafraid of us.
In the wet season the waters almost consume Pousada Piuval
Pousada Piuval is still an operating ranch and we would occasionally come across a Gaucho or Vaqueiro (Brazilian Cowboy) as we explored the ranch
Agouti -- a tailless rodent from Central and South America rain forests that looks a bit like a really large guinea pig
Black-White Tegu is a large lizard that grows up to 4 feet long. Tegus eat fruits, vegetables, eggs, insects and small animals like lizards and rodents. In Florida, invasive Tegus (released from pets) have dug into alligator and turtle nests and eaten the eggs. A growing and spreading Tegu population in Florida is a threat to native wildlife such as Alligators, Crocodiles, Sea Turtles, ground-nesting birds, and small mammals.
Tiger Heron with a fish. They often forages in the open (like above) and feed both on aquatic animals like fish and frogs as well as terrestrial rodents.
Black-fronted Nunbird
We found a small pond with a few birds so we decided to hang out to see what else might show up. Before we knew it a "Troop" of Hooded Capuchin Monkeys showed up to drink followed by "Band" of Coatis.
Coatis also called Coatimundis are related to raccoons and are found from the southwestern US all through South America. Primarily omnivorous, Coatis usually forage for fruits and invertebrates and like to eat palms, eggs, larval beetles, scorpions, centipedes, spiders, ants, termites, lizards and small mammals
Bat Falcon eating, guess what? A bat.
Yacare Caiman hunting for fish
Bare-Faced Curassow forage on the ground in forest and forest edge and are easiest to detect in early morning and late evening, when individuals or pairs wander into clearings or deliver their deep, booming songs.
A pair of Hyacinth Macaw. They are the largest of the Macaws and the largest flying Parrot species
Jabiru Stork in nest with chick very high up in the crown of a large canopy tree. The nests are often used for consecutive years growing in size each year and can reach over 6 feet in diameter
Yacare Caimans or South American Alligators.
Hyacinth Macaw nesting in a tree hole
Red-legged Seriema known for loud barking sounds are very capable predators and opportunistic feeders with a varied diet, taking a wide range of foods including arthropods, lizards, snakes, small rodents, eggs, corn and other grains, and wild fruit. They kind of remind me of the tall African Secretary Bird
Southern Caracaras came in for drink only to be chased off by a noisy troop of Hooded Capuchin Moneys and Coatis
As the Hooded Capuchin Monkeys cautiously approached the pond I envisioned them each lining up to take a drink simultaneous ever so wary
Capuchins are the most intelligent New World monkeys – perhaps as intelligent as chimpanzees. They are noted for their ability to fashion and use tools. For instance, they have been observed using rocks to crack open nuts.
While the Monkey was drinking the Coati wandered up behind him startling him
It's obvious when White-Eyed Parakeets show up as they are very noisy
Just as we were about to leave Pousada Piuval someone spotted a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl up in a tree They prey on large insects and small vertebrates, including small birds that may be almost as large as the owl.
Great Horned Owl
On our last morning it had started to rain so with our rain gear on we headed out for a pre-dawn game drive after which we packed as we waited for our last 2 travel partners Bud & Trina two of our globe trotting photography traveling friends. Then our little group of 6 along with a driver and Alyson Melo our trusty and highly experienced Guide we headed out by van in the morning on the 4 hour drive to Porto Jofre at the end of the Transpantaneira Highway. It had started to rain the night before so we we were warned that drive will be a bit challenging and that turned out to be an understatement as the early unseasonal rain storm caused havoc to the road. Our hope was to arrive at Porto Jofre for lunch and then a late afternoon boat excursion looking for Jaguars. But that didn't happen as our road trip took 6+ hours and frankly we were lucky we didn't have to turn around and try the next day.
The beginning of the Transpantaneira Highway the Pantanal National Park
Calling the Transpantaneira Highway an actual highway at any time is a bit of a misnomer as it is a bumpy 1-2 lane dirt road with 122 poorly maintained and scary wooden bridges. The unexpected rains made the drive pretty treacherous as our vehicle slid back and forth and even sideways across the road even at very slow speeds. In spite of having an excellent driver we almost had to abort the trip as several bridges were out and the so called highway was blocked by a large bus of drunken fishermen that skidded across the road trapping them inside and blocking all passage for hours. Our guide was about to hike the remaining 8 miles to the lodge to seek help when a 4x4 vehicle came by and was able to take him to our lodge to get help. Every time our van tried to squeeze by the stranded bus it would start sliding into it, so our guide and others slipped between the vehicles pushing them apart. Luckily no one was crushed and we finally squeezed by and was pulled through by winch. I guess that’s what makes for an adventure, we sure were lucky having some pretty dedicated staff.
With only 8 miles to go we came across a stranded bus blocking the road.
This was not looking good, our Guide and Driver took off their shoes and slipped and slided up the road to check things out. We had no cell or radio signals here or for many miles, so calling for help was not an option.
The bus rested up against the embankment trapping the passengers inside, although a few climbed out the window.
Each time we tried to slowly squeeze between the bus and the swamp our van would slide sideways into the bus.
Ultimately with human cushions we squeezed by the bus and we were towed out by winch. Check out video below.
We made it through so our journey continues to the Cuiaba River and to our lodge the Porto Jofre Hotel at the end of the road
Click above photo for our video: "A Wild Journey on Brazil's Transpantaneira Highway"
The Transpantaneira Highway was originally supposed to connect the remote northern and southern regions of the Pantanal but it was never completed as the road now comes to an abrupt end at the edge of the Cuiaba River. It is here at the Porto Jofre Hotel, an old fishing lodge, more recently converted to an eco-lodge, we would be based for our daily river excursions in search of Jaguars and other local wildlife.
Collared Peccaries wandering just off the roadway. Collared Peccaries can grow up to a meter long and weigh over 60. A very social animal, they can be very nosey -- barking, grunting, purring, woofing and coughing -- because they have strong hearing but poor vision they rely on vocalizations to communicate with each other.
Collared Peccarys also called Javelinas, look a lot like pigs but they actually belong to a different family of mammals.
The elusive and strange Tapir which is related to Horses and Rhinos is a large primative herbivorous mammal, similar in shape to a pig that inhabit jungle and forest regions of South America. Tapirs are a bit of a hodge-podge of animal parts. They are about the size of a donkey have round bodies, short legs and stubby tails, sort of like a hippo. Their eyes and ears are small and they have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot.
Marsh Deer the largest of the South American Deer species. They are found in the marsh and lagoon zones of Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Rhea with Chicks
Some of our group near the docks of Porto Jofre
When we finally got to Porto Jofre and had lunch we didn't have much light left so we explored the property around the Lodge. There were lots of noisy Hyacinth Macaws munching on Palm nuts
Toco Toucan, probably the most recognizable tropical bird in the Americas. Toco Toucans feed extensively on figs and other fruit, and also occasionally prey on insects and nestling birds.
There was a large lagoon behind the Lodge with some Giant Water Lily pads that were 4 plus feet across. The giant water Lily's leaves may grow as large as 8 to 9 feet in diameter, and a very large pad is capable of supporting up to 100 pounds of weight.
On one of the Lily Pads there was a Striated Heron who was moving from Lily to Lily hunting for fish
Striated Heron, a small Heron pretty common across the globe. Normally solitary, found standing quietly around wetland habitats such as marshes, agricultural fields, rivers, and lakes.
Red-crested Cardinal native to South America, you may have seen these guys in Hawaii also as they were introduced in the 1930s
Monk Parakeet native to South America but long popular in the pet trade, established wild populations in several US Cities in the 1960s. They are the only parakeets to nest communally; dozens live together year-round in large, multifamily stick nests built in trees and on power poles.
Monk Parakeets
Chestnut-eared Aracari
Boat-billed Heron
Green Kingfisher
Stay tuned for Part II of "Pantanal Wanderings" -- -- Land of the Big Cats
Part II of "Pantanal Wanderings" takes us to Porto Jofre where we hit the Cuiaba River each day in search of the elusive Jaguar the 3rd largest Cat on the Planet
For more photos visit Bill & Linda’s Wildlife website at: "Wildlife Photos"
© Bill Klipp 2019
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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“Live Where You Play” – Is Discovery Bay’s motto and as a water based community there are lots of opportunities right outside our back door to be active and have all round non-stop fun times and summertime is when most of the play occurs. Maybe I’m just getting older but it sure seemed like a short and less hot summer to me, and now with Labor Day behind us and the fall rains already starting summer is starting to seem like a distant past. So to celebrate another fun summer on the Delta I thought it might be fun to take a look into the rear view mirror to revisit some of Summer’s Fun Times on the Delta.
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Hydrobikes seems to be a new craze on our waterways. Our sloughs are ideal for these fun toys. They are very stable, easy to ride and provide as low impact way to get some exercise while exploring the sloughs of Discovery Bay
Riding the board with just sneakers, no bindings
Getting ready to approach the rail
BTW the lack of bindings didn't seem to help when exiting the rail, as it ended up as a head plant
Ultralight coming in for closer look
Discovery Bay Kids Fishing Derby --- Every year the Discovery Bay Community Foundation hosts a FREE family fishing derby for all kids 15 years of age and under. Looked like a fun time and the kids were pulling up fish left and right.
Truly a family affair as the Marina docks were filled with young fishermen
Nice Catch!
Only two years in the making this year's turn out was huge especially given how hot it was.
Sunset at the Discovery Bay Lighthouse
Every August the Marina fills up with big power boats for the Annual Big Cat Poker Run
It's almost parade like as the power boats leave the Marina on their way to the Big Cat Poker Run
The Marine Sheriff leads the pack
And off they go to the far reaches of the Delta
A Patriotic Full Moon over Discovery Bay
What a peaceful scene
Clouds --- sometimes the best scenes at sunset is not looking west towards the sun but looking in the opposite direction at the clouds. The other night was one of those nights as the skies turned from yellows and oranges to pinks and pastels.
Lighthouse Bride -- I have no idea who they are but we wish them a Lifetime of Happiness!!!!
The rope swing on Kellogue Creek harkens back to days of simplier times on the Delta
Unfortunately some time after this scene someone cut the rope
We got our first stand up Paddle Board (SUP) about 8 years ago and it seemed unique, today they are everywhere in Discovery Bay
SUPs aren't just for the young ones
Recently I looked out my kitchen window to see this guy zipping by on a motorized electric paddle board. First time I saw one in Discovery Bay. Maybe a new craze?
They come with many names like; Hydroflying, flyboarding, jet shoes, water jet pack. I just call them Cool! Connected via a hose to a the jet out-take of a wave runner which provides the propulsion
If you hear the sound of a big fan in the sky it could be one of our neighbors doing aerial aerobatics with his Paramotor or Paraglider. Not all the fun activities in the Delta are water based
Gliding into the sunset
The go to sport on the Delta used to be Water Skiing, then Wake Boarding seemed to take over, now Wake Surfing is rapidly climbing in popularity, that is if you can afford a $75k-$100k boat
Most start with a real short rope right behind the swim deck. Then with some practice the surfer tosses the rope back to the boat and just rides the wake curl.
Personally I hate these slow moving giant wave generators which wreck the waters for many other activities especially given our narrow waterways.
A sunset peaceful cruise through the neighborhood
The Boardwalk Grill, nothing better than being able to take your boat to lunch or dinner
Mt. Diablo Sunset
Night-time comes over the Discovery Bay Marina
You can't talk about the Delta without mentioning the awesome fishing we have
Four 400hp outboards. Really!
Some have the need for speed
Give the kids a choice as to what to do behind the boat and Tubing is always high on the list
Ah! I remember the days when I subjected my self to such abuse in the name of fun
It continues to amaze me how big some of these tubes have gotten
Sometimes it's just best to sit back and enjoy the views
Riding the levees
Those windless, dead calm days make for some great reflections.
but sometimes tubing can be a quiet relaxing time
A family visiting from New Zealand hit the Delta for some barefoot skiing
Looks like a sunset from the tropics
Discovery Bay Country Club
Not all the fun activities in Discovery Bay take place on the water
Now that is one strange looking vehicle. Given the headphones I suspect not alot of thoughtful conversation goes on in that boat
Coast Guard on the move
At first I thought they were fishermen till I saw the gun cases in the boat, it must be duck hunting season
Nice way to get around the Delta
OOPPS!
No Towing Involved??? --- The fast water section of Indian Slough is a “Special No Tow Zone” on holidays and summer weekends. This guy was wake surfing behind a boat and No Tow Lines were used. Did he violate the NO Tow Zone? Interesting question.
Bonehead Boaters --- An ongoing series dedicated to Yahoo and Moron Boaters who ignore boating laws, regulations and general common sense, and who operate water vessels with total disregard for their safety and those around them. Especially timely given that two people recently drowned in Discovery Bay, reminding us the dangers of the water. Accidents waiting to happen...
Children towing children without a spotter or flag. Where are their parents? illegal & dumb
Fishing, throw netting and hanging out on the swim deck while the boat is under way, illegal & dumb
What's with these people water skiing in the 5mph zone, couldn't they wait a 100 feet to put in?
Then after the skier took off inside the 5mph zone this moron figured he should too
Good bye summer, welcome fall
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" #2 blog post -- Click Here: Delta Wildlife Guide
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2019
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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As internationally recognized wildlife photographers my wife Linda and I spend a good portion of the year traveling to remote and exotic locations across our planet. Our travels take us from Antarctica to the high Canadian arctic and many places in between such as Africa, Madagascar, Galapagos and South America to name a few. But when we are back on the Delta we try to Wander about in our boat seeking the many amazing wildlife encounters we have right in our Backyard. The photos in this Blog edition were made over the last month or so during our many “Delta Safari Wine Cruises”. We putt around our local waterways in our pontoon boat armed with several cameras and of course a bottle (or 2) of wine capturing images of the Wildlife that call the Delta their home.
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
It always amazes us as we sit in our boat focused on say a dozen River Otters gobbling up bright Red Crayfish as many boats just pass by us oblivious to their surroundings. People often say Wow! where did you see this or that? My comment is we are surrounded by terrestrial, aquatic and aerial wildlife you just need to put your cell-phone down be patient and be in the moment and you would be surprised at what you will see. While many of the creatures below may seem common I suspect there are a few that have alluded your gaze.
California Quail (male), is a ground dwelling bird often seen scurrying along the levee tops or perched on fence posts and are usually found in small groups called "Coveys". California Quail’s main call consists of three syllables and high pitched sounds like the bird is saying Chi-ca-go. It’s usually given when an individual is separated from its group or mate, as well as while a covey is on the move or preparing to move. The males have a "comma" shaped crest and strong head markings.
As the waters recede during low tides, the Delta takes on a different look sometimes revealing previously hidden things like sand bars, old pylons, tree limbs and sometimes junk, like old submerged car tires. What is most interesting though is the emergence of a totally new shoreline exposing mudflats teaming with life. Fish get trapped in small pools of water, invertebrates like crayfish and small crabs scurry about creating a potential feast for the many creatures and shore birds found in our Delta backyards.
The Western Pond Turtle is the West Coast's only native freshwater Turtle and is close to be included on the Endangered Species list. Recently we counted 14 of them in a backwater slough near Discovery Bay. Did you know that a group of Turtles is called a "Bale" or a "Herd"?
Belted Kingfisher (male), these guys will hang out on branches or posts along the water's edge waiting to plunge into the water to grab a fish. They are most often found first by hearing their wild rattling call which is often described as a machine gun. Males have a crest and are blue/grey with a white collar, while the females have a chestnut colored belly band and flanks. They have a wide distribution across North America.
Western Pond Turtles, often hard to find as they are mostly in the back sloughs away from people and boat traffic. To see them you need to look far ahead of you along the shoreline and look for logs, rocks, stumps and other obstructions protruding from the water. You might be rewarded with a glimpse of a couple sunbathing
Western Pond Turtle, the west coast's only native freshwater turtle. They are opportunistic omnivores with a regular diet of invertebrates, fishes, amphibian eggs and young, and carrion.
Green Herons are one of the world's few tool-using bird species sometimes seen using twigs, feathers or insects as a lure or bait to attract a fish which they catch with a lightening like stab with their dagger-like bill. They tend to hang out along the edge of shallow water or hidden in vegetation on the shoreline and are often hard to see at first. Normally they are a stocky looking bird although the one above has extended it's neck as it looks for prey.
Juvenile Green Heron
Great Blue Heron taking off. Composite image composed of 7 photos
Black Crowned Night Heron, medium sized Heron chunkier than their other longer legged Heron cousins, these guys are most active at night or dusk. They have grey and black plumage with long white head plumes. Feeds mostly on fish, crustaceans, insects, frogs and snakes.
Great Blue Heron, the largest of our local birds found throughout the delta and North and South America. This majestic bird with its blue-gray plumage will often stand motionless as it scans for prey. They strike their prey with lightening speed with a diet ranging from fish, crayfish, insects, ducklings and even small gophers and rodents.
Great Egret a tall stately wading Egret that forages mostly by standing or walking in shallow calm waters. In addition to fish its main diet includes crustaceans, insects, frogs and snakes. You will often see them feeding alongside other Egrets and Herons. The telltale difference vs the smaller Snowy Egret is their black legs and feet and yellow bill.
Snowy Egret, a smallish beautiful Egret with very active feeding behavior sometimes walking running or stirring the muddy bottom with its distinctive yellow feet to stir up prey. Notice the black bill and yellow lore vs the above Great Egret's colors.
We were cruising down Indian slough just before sunset when we heard screaming sounds coming from the tulee island, sounded like a cat fight. We speculated it was raccoons and a few minutes later we spotted two of them near the water’s edge
Some of our tulee islands are home to Raccoons, who swim to our shores at night often on garbage pickup days
Mallard Duck (female) with it's brood of ducklings. The most abundant Duck species across the planet. While they are omnivorous the majority of their diet is plant material.
Wood Duck (female), one of the most pretty Duck species. The females have a delicate white pattern around the eyes while the males are iridescent chestnut and green with ornate patterns on their feathers. They nest in trees and bushes near water and is the only North American Duck that has 2 broods per year.
Ground Squirrels, these guys are pretty common on our back roads, you will often see them darting across Marsh Creek Road. They also travel along the farmland levees. But they are quick and stealthy as they are always on the look out for predators like Hawks and Great Horned Owls.
Great Horned Owl, very hard to find in daytime as they are well camouflaged and stay deep inside big tree branches usually near the main tree trunk. A powerful aerial predator fond of birds and small mammals such as mice, squirrels and rabbits, although they also dine on scorpions and other insects. Common throughout North America and Mexico.
Creatures of Habit
We are often asked how do we find all these creatures? Well first of all we are always looking and in many cases animals are creatures of habit. By observing them over time you learn their habits their routes or trails, where they like to hang out or roost, where their dens or nests are, at what time of day or tide levels they are most active, what they eat. Generally speaking once you understand their behaviors and the ecology they live in it’s actually pretty easy to find them. Sometimes just listening is what tips us off. Great Horned Owls are masters of camouflage but if you know their calls that helps tip you off to what tree they might be in. Then knowing they often like to perch right next to the tree’s main trunk helps narrow down your search. Or in the case above we heard the loud repetitive alarm calls of a Mockingbird which tipped us off that they where very upset. The question then is what is upsetting them? As we followed the alarm calls we found an Owl being harassed by a couple of Mockingbirds who didn’t like the Owl being in “their” tree. The Mockingbirds would repeatedly attack the Owl by flying at it and trying to peck it. The Owl was largely unphased though.
Great Horned Owls
The Beaver is our largest aquatic mammal, much bigger than River Otters and Muskrats. They have a large ears, a triangular head, roundish body and large flat platter like hairless tail. They are 3-4 feet long and weigh a substantial 24-70 lbs. They are herbivores feasting on many types of plant materials.
Notice the Beaver's triangular head and large ears
When Beavers are startled or when they want to send a message like you are in my territory they will make a large tail slap on the surface of the water just as they dive below.
Beaver are primarily nocturnal and are more easily seen at dusk
Beaver tail slap
River Otters are probably our most common aquatic mammal.
I counted 11, but there could have been more. We followed a bevy of 6 River Otters as they were feeding on dozens of bright red Crayfish along the tulees when they bumped into another bevy of 5-6 Otters coming from the other direction. On a small beach a playful scene unfolded as 11 or so Otters rolled around climbing and playing with each other. This was the single biggest "romp" of River Otters we have ever seen. I would have to say the Otter population around Discovery Bay is very healthy. After a few minutes the groups headed off in different directions as we followed the second group for another 20 minutes.
Young River Otters are very curious and will often check you out
A group of River Otters is called a: "Bevy', "Lodge", "Family", "Raft" or as their energy level and antics might suggest, a "Romp".Recently we followed a mom and her 5 curious pups for over 45 minutes as they swam, played on the mud flats and crunched dozens of Crayfish in one slough near Discovery Bay. It was low tide making for the best time to observe these playful animals.
At low tide you might see our River Otters darting from tunnels in the tulees to the water's edge. Like our Beavers and Muskrats, River Otters live in dens dug into the mud banks of the delta.
Classic Otter pose, laying on it's back while eating
River Otters are carnivores and their canine type teeth help them catch fish, crayfish and other invertebrates.
River Otters are in the Weasel family and have a long slender streamlined body, short legs, stout muscular tapered tail and flat head. Their eyes, ears, and nose are located on the top of their head so they can see, hear and smell while most of their body is submerged in the water. They can weigh 10-30 lbs and are 3-4 feet long.
River Otter with a Crayfish. I always knew we had Crayfish in our local waters but after tracking Otters for hours I know realize we have thousands of them. We watched several romps of Otters catch dozens of them in a few minutes.
This little guy is a Muskrat often confused with our local Beavers and Otters is the smallest of our semi-aquatic mammals weighing up to 2 lbs and 2 feet long. Muskrats are rodents and are rat like in their appearance with a roundish body and along thin, laterally flat non-hairy tail.
When eating you will notice their distinctive classic herbivore teeth like a Beaver. Their front feet are distinctively smaller than their rear feet and are used mostly for digging and feeding
Muskrats are rat like in appearance, note the den entrance in the mud bank
Notice the shape and how long the Muskrat's tail is
Invasive Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents resembling Beavers and are native to South America. I have not yet seen one or evidence of one near Discovery Bay "yet", but I thought I would post a photo in case someone spots one. They sometimes live in large colonies and reproduce prolifically having 2-3 litters per year. They are light to dark brown with a robust body, short limbs, small eyes and ears, long white whiskers with a cylindrical, scaly sparely haired tail. With a body length of 2 feet and a tail 1-1.5 feet long they weigh between 15-20 lbs. Smaller than a Beaver and larger than a Muskrat. Their white muzzle and whiskers are tell tail characteristics. These guys are invasive to the Delta and can cause extreme damage to our envirornment. Photo from internet. To learn more about the check out this link: Nutria
Little known and rarely seen we also have Mink in the Delta. I have only seen one years ago in the rip rap near the Marina. They are cute little ferret like, dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals that live usually in the rocks along the shoreline. Photo from internet
Common Crow
Eurasian Collared Doves
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
Great Blue Heron
Raccoon munching on a Crayfish
Great Egret
Great Egret fishing
Western Pond Turtle
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Black Crowned Night Heron
Black Crowned Night Heron
Gulls are often thought of as coastal birds, but California Gulls are also common in inland areas in the West. Breeding adult California Gulls are white-headed gulls with a medium gray back, yellow legs, and a dark eye. Nonbreeding adults have brown streaking on the head.
Great Blue Heron
American Kestrels
Hummingbird
Baby Wood Duck
Wood Duck hiding in nest
Ground Squirrel
Wild Turkey
Cormorant drying its wings
Cormorant taking flight
Sparrow nest
Western Pond Turtle
Canada Geese
California Quail
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron Sunset
Tragedy struck Discovery Bay again as another young Bear was found dead on a dock near the Marina. Authorities from Fish and Wildlife are looking into the recent increase in local Bear deaths.
Delta Bears are pretty common in Northern California. They were once called Midget Bears but the PC Police changed their name to Dock Bears. They are very good swimmers and are rarely seen as they are nocturnal. They are very shy and there have been no reported attacks on humans or their pets. But the spate recent deaths has been alarming.
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" #1 blog post -- Click Here: Delta Living
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2019
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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As internationally recognized wildlife photographers my wife Linda and I spend a good portion of the year traveling to remote and exotic locations across our planet. Our travels take us from Antarctica to the high Canadian arctic and many places in between such as Africa, Madagascar, Galapagos and South America to name a few. But when we are back on the Delta we try to Wander about in our boat seeking the many amazing wildlife encounters we have right in our Backyard. The photos in this Blog edition were made over the last month or so during our many “Delta Safari Wine Cruises”. We putt around our local waterways in our pontoon boat armed with several cameras and of course a bottle (or 2) of wine capturing images of the Wildlife that call the Delta their home.
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
It always amazes us as we sit in our boat focused on say a dozen River Otters gobbling up bright Red Crayfish as many boats just pass by us oblivious to their surroundings. People often say Wow! where did you see this or that? My comment is we are surrounded by terrestrial, aquatic and aerial wildlife you just need to put your cell-phone down be patient and be in the moment and you would be surprised at what you will see. While many of the creatures below may seem common I suspect there are a few that have alluded your gaze.
California Quail (male), is a ground dwelling bird often seen scurrying along the levee tops or perched on fence posts and are usually found in small groups called "Coveys". California Quail’s main call consists of three syllables and high pitched sounds like the bird is saying Chi-ca-go. It’s usually given when an individual is separated from its group or mate, as well as while a covey is on the move or preparing to move. The males have a "comma" shaped crest and strong head markings.
As the waters recede during low tides, the Delta takes on a different look sometimes revealing previously hidden things like sand bars, old pylons, tree limbs and sometimes junk, like old submerged car tires. What is most interesting though is the emergence of a totally new shoreline exposing mudflats teaming with life. Fish get trapped in small pools of water, invertebrates like crayfish and small crabs scurry about creating a potential feast for the many creatures and shore birds found in our Delta backyards.
The Western Pond Turtle is the West Coast's only native freshwater Turtle and is close to be included on the Endangered Species list. Recently we counted 14 of them in a backwater slough near Discovery Bay. Did you know that a group of Turtles is called a "Bale" or a "Herd"?
Belted Kingfisher (male), these guys will hang out on branches or posts along the water's edge waiting to plunge into the water to grab a fish. They are most often found first by hearing their wild rattling call which is often described as a machine gun. Males have a crest and are blue/grey with a white collar, while the females have a chestnut colored belly band and flanks. They have a wide distribution across North America.
Western Pond Turtles, often hard to find as they are mostly in the back sloughs away from people and boat traffic. To see them you need to look far ahead of you along the shoreline and look for logs, rocks, stumps and other obstructions protruding from the water. You might be rewarded with a glimpse of a couple sunbathing
Western Pond Turtle, the west coast's only native freshwater turtle. They are opportunistic omnivores with a regular diet of invertebrates, fishes, amphibian eggs and young, and carrion.
Green Herons are one of the world's few tool-using bird species sometimes seen using twigs, feathers or insects as a lure or bait to attract a fish which they catch with a lightening like stab with their dagger-like bill. They tend to hang out along the edge of shallow water or hidden in vegetation on the shoreline and are often hard to see at first. Normally they are a stocky looking bird although the one above has extended it's neck as it looks for prey.
Juvenile Green Heron
Great Blue Heron taking off. Composite image composed of 7 photos
Black Crowned Night Heron, medium sized Heron chunkier than their other longer legged Heron cousins, these guys are most active at night or dusk. They have grey and black plumage with long white head plumes. Feeds mostly on fish, crustaceans, insects, frogs and snakes.
Great Blue Heron, the largest of our local birds found throughout the delta and North and South America. This majestic bird with its blue-gray plumage will often stand motionless as it scans for prey. They strike their prey with lightening speed with a diet ranging from fish, crayfish, insects, ducklings and even small gophers and rodents.
Great Egret a tall stately wading Egret that forages mostly by standing or walking in shallow calm waters. In addition to fish its main diet includes crustaceans, insects, frogs and snakes. You will often see them feeding alongside other Egrets and Herons. The telltale difference vs the smaller Snowy Egret is their black legs and feet and yellow bill.
Snowy Egret, a smallish beautiful Egret with very active feeding behavior sometimes walking running or stirring the muddy bottom with its distinctive yellow feet to stir up prey. Notice the black bill and yellow lore vs the above Great Egret's colors.
We were cruising down Indian slough just before sunset when we heard screaming sounds coming from the tulee island, sounded like a cat fight. We speculated it was raccoons and a few minutes later we spotted two of them near the water’s edge
Some of our tulee islands are home to Raccoons, who swim to our shores at night often on garbage pickup days
Mallard Duck (female) with it's brood of ducklings. The most abundant Duck species across the planet. While they are omnivorous the majority of their diet is plant material.
Wood Duck (female), one of the most pretty Duck species. The females have a delicate white pattern around the eyes while the males are iridescent chestnut and green with ornate patterns on their feathers. They nest in trees and bushes near water and is the only North American Duck that has 2 broods per year.
Ground Squirrels, these guys are pretty common on our back roads, you will often see them darting across Marsh Creek Road. They also travel along the farmland levees. But they are quick and stealthy as they are always on the look out for predators like Hawks and Great Horned Owls.
Great Horned Owl, very hard to find in daytime as they are well camouflaged and stay deep inside big tree branches usually near the main tree trunk. A powerful aerial predator fond of birds and small mammals such as mice, squirrels and rabbits, although they also dine on scorpions and other insects. Common throughout North America and Mexico.
Creatures of Habit
We are often asked how do we find all these creatures? Well first of all we are always looking and in many cases animals are creatures of habit. By observing them over time you learn their habits their routes or trails, where they like to hang out or roost, where their dens or nests are, at what time of day or tide levels they are most active, what they eat. Generally speaking once you understand their behaviors and the ecology they live in it’s actually pretty easy to find them. Sometimes just listening is what tips us off. Great Horned Owls are masters of camouflage but if you know their calls that helps tip you off to what tree they might be in. Then knowing they often like to perch right next to the tree’s main trunk helps narrow down your search. Or in the case above we heard the loud repetitive alarm calls of a Mockingbird which tipped us off that they where very upset. The question then is what is upsetting them? As we followed the alarm calls we found an Owl being harassed by a couple of Mockingbirds who didn’t like the Owl being in “their” tree. The Mockingbirds would repeatedly attack the Owl by flying at it and trying to peck it. The Owl was largely unphased though.
Great Horned Owls
The Beaver is our largest aquatic mammal, much bigger than River Otters and Muskrats. They have a large ears, a triangular head, roundish body and large flat platter like hairless tail. They are 3-4 feet long and weigh a substantial 24-70 lbs. They are herbivores feasting on many types of plant materials.
Notice the Beaver's triangular head and large ears
When Beavers are startled or when they want to send a message like you are in my territory they will make a large tail slap on the surface of the water just as they dive below.
Beaver are primarily nocturnal and are more easily seen at dusk
Beaver tail slap
River Otters are probably our most common aquatic mammal.
I counted 11, but there could have been more. We followed a bevy of 6 River Otters as they were feeding on dozens of bright red Crayfish along the tulees when they bumped into another bevy of 5-6 Otters coming from the other direction. On a small beach a playful scene unfolded as 11 or so Otters rolled around climbing and playing with each other. This was the single biggest "romp" of River Otters we have ever seen. I would have to say the Otter population around Discovery Bay is very healthy. After a few minutes the groups headed off in different directions as we followed the second group for another 20 minutes.
Young River Otters are very curious and will often check you out
A group of River Otters is called a: "Bevy', "Lodge", "Family", "Raft" or as their energy level and antics might suggest, a "Romp".Recently we followed a mom and her 5 curious pups for over 45 minutes as they swam, played on the mud flats and crunched dozens of Crayfish in one slough near Discovery Bay. It was low tide making for the best time to observe these playful animals.
At low tide you might see our River Otters darting from tunnels in the tulees to the water's edge. Like our Beavers and Muskrats, River Otters live in dens dug into the mud banks of the delta.
Classic Otter pose, laying on it's back while eating
River Otters are carnivores and their canine type teeth help them catch fish, crayfish and other invertebrates.
River Otters are in the Weasel family and have a long slender streamlined body, short legs, stout muscular tapered tail and flat head. Their eyes, ears, and nose are located on the top of their head so they can see, hear and smell while most of their body is submerged in the water. They can weigh 10-30 lbs and are 3-4 feet long.
River Otter with a Crayfish. I always knew we had Crayfish in our local waters but after tracking Otters for hours I know realize we have thousands of them. We watched several romps of Otters catch dozens of them in a few minutes.
This little guy is a Muskrat often confused with our local Beavers and Otters is the smallest of our semi-aquatic mammals weighing up to 2 lbs and 2 feet long. Muskrats are rodents and are rat like in their appearance with a roundish body and along thin, laterally flat non-hairy tail.
When eating you will notice their distinctive classic herbivore teeth like a Beaver. Their front feet are distinctively smaller than their rear feet and are used mostly for digging and feeding
Muskrats are rat like in appearance, note the den entrance in the mud bank
Notice the shape and how long the Muskrat's tail is
Invasive Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents resembling Beavers and are native to South America. I have not yet seen one or evidence of one near Discovery Bay "yet", but I thought I would post a photo in case someone spots one. They sometimes live in large colonies and reproduce prolifically having 2-3 litters per year. They are light to dark brown with a robust body, short limbs, small eyes and ears, long white whiskers with a cylindrical, scaly sparely haired tail. With a body length of 2 feet and a tail 1-1.5 feet long they weigh between 15-20 lbs. Smaller than a Beaver and larger than a Muskrat. Their white muzzle and whiskers are tell tail characteristics. These guys are invasive to the Delta and can cause extreme damage to our envirornment. Photo from internet. To learn more about the check out this link: Nutria
Little known and rarely seen we also have Mink in the Delta. I have only seen one years ago in the rip rap near the Marina. They are cute little ferret like, dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals that live usually in the rocks along the shoreline. Photo from internet
Common Crow
Eurasian Collared Doves
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
Great Blue Heron
Raccoon munching on a Crayfish
Great Egret
Great Egret fishing
Western Pond Turtle
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Black Crowned Night Heron
Black Crowned Night Heron
Gulls are often thought of as coastal birds, but California Gulls are also common in inland areas in the West. Breeding adult California Gulls are white-headed gulls with a medium gray back, yellow legs, and a dark eye. Nonbreeding adults have brown streaking on the head.
Great Blue Heron
American Kestrels
Hummingbird
Baby Wood Duck
Wood Duck hiding in nest
Ground Squirrel
Wild Turkey
Cormorant drying its wings
Cormorant taking flight
Sparrow nest
Western Pond Turtle
Canada Geese
California Quail
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron Sunset
Tragedy struck Discovery Bay again as another young Bear was found dead on a dock near the Marina. Authorities from Fish and Wildlife are looking into the recent increase in local Bear deaths.
Delta Bears are pretty common in Northern California. They were once called Midget Bears but the PC Police changed their name to Dock Bears. They are very good swimmers and are rarely seen as they are nocturnal. They are very shy and there have been no reported attacks on humans or their pets. But the spate recent deaths has been alarming.
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" #1 blog post -- Click Here: Delta Living
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2019
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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The Plight of the Monarch and the Making of a King
The King of the Butterfly world, the iconic Monarch Butterfly is under severe pressure as populations are vanishing before our eyes. Studies have found that the total Monarch population has plummeted towards extinction with declines of 90% over the past twenty years. One potential cause of the decline being loss of habitat, especially Milkweed plants upon which the Monarch Caterpillars feed. The use of weed-resistant materials and herbicides is ruining their original habitat, and may well be the main reason leading to the threatened potential extinction of these beautiful Butterflies.
The Monarchs are Vanishing, but you can easily make a difference and have fun at the same time, just plant a Milkweed plant and watch Nature unfold.
(Photos were taken in our Key West backyard)
Monarch Butterfly Larva or Caterpillar finishing off a Milkweed leaf.
The Making of a King, the Monarch Butterfly
Can we make a difference? Absolutely yes, here is what we did.
We bought a couple of Milkweed plants at Home Depot, put them in our Key West backyard. After a short time some Monarch Butterflies stopped by and laid some eggs. The eggs turned into Larva ( Caterpillar). The Caterpillars which only eat Milkweed plants totally consumed the plants in a few days. After growing rapidly to about 2 inches and with a full belly of Milkweed, they headed off to nearby plant to “Hang Out”. After hanging out they decided to create a Pupa (Chrysalis) and in 10 days an adult Monarch Butterfly emerged and the life cycle continues. It takes a Monarch Butterfly just 28-32 days to complete its life cycle going through four stages during one life cycle, and four generations in one year. For our little experiment I set up a few cameras to try and record this remarkable transformation.
So go pick up a Milkweed plant(s) (they are cheap) for your yard and watch Nature unfold.
Click above Photo for Time Lapse Video
I set up two cameras and I shot over 6,000 images over about a 4 day period to capture the Monarch Caterpillar's transition into a Butterfly.
Once we got some Caterpillars on our Milkweed plant I contained it in a net tent so they wouldn't get away.
Stage 1 -- The Egg
Female Monarch Butterflies lay 300-500 eggs over two to five weeks of egg laying. Each female usually lays a single egg on a Milkweed plant, by secreting a small amount of glue they attach the eggs directly to the bottom of a Milkweed leaf near the top of the plant. Eggs are only about the size of a pinhead or pencil tip and are off-white or yellow and hatch in about four days after they are laid.
Monarch Butterflies mating, or attempting to...
Notice the single egg on the leaf, there are others underneath the leaves
The ridged looking egg is the size of a pin head
Stage 2 – The Larva
When the eggs hatch a tiny Larva (Caterpillar) emerges which feeds on nothing but the Milkweed leaves of it’s host plant, consuming its body weight in leaves each day. They are truly eating machines you can actually see them devouring the leaves and within a short time they will consume the entire plant. During this 9-14 days of almost nonstop eating the Caterpillar will shed its skin five times as it’s body rapidly out grows its skin. After reaching about 2 inches in length it is then ready for Stage 3 the Metamorphosis.
Our little fella just chewed and chewed for days, pooping constantly and taking periodic rests
Click above Photo for Short Video These guys are incredible "Eating Machines"
Within a few days a half a dozen Caterpillars totally consumed our Milkweed plants. Lucky for them it will grow back.
BTW Do you see the last Caterpillar still on the plant at the 1:00 space?
Stage 3 -- The Metamorphosis
After about two weeks of near constant eating, the Caterpillar will be fully grown and will leave the Milkweed plant to start the search for a new safe place to pupate. It will crawl 20-30 feet away seeking a safe place on a plant stem, leaf or overhang of some sort to attach itself. By laying down a silk like mat it attaches itself using silk strands, allowing it to drop and hang upside down forming a "J" shape for about a day before it begins the transformation into a Pupa or Chrysalis. To do this they shed their skin one last time revealing a jade green colored casing called a Chrysalis about an inch long. The Chrysalis starts out very soft but it quickly hardens into a protective shell like transparent casing for the Caterpillar where it will miraculously transform into a large beautiful Butterfly.
Once they started roaming off the Milkweed in search of their next resting place I contained them in hopes they would just hang out.
I then moved them to a more controlled inside location and set up some cameras and lighting to try a time lapse.
Click above Photo for Short Video
Close but no cigar, I was all set up to do a time lapse of the Caterpillar weaving it's silk connection to a branch and shedding it's final layer of skin revealing its Chrysalis, but after wiggling about for a few hours it decided to wander off to places unseen. Unfortunately I was asleep and missed him.
This Caterpillar is working on attaching itself to prepare for its transition to a Pupa
Although from the outside, the 10 days of the Chrysalis phase seems to be a time when nothing is happening, it is really a time of rapid change. Within the Chrysalis dramatic changes occur as the old body parts of the Caterpillar are undergo a remarkable transformation, called metamorphosis. The 8 legged crawling Caterpillar develops large colorful wings to fly, it's leaf chewing machine parts transform into a straw-like tongue used for sipping nectar from flowers. During this time the light green colored Chrysalis will start to change color to a bluish purple and ultimately darken to black. As the transition continues you can start to see the coloring of the orange and black wings through the near transparent Chrysalis. In less than 2 weeks the transformation from Caterpillar to Monarch Butterfly will be complete and it will be time for Stage 4.
I set up a small dedicated low res time lapse camera and let it run for days taking a photo every 5 minutes. As we got closer to emergence I set up a DSLR with a macro lens. Not knowing when the big event would occur I set the camera to take a photo every 10 minutes, then as the Pupa darkened I shortened the interval to every 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes. Ultimately I dropped it to every 5 seconds as I didn't know how quickly our Butterfly would take to emerge. This required me to get up at night every few hours to check on the progress and change camera batteries. In the end I took over 6,000 images.
These two Chrysalis were formed a few days apart. The one on the right is the younger one, while the other has already started changing it's color signaling the significant transformation is underway.
One Chrysalis is now just an empty shell after the Butterfly emerged and flew away. Notice the black and orange wings starting to form and become visible.
While there is no real visible movement the Metamorphosis quietly continues as the Chrysalis gets darker and darker
Stage 4 -- The Butterfly
At the end of the Pupa phase and with no real visible telltale signs the Chrysalis will crack open from the bottom and a new Butterfly emerges within a short 2 minutes. BTW one of the first things it does is poop. As it clings to the empty Chrysalis shell, it's wet folded crumpled up wings start to unfold as it pumps hemolymph (insect blood) through its body and wings. Within an hour with its wings dry and unfolded its ready to take a first short flight exercising its wings and within 4-7 days it is mature enough to mate. After the Monarch Butterfly emerges from the pupa it will fly away, feeding on the nectar of flowers and spreading pollen while it enjoys a short two to six week life span. This first generation female Monarch Butterfly will then die after laying eggs for generation number two to begin it's life cycle.
The Chrysalis starting to crack open
The new Butterfly is finally out and all crumpled up
Stretching out after being compacted in the Pupa
Periodic wing flapping helps dry off it's wings
After a short time out of the Chrysalis the Butterfly is fully stretched out. Amazing how it fit in there.
Freedom at last Click above Photo for Short Video
Feeding on the nectar of a flower and preparing for the next generation.
It's a Beautiful thing to witness and we are now the proud parents of two beautiful Monarch Butterflies who create thousands more.
The Monarchs are Vanishing, but you can easily make a difference and have fun at the same time, just plant a Milkweed plant and watch Nature unfold.
For more photos visit Bill’s Wildlife Photography website: Wildlife Photos
Check out my youtube channel at: Bill's youtube Channel
© Bill Klipp 2019 All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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As the final months of 2018 came upon us I couldn’t help but notice how dramatically the views of our Delta backyard changed on a day to day basis. Those of us living on the water are blessed with backyards with “Ever Changing Views”
When I sat down to write my final “Delta Wanderings” blog for 2018 I realized it had been over a month since we had been out on the water, instead we were wandering the jungles of Madagascar. So we spent very little time on the Delta and when we were home we were pretty much land based. Of course December in Discovery Bay is a festive time with the very popular terrestrial “Parade of Lights, the “Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade” and less well known yet awesome “Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade”.
So of course while I included the Boat Parades in my year end Blog it was what I saw out my kitchen window in my / our backyard which caught my attention. As we go about our daily lives we often get complacent and sometimes forget how lucky we are to live in the Delta, a place with “Ever Changing Views”. How cool is it when every time you look out your window you see something different and the day to day changes seem most dramatic in the Fall and the Spring. So this month’s Blog is in two parts. The first part is simple, just views of our Delta Backyard from our deck or dock. I think you will agree with me that living on the water is very special. In the second part of my Blog I have shared some images from the December Lighted Boat Parades. I hope you enjoy! Happy New Year!
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
One of the cool things about living on the water is that our backyard view is always changing.
Sometimes the early mornings or late afternoons bring us dead calm, flat waters with lots of gorgeous reflections
...and if the water is really flat sometimes it's hard to tell which way is up
Can you tell which way is up?
On windless days the water can take on the colors of the skies
Got to love those reflections
Sometimes in the late fall and early spring we get awesome clouds overhead
Winter skies can often be a bland grey but when the clouds move in, it can be pretty dramatic --- Click above photo to see cloud time lapse video
You know its late Fall or Winter when you wake up to a Tule Fog clouded morning
Great Blue Heron in the Tule Fog
But in the fall and winter we can also get some pretty dramatic stormy skies
Although not common when we do get thunder and lightening it can be some show (composite image)
...and after the storm, when the skies begin to clear, we can get some very cool rainbows
On occasion we can get some pretty strong winds. The deck awning on this house blew totally up onto the roof. Photo compliments of R. Capp
The sun and weather can sometimes take a toll on our dock awnings --- Click above photo to see Dock Awning Time Lapse
Of course one of Discovery Bay's best backyard views is of our awesome sunsets
... and every sunset is very different, and you don't need a fancy camera to capture them
Sometimes it's best to look behind you to see how the sunset lights up the eastern sky
Then when night falls we can get some awesome views of the Moon
Or on a clear night we can get a sky full of stars
Moon setting over Mt. Diablo Click above photo for a short moon time lapse (don't blink)
Click above photo to see Beaver Bay Star Time Lapse
Sometimes the view is interrupted by the passing of strange water vehicles
We would love to see these boats more often, spreading invasive weed abatement pellets
So some enterprising youths have stepped up to do their own weed abatement
I guess Boston Whalers really don't sink
Not all the vehicles on the water are boats
....and sometimes docks aren't stationary
As a Wildlife Photographer I love the diversity of creatures who visit our backyard (Snowy Egret)
I often find common Garter Snakes nesting in the levee rip-rap
Great Blue Herons and other seabirds use our docks as fishing platforms
Then there are the cute River Otters who play and poop on our docks
Periodically an adventurous California Sea Lion will make the 60+mile journey from San Francisco Bay to fish in our backyard
A common behavior of Sea Lions and other Pinnipeds is to lounge around with their fins in the air to warm up in the sun
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PART II 2018 Holiday Lighted Boat Parades
Each December we are treated to two Lighted Boat Parades
The DBYC Lighted Boat Parade is always a community favorite both for the boaters and for the hundreds of gatherings and parties that watch the parade from their decks and docks.
Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade is guaranteed to have some elaborately lighted yachts
Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Video ---- Click above photo to see video
Each year the residents of Discovery Bay's land locked Willow Lake host their own Lighted Boat Parade. This year's parade had lots of participation with some awesome decorated boats making it clearly the best Lighted Boat Parade in Discovery Bay this year. This was Discovery Bay’s 3rd Holiday parade of the season,
... and while the boats are mostly pontoon boats vs yachts, the decorations and festive atmosphere is top notch
Hundreds gather at the dozens of house parties that surround Willow Lake to watch the festivities
The number of participants is often double that of the DBYC's Lighted Boat parade and they had so much fun they repeated the Parade a week later
To see the Parade though you need to know someone living on the Lake
....or you can do what we do, find an empty lake side lot and set up a few chairs
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade --- Click above photo to see video
Good Bye 2018, Welcome 2019 Bill & Linda Klipp
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" #4 blog post -- Click Here: "Summer Finale"
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2019
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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My 5th and final Australia Wanderings Blog Chapter.....
Back in Sydney as our month long adventure comes to an end. Our travels by car, plane, boat and wilderness hikes took us from Australia’s big cities and cultural centers to the outback in western Queensland to a small island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, to Uluru in the Red Desert Center of the country to the wildlife of far south eastern coast and off to the magical island of Tasmania. While a short visit we really did get to appreciate the world down under called Australia.
There’s a lot to like about this country. The people are incredibly nice and friendly, they are proud, hard working, hard partying folks. A place with an interesting juxtaposition between the modern tech times of today and a place reminiscent of simpler times with good basic values. The cities are amongst the cleanest we have seen, with lots of green space, very few homeless and water frontage access open and available for all to use vs private development and clean public bathrooms everywhere.
Flying domestic doesn’t require IDs and boarding passes not needed to go through security (which is thorough yet swift, being well staffed) and our American Airlines Platinum status gets us free lounge access and actually means something here unlike at home.
Thanks Australia for welcoming us with open arms. We now have a deep Appreciation of your country and people, you have a lot to be proud of. We will surely come back.
Flying into Sydney
Sydney Australia
Sydney Harbor
Genuinely Nice, Super Friendly, Hard Working, Good Looking and overall Happy People that’s my take on the Aussies. Nine hours into Sidney and I’m really liking this place. First stop the view bar in our hotel for a $23 Mojito then a wander thru “The Rocks” (Historic District), with a stop at “Fortune of War”, Sidney’s oldest Bar (1828) for a couple of schooners and some live music, then an awesome dinner at “The Pony”, lastly a stop at the Orient Hotel for a great band playing 70s & 80s American rock. A nice reprieve from our time in the Outback.
View from the bar on top of the Shangri-La Hotel
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
We had a private back stage tour of the Sydney Opera House, pretty amazing structure
Sydney Opera House
Some classic views of Sydney Harbor from our room
Sydney Harbor Ferry Time Lapse. I set up across from Sydney’s iconic Opera House with my DSLR along with a Go Pro and an iphone and recorded thousands of images to create a composite time lapse of the many non-stop Ferry trips.
Click above photo to see video
Every visit to Sydney should include at least one trip on a Sydney Ferry at the Circular Quay Ferry Wharf. One of the best ways to see Sydney is to wander down to the Circular Quay Wharf and jump on one of the many Ferries and glide across Sydney’s sprawling harbor. There are 32 ferries connecting Sydneysiders with 29 wharves across 37km of harbor. They're a cheap alternative to organized tours, offering spectacular views and access to Sydney's picturesque harbor islands, beaches and attractions. The Ferries seem to run every few minutes all day long and well into the wee hours of the night.
Sydney Harbor Bridge, this is the one people can climb
Climbers on the Sydney Harbor Bridge, cost about $300 for the thrill
Coney Island amusement park in Sydney harbor, part of it modeled after the famous Coney Island in Brooklyn NY, where I grew up.
Time for some wine and fishing in Sydney Harbor. We chartered a yacht to take a cruise around Sydney Harbor
Silver Gull
Common Dolphin, Sydney Harbor. Even though we are doing a City visit to Sydney we had to get a Cetacean fix so we took a boat out to do some whale watching
Common Dolphins, Sydney Harbor
Common Dolphins, Sydney Harbor
Common Dolphin, Sydney Harbor
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale fluke
One day we took the ferry to Manly Beach a nice ocean side beach town
View from manly beach ferry as we leave Sydney
Manly Beach is popular surfing spot
Not all our Australian wildlife photography was in remote outback places. Just take a wander along the esplanade of Manly Beach outside of Sydney and you might find some comical looking Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, foraging for nuts
Manly Beach, cute ocean side town with lots of shops and restaurants
There are many ways to love the Kangaroo, even in Fajitas
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, Manly Beach
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, Manly Beach
That Hemingway guy really got around. We have bumped into Hemingway stuff in Key West, Montana, Cuba, Spain and Africa to name a few places.
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, Manly Beach
Brisbane Harbor lights
Brisbane's waterfront is totally open space, filled with parks, walking and biking trails and several man-made public beaches and pools.
Sunset over Brisbane Harbor.
It's an Australia Blog so i had to include a few more Koala. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane. We searched around Brisbane for some wild Koala but we only found them in a sanctuary.
Koala, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane. Got to love those little Koala, so glad we got to find the little cuties in the wild when we were at Kangaroo Island
Tasmanian Devil, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane. We were not able to find one of these creatures in the wild as their population has been hammered and threatened with extinction due to the spread of Devil Facial Tumour Disease
Southern Cassowary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane. This very prehistoric looking flightless bird is the size of an Emu or Rhea
Cairns City Park. In all the big Australian cities we visited there seemed to be lots of public open space especially along the waterfront
Cairns Marina
Sydney Harbor
Sydney Harbor
Quantas Lounge pancake ATM -- Click above photo to see video
THE END
On our next adventure we explore the unique and strange flora and fauna of Madagascar, stay tuned....
If you missed the first four Chapters of my “Australia Wanderings" blog, click below:
Australia Wanderings I July 2018: "The Outback"
Australia Wanderings II July 2018: "Tasmania"
Australia Wanderings III July 2018: "Lizard Island to Uluru Rock"
Australia Wanderings IV July 2018: "Kangaroo Island"
For more photos visit Bill’s Wildlife website at: Wildlife Photos
© Bill Klipp 2018
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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(Part IV of "Australia Wanderings" highlights our wanderings on Kangaroo Island "
Kangaroo Island
As we leave the red rock desert ecosystem of Uluru Rock in central Australia our next stop took us to South Australia. We flew into Adelaide only to catch a small puddle jumper plane to Kangaroo Island Australia's 3rd largest island about 70 miles southwest of Adelaide. First occupied by Aboriginals, then intermittently by Sealers and Whalers before the establishment of the Colony of South Australia. Today the island's economy is principally agricultural including sheep and cattle ranching. Eco-tourism is growing in importance given the Island's many nature reserves and protected areas and diversity of native wildlife. It is here our search for Koala in the wild finally yielded some excellent encounters.
Our home base on Kangaroo Island was the Southern Ocean Lodge. Located at Hanson Bay on the Island’s south west coast, the Lodge site adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer / Kelly Hill National Parks so there are lots of different hiking opportunities right from the property.
Not a bad room and view
Morning view from our deck at the Southern Ocean Lodge. The property has 21 luxurious suites strung out along the cliffs overlooking the pounding surf.
View from our room in the other direction. There are lots of hiking trails, including biking trails along the cliffs and in the woods
Our first full day on Kangaroo Island we did about 12kms of hiking in search of the local wildlife. The morning was bust but we were rewarded in the afternoon after another 6km hike and a river forging we hit the Marsupial Jackpot.
Part of our adventure had us forging a river the old fashioned way, pulling ourselves across with a rope and pulley.
The Ladies pulling the boat back across for their crossing
Kangaroos
Tammar Wallaby, indigenous to Kangaroo Island
Another target species for our trip was the Echidna. On our hike we came across a big field and as we scanned the forest edge we saw something small starting to run away, it was a Short-beaked Echidna which we slowly snuck up on, ultimately getting really close.
The Echidna is also known as the Spiny Anteater as its main foods are ants and termites. Notice the long sharp claws used to dig up it prey. Their spines are used for protection but it's a myth that they shoot them.
If you moved very slowly you were able to get real close
The Kangaroos and Wallabies became very common so the next day I set my focus on the tree tops searching for Koala
SCORE!!!
One of our target species to photograph in Australia was Koala in the wild and after searching day and night in various places throughout Australia we finally found many both in day light and at night on Kangaroo Island.
A little Joey (baby Koala) popping his head out of the protection of Mom’s protective pouch
You find these guys in a few very specific Eucalyptus tree species, the leaves of which are their main food source. First step, find the trees then look for Koala
Koala are mostly nocturnal, but we were hoping this one would wake up and give us a look
This road is known as the roller coaster not good if you are prone to car sickness. One day we had a naturalist guide from the Lodge take us for a 1/2 day excursion exploring other parts of the island
One stop was the "Remarkable Rocks", which I must say were quite Remarkable....
White-Bellied Sea Eagle
Another stop was Seal Bay, where you guessed it, there were lots of Australian Sea Lions
Young Sea Lion practicing his wave surfing
New-Holland Honey Eater
Doing what Sea Lions do, spend a lot of time sleeping
Cape Barren Goose is endemic to Australia. These guys live mostly on small, windswept and generally uninhabited offshore islands, but venture to adjacent mainland farming areas in search of food in summer. Their ability to drink salt or brackish water allows numbers of geese to remain on offshore islands all year round.
Kangaroo, notice the Joey's foot sticking out of the pouch
Long-Nosed Fur Seal pup
Long-Nosed Fur Seals
Tammar Wallaby, note the large belly. There is a Joey in the pouch
Tammar Wallaby
If you missed Chapters I, II or III of my “Australia Wanderings" blog, click below:
Australia Wanderings I July 2018: "The Outback"
Australia Wanderings II July 2018: "Tasmania"
Australia Wanderings III July 2018: "Lizard Island to Uluru Rock"
For more photos visit Bill’s Wildlife website at: Wildlife Photos
© Bill Klipp 2018
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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(Part III of "Australia Wanderings" highlights our wanderings on Lizard Island and Uluru Rock)
Lizard Island
We now leave the outback for the more civilized and upscale portion of our Australia Wanderings, this part arranged by National Geographic Expeditions. After a short 2 hour flight from Hobart Tasmania we landed in Sydney for a couple of days at the swanky Shangri-La Hotel. Here we met up with Bud & Trina, two good friends and frequent photography travel partners. After a few days exploring Sydney (blog chapter 5) we flew north to Cairns the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef where we over-nighted before heading off on a puddle jumper plane to Lizard Island, a small tropical island and part of the National Park system smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Here we checked into the only accommodations on the island, the very upscale Lizard Island Resort. We spent several pampered days here; hiking, boating, snorkeling, swimming, fine dining and fine wineing.
Next stop, Longitude 131 a beautiful resort overlooking the highly visited Uluru Rock (aka Ayers Rock) in the red dirt desert deep in the middle of the Australian Continent. Not much in the way of wildlife here, but some gorgeous scenery in the heart of the indigenous Aboriginal culture.
Flying over the Great Barrier Reef
On our way to Lizard Island on the northern side of the Great Barrier Reef
Landing at Lizard Island National Park in the Great Barrier Reef
Our arrival to a bit of paradise on remote Lizard Island, our home on the Great Barrier Reef for the next few days
Lizard Island overlook
This is why its called Lizard Island. Yellow-Spotted Monitor Lizard, 4+ feet long
We were told these guys were everywhere on the island but after a couple of days of looking we still hadn't seen one. Then one day we saw about a dozen.
Dinghys available for the guests
Off in a dingy for some snorkeling thru a Giant Clam Garden on the Great Barrier Reef and a picnic on a secluded beach. They say the reef here is pretty healthy and on the rebound.
A nice private spot for a picnic and launching spot for some excellent snorkeling
While I find underwater photography very frustrating, we did have some cool scenes, especially snorkeling through some Giant Clam Gardens.
Giant Clam about 1 meter across
Note Octopus in bottom center of photo, amazing camouflage.
Giant Clam
Rainbow Bee-Eater
Rainbow Bee-Eater
Star Trails over Lizard Island
Here in the middle of no-where we experienced a Small World Story. At dinner we introduced ourselves to the waitress who said she was from Marathon up the Florida Keys. Her and her boyfriend were on a 2 year work / recreation visa exploring Australia. The next day she approached us and said she was speaking to her Dad last night and she mentioned meeting two wildlife photographers from Key West. He said, "Are they Bill & Linda Klipp?" Turns out we only know two people in Marathon and they are her dad and his wife. I love Small World Stories.
Flying Fox / Fruit Bat, Lizard Island
Flying Foxes. We hiked over a hill down into a mangrove forest when we started hearing some loud noises in the trees. There they were dozens of Flying Foxes making a racket, hanging upside down, some fighting some having sex.
St Andrews Cross Spider, Stretched across the trail we almost walked right into this
Grasshopper, this guys was several inches long
Rose-Crowned Fruit Dove, one nice looking pigeon
Linda going in for a close-up, I was waiting for the “Money Shot” when it attacks.
What a tongue! Yellow-Spotted Monitor Lizard, 3-4 feet long.
Yellow-Spotted Monitor Lizard
One of the several deserted tropical beaches we hiked to
Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Lizard Island
The Blue Lagoon, Off for a hike, exploring Lizard Island, looking for some of the local Wildlife
Yellow-Bellied Sunbird (male), Lizard Island
Yellow-Bellied Sunbird (male), Lizard Island
Yellow-Bellied Sunbird (female), Lizard Island
Yellow-Bellied Sunbird (female), Lizard Island
Sunset Beach Lizard Island
Sunset Beach Lizard Island
Night Sky Time Lapse - Click above photo for video
Good Bye Lizard Island, next stop Uluru Rock
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
After leaving Lizard Island and the Great Barrier reef we headed inland to the desert in center of the Australian Continent to Uluru / Ayers Rock. Our next few nights will be in a primitive tent overlooking Ayers Rock @Longitude131 Resort
Sunset at Uluru Rock, as the light changes Uluru Rock takes on dramatically different looks.
Kantju Gorge, Uluru Rock
Our primitive tent at Longitude 131 Resort
Tent accommodations at Longitude 131 Resort
View from our tent at Longitude 131 Resort, not bad eh!
Star Trails over Uluru Rock, from our deck
Star Trails over Longitude 131 Resort
Night Sky over Longitude 131 Resort
Kantju Gorge, Uluru Rock
Hiking on Uluru Rock will end in 2020 due to safety concerns as well as respect to the Aboriginals for this sacred site
Hiking on Uluru Rock
Pano of Kata-Tjuta Rock
Hiking up gorge at Kata-Tjuta Rock
Field of Light -- Artist Bruce Munro has transformed Australia’s Red Center near Uluru into a field of 50,000 swaying solar light buds, covers 4 football fields. It’s an other worldly experience to wander at night thru the paths of his art installation.
Field of Light
Field of Light
Field of Light
Night Sky over Uluru Rock
If you missed Chapters I & II of my “Australia Wanderings" blog, click below:
Australia Wanderings I July 2018: "The Outback"
Australia Wanderings II July 2018: "Tasmania"
For more photos visit Bill’s Wildlife website at: Wildlife Photos
© Bill Klipp 2018
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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(Part II of "Australia Wanderings" highlights our wanderings in Tasmania and nearby Bruny Island)
Led by our faithful guide Iain Campbell, co-founder of Tropical Birding Tours and his sidekick Pablo we emerged from the Queensland outback and headed back to Brisbane to catch a 3 hour flight to Hobart the capital of the southern island state of Tasmania. We got in late so on the way to the hotel we stopped at Flippers floating restaurant for a quick fish dinner off a boat in Hobart Harbor. Hobart seems like a nice city although we didn’t spend much time there as we headed out the next morning before dawn to Bruny Island a short 20 minute ferry ride from Hobart. Located on southeastern coast of Tasmania Bruny Island has some of Tasmania's most beautifully preserved natural environments along with abundant wildlife and to our delight some local wineries. Bruny Island is also home to Fur Seals, Fairy Penguins, Wallabies including the rare white Wallaby and of course it’s rich in bird life.
"Flippers" cooked seafood, Hobart Tasmania
Dusky Robin with a worm, Bruny Island
Pied Oyster Catcher taking a bath off Bruny Island
Swamp Wallaby, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Olive Whistler, Mt Field
Swamp Wallaby, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
A "Mob" of Swamp Wallabies, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Brushtailed Possum, Bruny Island, Much better looking than our North American Possums which are scraggly at best often looking like they had chemo therapy.
Linda and our two faithful guides Iain & Pablo on the ferry from Hobart to Bruny Island
While on Bruny Island we stayed at Inala Nature Lodge a very well known nature and birding spot. One night we went out spotlighting and when we returned to the Nature Lodge there were dozens and dozens of Wallabies grazing in the field in front of the house.
Sneaking in for the close up
Black Swan, Bruny Island
The name "Pied" when referring to birds basically means black & white
Pied Oyster Catcher is actually a misnomer as they rarely eat oysters, favoring bivalve mullusks and small invertebrates which they hunt along the shoreline
Silver Gull wandering the beach on Bruny Island
Mt. Field National Park is Tasmania's first national park. With landscape ranging from eucalyptus temperate rain forest to alpine moorland. We came here primarily to find the very odd and elusive Duck Billed Platypus which is known to live in the rivers and creeks around Mt. Field. Unfortunately for us it remained elusive at least in the wild.
Horseshoe Falls, one of the many waterfalls coming off of Mt Field. This was jurassic park like place with lots of moss and giant ferns. When we got up to the top of Mt Field (4,705 ft) the tropical vegetation turned to more of an alpine moorland and it was snowing.
Duckbilled Platypus, ever since I was a little kid I was fascinated by the very strange Duck-Billed Platypus a mostly nocturnal semi aquatic egg laying mammal (Monotremes) endemic to Eastern Australia and Tasmania. Well we did get to see one for the first time although not in the wild (Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane) definitely a very cool creature
Russell Falls Mt. Field, Tasmania
Eucalyptus forests of Mt. Field
High altitude forests of Mt. Field
Forests of Mt. Field
Swamp Wallaby, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Mob of Swamp Wallabies, Bruny Island
Swamp Wallabies, Bruny Island
Green Rosellas, Inala Nature Lodge
Green Rosella, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Mushrooms, Fungi, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Flame Robin, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Flame Robin, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Scarlet Robin, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Flame Robin, Bruny Island
Superb Robin (male), Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Superb Robin (female), Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Swamp Wallabies, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Swamp Wallaby, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Swamp Wallaby, Inala Nature Lodge, Bruny Island
Rare White Swamp Wallaby. While we were on Bruny Island off the coast of Tasmania we heard there were some white and partially White Wallabies. So one night we went out spot lighting looking for them and found this guy invading a garden. Having no natural predators these guys are growing in population on one part of Bruny Island.
White-Fronted Chat, Bruny Island
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, munching on pine cones
White-Browed Scrubwren, Mt Wellington
Grey Shrike-Thrush
New Holland Honeyeater, Bruny Island
Superb Robin, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Swamp Wallaby, Bruny Island
If you missed Chapter I of my “Australia Wanderings" Blog : Click here The Outback
For more photos visit Bill’s Wildlife website at: Wildlife Photos
© Bill Klipp 2018
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
(Part I of "Australia Wanderings" highlights our wanderings into Queensland's Outback )
This summer our “Wanderings” took down under to Australia for a month-long photo expedition exploring the eastern regions of the continent. We planned our trip in 2 parts, the first part started in Brisbane and with two guides from Tropical Birding Tours we headed out by car deep into the Queensland’s remote outback in search of the many unique and strange mammals and birds that call Australia their home. After a couple of weeks in the outback we headed to Australia’s far south to Bruny Island one of Tasmania’s many little coastal islands.
The second part of our trip was in deep contrast to the first as we stepped up from 5+ hour driving days and outback type “Bate’s Motel” lodging to an upscale private National Geographic Expeditions itinerary with two traveling friends. Starting in lovely Sydney we flew up to Lizard Island in the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, then to the dry, hot, red dirt desert landscape of Uluru Rock (aka Ayers Rock) before heading south again to the wildlife rich Kangaroo Island, ending our trip back in Sydney.
All in all our we had an awesome first visit to Australia and hope to get back to explore the western regions of this wonderful country.
As we Wandered through Australia’s Outback we found ourselves among the Macropods
Red Kangaroo the largest of the Kangaroos, kind of dog faced
Kangaroos also known as Macropods (big foot) are the largest of the marsupials with Red Kangaroos weighing in at over 200 lbs and attaining over 6 feet in height. All Kangaroos have short hair, powerful hind legs, small forelimbs, big feet and a long tail. They have excellent hearing and keen eyesight and are famous for their means of locomotion: hopping! They can reach speeds of 40mph, and can leap over 25 feet in a single hop. Their muscular tail is used for balance when hopping, and as another limb when moving about.
Western Grey Kangaroos, they are most often found at night time feeding in the grasslands. The males are sometimes called stinkers due to their strong curry like odor.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo roam the forests of Australia and Tasmania and prefer to live among the trees, though they do take to open grasslands for grazing.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the young are called Joeys and spend their early life in Mom's forward facing pouch. Notice the Joey's legs and tail sticking out of her pouch. Females are known as 'flyers' or 'does' while males are known as 'bucks' or a 'boomers' (hence the nickname of the Australian men's basketball team, the Boomers). They live in social groups called mobs.
Whiptailed Wallaby (aka Pretty Faced Kangaroo) The most obvious difference between the Wallaby and the Kangaroo is size. Kangaroos are generally much larger than the Wallabies. Kangaroo has more height between its ankles and knees, which makes its legs seem out of proportion to its body. The Kangaroo's legs are built for speed on open terrain while the Wallaby's more compact legs are built for agility in forested areas.
Swamp Wallaby also known as a Black Wallaby are found in eastern Australia and are typically solitary animals, although they sometimes found feeding in groups. We found them on Bruny Island in Tasmania feeding in large mobs.
Swamp Wallaby, these guys are typically under 3 feet tall and weigh 20-45 lbs
Red-Necked Pademelon are even smaller than their Wallaby cousins coming in at only 12-24 inches and weighing 10-15lbs.
Red-Necked Pademelons are forest-dwelling marsupials living in the eastern coastal region of Australia
Brushtailed Possum. One night in Lamington National Park we spotlighted this guy high up in the tree tops munching on some leaves. These guys are the the most widely distributed of the large possum species and inhabit woodlands and open forests. They usually make a home in the hollow limbs of trees and are also known for making their homes in roofs of houses and sheds in suburban areas.
Australian Pelicans, Goondiwindi. One good looking Pelican widespread on freshwater, estuarine and marine wetlands and waterways including lakes, swamps, rivers, coastal islands and shorelines. We found these guys pretty far inland on a small lake.
Bowra Sanctuary nature reserve near Cunnamulla, western Queensland
Galah also known as the rose-breasted cockatoo, Galah Cockatoo, Pink and Grey Cockatoo or Roseate Cockatoo.
Galahs are one of the most common and widespread cockatoos, found in open country in almost all parts of mainland Australia. We were hanging out by a small pond and a flock numbering in the hundreds swooped in for a late afternoon drink
Galahs
Laughing Kookkaburra, Warwick. Native to the eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia these guys are the largest members of the Kingfisher family. Unlike other Kingfishers which are often seen plunging into water to snag a fish these guys rarely eat fish, preferring insects, rodents, frogs and snakes.
King Parrots relatively unknown outside Australia, these guys sometimes find themselves in the pet trade
King Parrots foraging in a corn field
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park. A great lodge on the top of a mountain in the middle of the national park. Lots of forest hiking trails and wildlife with some great scenic views. Well worth a visit.
Star Trails over O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Linda headed off for a hike into Lamington National Park
Regent Bowerbird, O'Reillys, Lamington National Park
Regent Bowerbird, these guys are gorgeous
Australian Brush-turkey, Lamington National Park,
Checking the shot
Australian Brush-turkeys are fairly widespread in eastern Australia often lurking in gardens making an awful mess as it digs up leaf litter, twigs and dirt.
Satin Bowerbird -- This rain forest cutie has an interesting story. The male builds a bachelor pad out of straw to hang out in and then collects Blue Objects to decorate around his pad. His goal is to attract a female to mate by having the best looking bachelor pad. On close inspection we found this one collected bottle caps, buttons, spoons, plastic straws and other miscellaneous objects but they must be blue. I stole one of his blue spoons and mounted it on my hat hoping he would swoop in and grab it back, but no luck this time.
He was pretty easy to find in the dark rain forest as you just need to look for a pile of "Blue" stuff scattered about.
Satin Bowerbird
Western Grey Kangaroo, Goondiwindi
Linda working it at Bowra Sanctuary nature reserve
Red Kangaroo, Goondiwindi
King Parrot (Male), Lamington National Park
Crimson Rosella, O'Reillys, Lamington National Park,
Male & Female King Parrots along with a pair of Crimson Rosellas, O'Reillys, Lamington National Park
Some very cool elevated walkways in the tree canopy
Spinebill Honeyeater, O'Reillys, Lamington National Park. In addition to the long curved bill they have a long tongue used to lap up the nectar of flowering plants
View from our room at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Short-beaked Echidna (spiny anteater), Goondiwindi, This strange creature was one of our target species so when we found this guy on the side of the road it was very exciting. Although we found another while hiking on Kangaroo Island. Like Platypuses, the 4 types of Echidnas are the only other monotremes (egg laying mammals) alive today. When approached they crouch down close to the ground and play dead hoping their spines will protect them
Variegated Fairywren (female)
Variegated Fairywren (male)
Note the little blue tooth speaker which we used to attract birds to a specific perch to photograph. Our guide would say where do you want the bird, we would then look for a perch with good light and background and he would bring the birds right in, amazing.
Red-Capped Robin, Bowra Reserve. We drew this little guy to the perch with the speaker
Australia’s Dingos (Wild Dogs) are not so popular with the Outback Ranchers
Our predawn drives were often hair raising as we swerved and zigged and zagged at highway speeds to avoid the Kangaroos, but not all drivers are successful. The most common car / truck accessory are "Roo Bars" on the front bumpers of the vehicle to protect the car in a Kangaroo crash. in our drives we literally saw hundreds of Kangaroo road kill.
Why did the Emu run across the road? Maybe to avoid ending up like the hundreds of Road Kill Kangaroos we passed.
On our way out of the outback we stopped at Broadwater Lake for some early morning photography where we found huge flocks of thousands of Little Corellas
Little Corellas
Little Corellas
Black-Tailed-Native Hen, Bowra Reserve
Pacific Heron / White Necked Heron, Bowra Reserve
Pied Stilt, Bowra Reserve, Cunnamulla
Pink Cockatoo or Major Michells Cockatoo, Bowra Reserve
Pink Cockatoo or Major Michells Cockatoo, Bowra Reserve
Black Shouldered Kite, Rangelands
Eastern Yellow Robins, Lamington National Park
Red-Browed Firetail, Lamington National Park
Scaly-Breasted Lorikeets, Warwick. These members of the Parrot family are nectar eaters feeding mainly on native flowers such as bottlebrush and grevilleas using a unique brush shaped tongue. They also eat grains and seeds although they prefer sweet things.
Scaly-Breasted Lorikeet, Warwick
Mating Scaly-Breasted Lorikeets, Warwick
Ring Necked Parrot, Bowra Reserve
White plumed Honeyeater, Goondiwindi
Scaly-Breasted Lorikeet, Warwick
Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Broadwater Lake
Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Broadwater Lake
Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Broadwater Lake
Sunset from O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park
Next stop on our Australia Wanderings is the isolated island state of Tasmania off Australia’s southern coast, known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas
Don't miss our next blog installment of “Australia Wanderings II” where I continue to share images in Part 2: Tasmania
For more photos visit Bill’s Wildlife website at: Wildlife Photos
© Bill Klipp 2018
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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As September brings the end of summer and the beginning of fall there was still was plenty of activity on the Delta. A gorgeous not overly hot Labor Day weekend brought many out onto the water for all sorts of classic Delta activities. Back in the day the main water sports activity was water skiing, tubing and knee boarding. Wake Boarding then became the most popular water sport and now its seems that Wake Surfing has quickly moved up in popularity. It looks fun although it seems it can get somewhat boring, I personally have never tried it though. I must say, I hate the monstrous wakes these boats throw, making navigation more difficult as you pass one of these slow motion plows and wrecking the water for most other water sports. It will be interesting to see how these giant wakes impact our fragile levees especially in more narrow waterways. Our hearts go out for the many affected by the Northern California fires that continued to burn creating hazy conditions and crazy sunsets throughout the Bay Area. Overall it seemed to be a real nice summer in Discovery Bay.
PS Thanks to my wife and boat captain who puts me in position to capture life on the Delta
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Sometimes the action in the Delta is up above
Remember when you see them looking at their phone they are probably running your boat registration #, then checking you out on social media.
Headed home down Indian Slough
Entrance to Lido Bay
A5 Light Sport Aircraft
Yahoo!
Knee boarding, old school
Maybe a shorter paddle would work better
Ultralight coming in for a landing on Indian Slough
Sometimes the best sunset colors are behind you
Discovery Bay Marina
Boardwalk Grill at Discovery Bay Marina
Boat driver's view thru the rear view mirror
Airchair Acrobatics, I tried one of these once. It didn't go so well.
Super Moon at Discovery Bay Lighthouse
This one got away, but I bet it was giant
This one didn't get away and it wasn't giant
Sheriff on the move
California Quail
A pair of American Kestrels
American Kestrel
Swainson's Hawk looking for a meal
American Kestrel trying to steal a ground squirrel from a Swainson's Hawk
Coot at sunset
Juvenile Great Horned Owl
Green Heron fishing
The northern California wild fires make for some awesome sunsets
Wake surfing, the newest craze on the water
Great Blue Heron with a mouthful
Great Blue Heron coming in for a landing
Snowy Egret, notice the dark bill, black legs with yellow feet
Great Egret, notice the yellow bill and black legs and feet
Great Egret, taking flight
Mallard Ducks
Fire on east side of Mt Diablo
Raccoon with a Crayfish
You are in my spot....
5 playful River Otters
River Otters
Baby River Otter, pretty cute
Feeding time for the Kellogue Creek Cows
Great Horned Owl
Juvenile Green Heron looking for a meal
Night Heron
Snowy Egrets foraging for crayfish at low tide
Got one...
Full Moon over Discovery Bay
Moon over Beaver Bay
Fly-Catcher on the hunt
Overall it seemed to be a nice summer in Discovery Bay
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" #3 blog post -- Click Here: Delta Days
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2018
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
The days get longer and hotter, the winds start laying down and the bays and sloughs around Discovery Bay start bustling with activity (at least on the weekends), welcome to the sweltering Delta Days of Summer. July kicked off with bursts of light and explosions celebrating Independence Day as fireworks lit up our skies for several nights before and after July 4th. While you will find us out on the water all year round it’s now officially summer and boaters and non-boaters alike take to the water with all sorts of watercraft and floating toys. Even our skies take on a different appearance as drifting smoke from various California wildfires create a hazy horizon with various bands of oranges and reds that seem to glow at sunset. There is a lot to like about Summer on the Delta, just take a look at what we stumbled across in our Delta Wanderings this month.
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Happy Birthday America
July brought a gorgeous Full Moon
Balancing on a pin
I’m always amused by the variety of water vehicles that we find navigating the Delta.
Sky on fire
Great Horned Owl. We have several families of these guys in Discovery Bay
Great Horned Owl being chased by a Mockingbird
American Kestrel, see last month's Delta Wanderings for more on Kestrels
Belted Kingfisher
The wild fires made for some awesome sunsets
Scary, Creepy, Comforting or What?
We had a freakish Big Brother encounter the other night.
The other night on our usual sunset boat cruise we had just come off fast water on Indian Slough near the turn for Orwood. With my long lens I had spotted a couple of Marine Sheriff Patrol boats beached in their usual hideaway looking for No Wake and other violations. Linda was captaining the boat and to her chagrin I raised my big 600mm lens at the Sheriff’s boat for a shot or two. I have done it many times before and each time Linda is annoyed. As usual several of the Sheriffs were plugging away on their cell phones, which initially annoyed me as they s/b looking about not playing with their phones.
Well we waved as we passed them in the 5mph zone and just as we passed them one yelled out “Sir, Would you come over here” . The look Linda gave me could kill, she backed up our pontoon boat next to the Sheriff’s boat and when we got close he said “ Sir Do you live in Discovery Bay”, I said yes, he then said “I just ran your boat registration number and I want to thank you for your Nextdoor.com posting today, we appreciate the support”. We chatted a bit and then as we left we both looked at each other and said “Holly Shit!”.
As we putted past them they ran our boat registration got my name then checked up on me via the social networking site for our community “NextDoor Discovery Bay”. Earlier today someone on Nextdoor.com was ragging on the lack of Sheriff enforcement of the No Wake Zones. I responded with a comment and a photo complementary of the Sheriff’s activities.
So as we slowly cruised by the Sheriff’s boat in less than a minute he was able to find out who I was, and check my social media posts. Seems pretty scary to me…. Glad we were on the right side of this one ....
Too bad the Sheriff missed this yahoo speeding through the No Wake Zone
....or these morons hanging off a moving boat
Lover's Point?
Looks like some guys got a new toy, a couple of new ICON A5 Light Sport Aircraft. Very Cool!
Cruising to the dock.
Headed out for a night flight
Our local Paramotor flier taking a friend for a ride
Looking like fun!
Cruising into the sunset
Caspian Tern is the largest of the Terns and is easily recognized with it's bright large coral red bill
This time of year the waters often boil with fish feeding frenzies, an opportune time for these plunge feeders to get their fill
These guys will hover over the water plunging down to catch a fish
Common Tern is much smaller with less colorful bill than the Caspian Tern
Belted Kingfisher with a fresh catch
Great Blue Heron with a fresh catch
Another type of fish catcher
Returning from Steak and Lobster night at Orwood
A clear sign of Climate Change, Giant Flamingos have started migrating to the Delta
Summertime fun
Party time on the Delta, not sure I understand the point?
A Delta lap dance
Muskrat
Beaver on the move. I think we have seen more Beavers this year than any in the past
Western Pond Turtle
Coming in for a drink
A cute little bunny
Canada Goose
Canada Goose picking some blackberries
Great Blue Heron with Canada Geese
Great Blue Heron
A pair of American Kestrels, we have seen 4 of these guys hanging out together and hunting over the farmlands
Headed home
We don't often see these classics in the Delta
Full Moon over Lido Bay
A busy day in Beaver Bay
Man and his best friend
Compared with most Herons, Green Herons are short and stocky, with relatively short legs and thick necks that are often drawn up against their bodies. This guy is a juvenile.
When hunting Green Heron's will extend their necks and strike with lightening speed using their long, dagger like bill. They sometimes raise their crown feathers into a short crest. This guy is an adult
Juvenile Green Heron positioned above the water waiting for an unsuspecting fish or cray fish to wander by
Juvenile Green Heron in flight
Female Mallard Duck with a much less common white one which is most likely an escaped domesticated version of the Mallard.
Snowy Egret
The fire season brought us some amazing sunsets
Beaver Bay
There is a family of Raccoons living on the tulee island along Indian Slough
Raccoon washing his crayfish catch
Last month we found a River Otter den with 6 young Otters, who seemed to always hang out together
...but as they got older they each started wandering in different directions
This month we found another three younger Otter pups from a new litter. If you listen carefully these guys make a chirping noise to communicate with each other.
You just got to love our Delta Sunsets
Have Great Summer!
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" #2 blog post -- Click Here: In the Summertime
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2018
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Seemed like we just slowly slid into summer as the winds began to sit down and day time temperatures began to slowly rise. Overall June has been a real nice start to Summertime on the Delta.
When I was organizing this month’s "Delta Wanderings" blog I couldn't help but think about the old classic by Mungo Jerry --“In the Summertime”
Chh chh-chh, uh, Chh chh-chh, uh In the summertime when the weather is hot, You can stretch right up and touch the sky, When the weather's fine You got women, you got women on your mind, Have a drink, have a drive, Go out and see what you can find….Dee-dah-do dee-dah-do dah-do-dah
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Click above photo for Mungo Jerry --“In the Summertime”
Paramotor cruising the skies over Discovery Bay
Summertime Fun
"I think I'm missing something!"
We don't see many sailboats like this in our inland waters.
Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher
A popular spot to watch the sunset over Mt. Diablo
Gliding into the sunset
Great Blue Heron with a bass looking for a quiet spot to have dinner
Ah! a nearby unoccupied dock
Ever wonder why you might sometimes find fish guts on your dock?
Fishing in Indian Slough, too bad the Heron got the fish first
We have a group of Northern American Kestrels navigating our skies like fighter pilots. The smallest member of the Falcon family these guys are found throughout the US often perched on phone poles or overhead wires or often they are seen hovering low by rapidly beating their wings before they attack their prey.
American Kestrels (aka Sparrow Hawks) are roughly the size and shape of a Mourning Dove. They like to perch up high overlooking open country or meadows or short grasslands. While they usually snatch their victims off the ground they can also catch their quarry on the wing. They like to eat large insects (dragonflys, grasshoppers), lizards, birds and small mammals.
Coming in for a landing, American Kestrels jockeying for a primo perching spot from which to hunt from.
Swainson's Hawks are known as buteos, meaning they are large hawks with broad wings and short tails. These social raptors spend their summers in the wide open spaces of the American west feeding on snakes, lizards, insects,rodents, rabbits and small mammals. They can be seen migrating in flocks of more than a thousand.
We watched as a group of Kestrels harassed and attacked this much larger Swainson's Hawk. At first we thought the Hawk was raiding their nests, but then we noticed the Hawk had a Ground Squirrel in it's talons and the Kestrels were trying to steal it. A clear case of "Kleptoparasitism"
Ultralight cruising the skies
He has been paddling about Discovery Bay for decades
Canada Goose
While Canada Geese are mostly migratory we have started seeing larger and larger groups taking of residence in our area.
The water toys seem to get bigger and bigger as well as take on strange shapes. good luck storing that thing.
Yahoo Waverunner drivers, no respect for the 5MPH no wake zone
Mallard Ducks are the most abundant and common duck in the world. Domestic Ducks have Mallards as their ancestery. They will sometimes nest as much as a mile from the water, I guess that's what explains the nest we found in our front yard once
These young ones were luck to grow up a bit as little ducklings are heavily preyed upon by raptors, snakes, Great Blue Herons and even large fish.
Mallards eat mostly plant material including seeds, stems, roots especially of pond or water based plants. They also eat; insects, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, frogs, worms to name a few. Breeding males sport a irisdescent green plumage and can often be seen being very sexually aggressive.
Full moon over Discovery Bay
Hope he has tow insurance....
Beaver munching on some tule roots
This Muskrat was very choosing in picking his Tule shoot
Looking pretty focused
Skipping thru the tules
We have a group of 6 young River Otters patrolling the waters at the edge of Discovery Bay. These guys were making a run for it across the mud flats at low tide
Here they are all 6 of them
Like little periscopes these young River Otters pop their heads up to look around
Emerging from their den at low tide they quickly dart to the safety of the water.
Lots of creatures patrol the shoreline
Sunset Cruise
Beware! If at dusk or at night you see a wave runner with navigation and anchor lights watch out! Its probably the Sheriff's Marine Patrol
There are a bunch of Raccoons that call our little tule islands home
Often tough to find the Western Pond Turtles in our area are very skittish, quickly sliding into the water when a boat approaches
Best found in the late afternoon catching the last rays of warm sunlight
Canada Geese with a classic Mt. Diablo sunset
Great Egret and Great Blue Heron working the low tide
Great Egret taking off
Notice the size difference between a Black-Crowned Night Heron and it's much larger cousin the Great Blue Heron
Two Great Egrets working low tide with a couple of much smaller Snowy Egrets. (note one caught a small fish)
Black-Crowned Night Heron fishing
Black-Crowned Night Herons can often be seen patiently waiting at the water's edge for an unsuspecting fish or crayfish to wander by.
Black-Crowned Night Heron
Black-Crowned Night Heron
Snowy Egret
Snow Egrets hunting the shallows
This guy caught a Crayfish. I'm starting to feel bad for the Crayfish having seen, Otters, Herons, Raccoons and Egrets eating them
This Snowy plucked a bay catfish from the shallows
Yum, that was good!
Have a Great Summer!
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings -- "Spring into Summer" blog post check it out at:"Spring into Summer 2018"
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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After a winter of out of town travel we returned mid-May to some gorgeous Delta Spring weather. Our first few days back on the water were amazing, virtually no other boats on the water and creatures of all sorts doing what they do undisturbed by the dozens of boats that will soon be filling our sloughs. The rains have stopped, the days have started to warm up while the evenings continue to cool down. I always wonder what I will find when uncovering the boat after 6 months of hibernation and to my joyful surprise the boat was relatively clean and more importantly the engine started right up after a short turn of the key. So for the next few nights we ventured out on our usual “Sunset Wine Cruise Safari” in search of the many creatures who call the Delta home, we of course were armed with some chilled sauvignon blanc and light snacks. With a full moon only a few days away we had some extraordinary low tides right around sunset, perfect timing as the exposed mud flats are a magnet to all sorts of creatures wandering about in search of a meal. All photos taken over the last week.
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Great Blue Herons
At 4 feet tall these magnificent wading birds are able hunters often seen patiently stalking their prey consisting of fish, frogs, crustaceans, lizards, ducklings, goslings and even small ground hogs. They will often stab their prey with a lightening like strike with their long sharp bill.
Great Blue Heron with a large catfish, notice how he stabbed the fish with his long sharp bill. Turned out the fish was a bit too big to swallow, so the Heron let it go and went on to find a smaller delicacy, a crayfish
Great Blue Heron with a Crayfish.
Great Blue Heron taking flight
Snowy Egret on the prowl for a meal.
It's easy to distinguish the Snowy Egret from their larger cousin, the Great Egret. Snowy Egrets are smaller, have a dark bill, black legs and yellow feet. While the larger Great Egret has a yellow bill with black legs and feet. They are both wading birds which seek their main prey of fish and crustaceans by wading in shallow water or hunting from docks, branches or other objects that over hang the water. These guys are often most active during low tides which exposes all sorts of small yummy creatures.
Great Egret with a Crayfish
Great Egrets
In spite of many yards of empty shoreline these Great Egrets sometimes fight over a perceived good hunting spot.
It's not all about the birds as we have several species of aquatic mammals in the Delta. We have Muskrats, Beavers and River Otters often all living harmoniously in the same ecosystem.
Muskrats are the smallest of our three semi-aquatic mammals. Their name comes from the "musky" odor they mark their territory with. These members of the rodent family have a round head and body, with a long roundish (or more accurately vertically flat, opposite of the flat tailed Beaver) hairless tail covered in scales. While their rear feet are semi-webbed they mostly use their tails for propulsion in the water. On land they drag their tails making their tracks easy to identify. Muskrats normally live in groups consisting of a male and female pair and their young. In our area they live in burrows dug into the mud banks usually with an underwater entrance, although at low tide their den entrances are often visible. Adults are 16-28 inches long and weigh 1-4 pounds.
This male Muskrat just emerged from his burrow. While they are omnivores they feed mostly on vegetation and are most active at night or near dawn and dusk.
"Muskrat Love"
Like most rodents, Muskrats are prolific breeders. Females can have two or three litters a year of six to eight young each.
Copulation can occur on land or in the water.
After doing his business this guy was hoping for a cigarette.
Unlike the short compact body of the Muskrat our River Otters are truly aquatic creatures built for swimming with a narrow head and a long streamlined body, long whiskers, webbed feet and a long tail covered in fur. These guys are fast agile swimmers very comfortable in the water. They are 26-42 inches long and weigh in at 11-30 pounds with sharp predatory teeth feeding mostly on fish but with an active appetite for clams, mussels, frogs, lizards, snails, turtles and crayfish. They also make their homes in burrows in the mud banks. These guys often wander far from their burrows exploring the waters and often climbing on docks and boats.
This River Otter is munching on a Crayfish, trying not to get nipped by the Crayfish's claws.
A baby Beaver swims by. Found in nearly every state the Beaver is the largest North American rodent and the only one with a broad, flat, scaly tail. Weighing in at 30-60 pounds these guys are much bigger than our Muskrats and Otters. They are true herbivores and while best known for their small tree felling skills and building dams our Delta Beavers live in burrows in the shoreline banks and mostly munch on tule roots, hyacinth, cattails, and other marsh plants. When alarmed or annoyed they will loudly slap their big flat tail on the surface of the water as they dive down below.
Garter Snakes can often be found in the rocks along the levee or in your garden. Their diet consists of almost any small creature they are capable of overpowering including: worms, slugs, lizards, amphibians, minnows and small rodents. While some may find their presence alarming they are actually very good garden visitors.
While harmless these guys when threatened or picked up will discharge a malodorous, musky-scented secretion from a gland under their tail. They will often flatten their heads and strike out at any threats making them seem much more threatening then they are. They are easily pinned down with a stick and can be picked up by grabbing them right behind the head. They do have small teeth and their bite can be more alarming than hurtful as they have pretty small mouths.
Often found on branches overhanging the water Flycatchers can often be seen swooping down from a branch to catch a fly, moth or small flying insect. Flycatchers are part of a large family of birds with over 400 types.
Barn Swallows sometimes called Mud Swallows are very agile flyers often seen at dusk swooping over the water snagging little insects. They like living near water as they build their nests out of mud under building overhangs, under bridges and here in Discovery Bay often under dock ramps.
Killdeer while truly a shorebird can be seen without going to the beach, they are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. In the Delta you will often see one or two scurrying back and forth along the shoreline most often at low tide.
The Green Heron can be found at the water’s edge often on the rocks or even on docks as they patiently crouch incredibly still waiting for an unsuspecting fish or small crustacean to swim by. Then with lightning speed they extend their necks really long to grab a meal with their dagger like bill. If you find the shells of Crayfish on your dock it was probably the leftovers from a Green Heron’s meal. The Green Heron is one of the world’s few tool-using bird species. It often creates fishing lures with bread crusts, insects, earthworms, twigs, feathers, and other objects, dropping them on the surface of the water to entice small fish
Adult Black-Crowned Night Heron with two juveniles. Compared to their long-limbed Heron relatives Night Heron's are stocky birds who are most active at night or at dusk. They are social birds that breed in colonies of stick nests usually built over water and can be found in fresh, salt, and brackish wetlands and are the most widespread Heron in the world.
Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron
Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Herons
This Brewers Blackbird was walking across the algae scum plucking the little weed flowers.
Great Egret taking flight
Great Egret in flight
Canada Goose with Goslings (previously known as Canadian Geese)
Canada Gosling
Canada Goose with some adolescents
This year's invasive weed season looks like we took a giant step backwards. I have never seen such blockages at the entrance to Discovery Bay
Tough getting boats off these docks
Little by little though some enterprising young folks are helping out.
The other night it was high tide when we went out so the wildlife was a bit lighter, instead though we had no wind, glassy calm waters, great reflections and some crazy light with ominous clouds
Windmill farms in the distance
Indian Slough at the entrance to Lido Bay
Indian Slough
Lido Bay
Indian Slough
A clear sign that summer has arrived, more boat traffic.
Coming and Going
Full Moon over Lido Bay
Happy Boating, Bye for Now
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings -- 'Summer's End" blog post check it out at: "Summers End -- 2017"
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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(Part II of "Antarctica Wanderings" highlights the Falkland Islands as we sail to Antarctica) Photos by Bill & Linda Klipp
Our “Antarctica Wanderings” Blog takes you on our 3rd journey to “Terra Australis Incognita” (the "Unknown Land of the South") starting in the Falkland Islands then to the amazing shores of South Georgia Island and ultimately to the Great White Continent aboard the National Geographic Explorer. This Chapter is Part 2 of a 4 Part Series.
The alarm rang at 5:30am in our Santiago Chile hotel room, it was time to gather our stuff and grab a bite before heading to the airport for our 3 hour charter flight to Stanley the capital of the Falkland Islands. Not normally a morning person this will now be our normal wake up time for the next 3+ weeks as we begin our photographic adventure to "Terra Australis Incognita”.
Unbeknownst to us, our flight was a bit touch and go as we were on the first passenger charter flight allowed to transport over Argentine airspace to the Falklands since the Falklands war of 1982 when Argentina invaded the Falklands only to be crushed by the British. Normally to get to the Falklands ships embark from Ushuaia Argentina for a nearly 500 mile 2 day journey at sea. By flying in to meet our ship in Stanley we essentially picked up 2 days to explore other areas, a big score for us. When we landed it was clear we were not the usual visitors as we landed on a British military base. As we marched across the tarmac a few guests pulled out their smart phones to record their first visit to the Falklands but they were quickly put upon and sternly told “NO PHOTOS” as we were hustled inside the terminal. After some paperwork we loaded into a bus for a 45 minute bouncy dirt/gravel road ride to Stanley where we spent the afternoon before embarking on the ship for the beginning of our adventure.
Whale bone arch near church in Stanley
It's clear the British are here
The locals still harbor very strong feelings about Argentina
Those who gave their lives for the liberation are remembered
Remnants of the 1982 Falklands War can be found scattered about the island. In fact several beaches and other areas are closed off due to unrecovered mines
The Falklands
Is located in the Southern Ocean east of southern Argentina and is treeless relatively flat archipelago made up of 778 islands. The landscape is very rocky and consists chiefly of low undulating hilly terrain covered with a mixture of pasture and morass. At a similar latitude to the northern part of the UK the weather is similar to Ireland or Scotland and can best described as always changing with nearly constant winds. During our visit temps were around 40’F with light rain and heavy mist most of the time making hiking a bit sloppy and photography somewhat challenging. Our brief afternoon visit to Stanley will be our last time seeing a town or settlement till our return to Ushuaia Argentina in 3 weeks. One couple was frantically shopping in the sparse Stanley shops as their luggage was lost by the airlines and they will not see it again till after the trip, what a bummer. I think I would have freaked out. After some lunch and a walk-about thru Stanley we headed to the ship eager to sail to our first destination; the wildlife rich areas of the West Falkland Islands. Upon arrival at the ship we were pleased to see we would be led by the very experienced Captain Olivia Kruess who we have sailed with many times. Also on board we found many familiar faces among the staff and crew, felt like being home again. To our delight due to our frequent traveler status with Lindblad / Nat Geo we were upgraded to our choice of the nicest cabin on the ship. A rear suite like cabin with a large outdoor balcony and large wrap around windows to watch the wonders of nature constantly unfold before our eyes.
We lucked out, our home for the trip, not too shabby
Our rear balcony provided for some excellent viewing and photographic opportunities
We landed on Carcass Island in fog and a light drizzle. While the conditions were challenging for photography it made for some nice diffused light
Upon landing on Carcass Island some headed over to the owner's farm house for some tea and cakes
A classic Falklands landscape scene
Tomorrow we hit the shoreline of Carcass and West Point Islands known for their Penguin and Albatross colonies as well as a variety of other wildlife. From here on out we will never see another pier or dock again, all our excursions will be by Zodiac onto sandy or rocky shorelines where you carefully time your leap from the zodiac between waves into hopefully shallow cold icey water to make your way ashore. Here in the Falklands there are more sheep than people and many of the smaller islands have been owned and farmed by families since the 1800s. Our time here will be spent hiking across a rolling terrain of mostly wet muddy, spongy moors and areas of deep tussac grass. While the Falklands get less than 25 inches of rainfall a year it seems to always be wet. There seems to be a light rain, mist or fog all the time and our visit was not different with a light rain coming and going the entire time. Our normal gear for here and the rest of the trip was to dress in layers, always with a water proof outer layer and rain gear for the cameras as the weather we will encounter will be in a constant and sometimes rapid state of flux. Our focus (pun intended) here will be to photograph the many species of birds in their natural habitat.
Long Tailed Meadowlark
Black Throated Wren
A pair of Rudy Headed Geese and their gaggle of Goslings
Rudy Headed Geese
The rare and endemic Cobb's Wren
The Long Tailed Meadowlark is also know as the Military Starling
Blackish Oyster Catcher
Magellanic Oyster Catcher
Magellanic Penguin with nesting material for its underground burrow. This is the first of the 6 Penguin species we will encounter
Caracara (aka Johnny Rook). These guys seemed everywhere often causing trouble. They are very mischievous often times stealing things from humans
These Caracara would fight constantly over this found treasure
Caracara (aka Johnny Rook)
Tussock Bird
A pair of Upland geese with their Gosling
Vulture, one ugly bird
Crested Duck
Crested Duck
Black Browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin Colony
Black Browed Albatross on their pedestal nests
Black Browed Albatross in a mating ritual
Black Browed Albatross coming in for a landing
Black Browed Albatross preening
Little Rockhopper Penguins often nest together with Albatross
Rockhopper Penguins on an Albatross nest with an abandoned egg
Like many of the creatures we will encounter on this trip they have no fear of humans
A pair of Kelp Geese
Male Kelp Goose
Female Kelp Goose
The Ship's chef picked up 15 lamb from the farm for a variety of yummy dishes
I guess this vulture got a lamb treat
The Scotia Sea
For the next 2 days we will call the often-rough Scotia Seas our home as we sail the nearly 900 miles southeast to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands known as one of the most amazing places on the planet for up close wildlife encounters. This route has us avoiding the dreaded Drakes Passage on the way down although we have plenty of others big seas to contend with. Our days at sea were interspersed with lectures and presentations about the region’s natural history and ecology by the Ship’s Naturalists, Scientists and some special guests from National Geographic, US Arctic Research Commission and NOAA. We were even treated to some talks by Dr. Kathryn Sullivan a veteran astronaut and the first woman to walk in space, very interesting stuff. We also had to undergo a Decontamination Party where all our boots, packs, gear and outer clothing was carefully examined, vacuumed and decontaminated to avoid us accidently introducing and invasive foreign species to the pristine world we were about to visit. From here on out every time we left the ship for land we would wash, scrub and decontaminate our boots and pants. This process was taken very seriously.
A Cape Petrel (aka Pintado Petrel) following our ship
Prion gliding between the waves
As we head south between 50-60 degrees south latitude we cross the Antarctic Convergence or Polar Front an undulating well defined line of clear temperature change often marked by a belt of fog or mist. This is a unique front where warmer more saline surface currents headed south from the tropics collide with the cold, denser and mainly non-saline waters moving north from Antarctica. As these conflicting currents collide, mix and sink it creates a very productive environment for plankton which provides nourishment for huge numbers of marine mammals and sea birds. For those willing to brave the wind, cold and ship's rocking and rollin out on deck you can watch a seemingly constant trail of various pelagic sea birds following the ship (Albatross, Petrels, Terns and others) as they glide between the waves.
Northern Giant Petrel, notice the tubular nostrils used to rid their body of excess salt
Prion with two Cape Petrels cruising behind our ship
Southern Fulmar
Wandering Albatross have the largest wingspan of any bird at 10-12 feet
Our ship the National Geographic Explorer is a 367 foot, ice hardened, 148 passenger expedition ship. Originally designed as a Norwegian ferry, the ship was significantly modified and steel re-enforced to obtain a top level ice class. Unlike ice breakers which ride up onto the ice to breakthrough this ship is designed for cutting thru several feet of sea ice with it's bow.
Click above photo to see video taken in Antarctic Sound
Cruising through the ice, see how the Ship's bulbous bow cuts through the ice. Notice the yellowish water under some of the ice, it's krill and other very small sea creatures that live just under the ice
For the most part our time at sea as been fairly calm but it wouldn't be a trip to the Southern Ocean without some rocking and rolling. The ship has stabilizers which can be deployed in open ice free seas to moderate the Ship's rolling in heavy seas. They help alot, but when its rough its rough. The first sign of rough seas to come is seeing the safety ropes being set up around the ship. The next sign is the rocking, rolling and slamming of the ship against the waves. All the chairs in the dining area are chained to the floor to avoid them flying about. It's a real plus to be on a Ship with an open Bridge policy so you can wander up to the Bridge anytime day or night to see what the Captain is up to.
Safety ropes in the Bistro, a tell tale sign of things to come
Shot from the Ship's Bridge as we plow thru 15-20 foot seas with 40 mph winds. Looks pretty cool, but you got to hope you took your meds in time
Click above photo to see video taken in the Weddell Sea
Captain Olivia Kruess provides some perspective from the Bridge
Stay tuned for my next blog installment “Antarctica Wanderings III” where we will share images and commentary about South Georgia Island, one of the most amazing wildlife destinations on the planet
Giant Southern Elephant Seals battling at Gold Harbour, South Georgia Island
If you Missed "Antarctica Wanderings" Part I visit: The L16 Light Camera in Antarctica
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, All Rights Reserved
Check out our online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net & http://www.videos.wkimages.net /
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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(Part I of our recent Wanderings in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Antarctica)
All photos in this blog were shot with the L16 Light Camera
I was very excited when UPS delivered a package in early Nov that I had been anticipating for just over 2 years. In it was my new L16 Light Camera and it arrived a week before we were headed down to the Falkland Islands, remote South Georgia Island and Antarctica for a 3+ week Photo Expedition. On the trip I took over 8,000 images of which 500 were on the L16 and the L16 performed generally very well although with some limitations. This Blog is part I of my Antarctic Wanderings trip Blog and Focuses (pun intended) on the revolutionary L16 Light Camera.
So some might ask what is a L16 Light Camera? It’s basically the first multi-aperture computational pocket camera. Which means the camera has 16 different lenses (and 16 individual sensors ) each with varying focal lengths. Given the array of lenses with different focal lengths the camera has a 5x optical zoom from 28mm to 150mm. The camera uses sophisticated algorisms to combine multiple exposures into a single high-resolution image equivalent to a 52 megapixel camera. It produces Jpegs and very high res huge DNG raw files (up to 200mbs each). Although the camera has 256 gigs of internal solid state memory, I guess it's time for more hard drive space. With multiple sensors it handles low light well and amazingly allows for changes of depth of field and focusing point after the fact in post. This is obviously Version 1.0, but since the camera has wifi and is software driven the company has been frequently pumping out updates with new features. Image workflow is a bit more complicated and cumbersome since you must first download photos from the Camera into a propriety software program called Lumen. This is where the magic occurs. Lumen stitches, fuses or overlays images from 10+ lenses using sophisticated algorisms to create a single very high-resolution image. The program also has other basic photo editing features such as exposure, saturation, contrast and other controls. You can then export a Jpeg or huge DNG raw file to Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop or other 3rd party photo editing program for final adjustments (https://light.co/technology ).
The L16 Light Camera was used for all photos in this blog, notice the 16 separate lenses
Our home while on the trip, the National Geographic Explorer, Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
L16 --- 75mm, ISO113, f15, 1/8,000sec, +.3evs, handheld
Majestic King Penguins, Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 150mm, ISO101, f7, 1/6,000sec, +.0evs, handheld
National Geographic Explorer navigates thru the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica
L16 --- 28mm, ISO104, f15, 1/40sec, +.75evs, handheld
Adelie Penguin, Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
L16 --- 34mm, ISO106, f14, 1/7,100sec, +.3evs, handheld
This would be our 3rd trip down to the ICE and the Great White Continent. Talk about good timing, I'm glad I had a week to play with my new adult toy before we hit the high seas for some serious wildlife and nature photography. My hope as you read my trip Blog you might find some helpful L16 tips and the Light Company might find some helpful product development ideas.
Emperor Penguin, Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica
L16 --- 150mm, ISO105, f12, 1/2,600sec, +.75evs, handheld
Icebergs Danco Island, Antarctica
L16 --- 28mm, ISO107, f15, 1/6,000sec, +.75evs, handheld
Elephant Island pano, Where Ernest Shackleton's Expedition landed. Image stitched with four L16 488mb photos which pushed the limits of my computer's processing capability
L16 --- 28mm, ISO100, f15, 1/2,200sec, +.00evs, handheld
Southern Elephant Seal pup, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 35mm, ISO320, f7, 1/2,500sec, +.0evs, handheld
By way of background my wife and I have been very serious wildlife photographers for about 20 years. We spend 3-4 months a year on photo expeditions to places like Africa, Alaska, Arctic, Galapagos, Baja, Central & South America and Antarctica to name a few. We are Nikon shooters and my current weapons of choice are a Nikon D5, D4 and D750. We also always carry what I like to call a pocket camera such as a Nikon mirrorless V1 or Coolpix P7700 to use when we don’t want to lug around the heavy artillery. When I first read about the L16 Light Camera back in 2015 I had no illusion that it would replace my top of the line pro-level DSLR. I rather thought it would be the ultimate pocket camera retiring the advanced compact cameras we also use and as a major step up from a smart phone.
I was attracted by the high resolution, low light potential and optical zoom range. I never believed and my 3 week field test in Antarctica confirmed that such a device no matter how sophisticated could replace a pro DSLR with good glass, but for me that was never the objective or expectation. As a wildlife photographer my primary camera needs are: Focusing speed, shooting speed (FPS), low light performance, resolution and almost most importantly a user interface that allows me to instantly change camera settings using just muscle memory. My Nikon D5 delivers all that and more at 12fps, ISO capability up to a ridiculous 3million, 4k video and a form factor with lots of external buttons and dials to quickly access and adjust camera settings. Any camera which requires menu surfing to change settings does not work for action photography such as sports or wildlife. Unfortunately its this last factor of buttons and dials which ultimately results in a bulky heavy piece of equipment. The L16 is a menu driven device, with virtually no physical buttons / dials, minimal camera controls, slow to startup, slow to shoot, no video (currently) and minimal camera shooting info / feedback (ie playback histograms). As a result its currently not a very good camera for action photography. Never the less as you will see from some of my images that with a variable resolution of up to 52 megapixels, optical zoom from 28-150mm and good low light performance it is pretty awesome for landscape, portrait and other types of photography. Add with the ability to modify depth of field (from f15 to f2) and focusing point after the fact in post this device is just amazing. So while not a DSLR killer this is truly a revolutionary step in still photography and this is just camera version 1.0.
Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
This image and next are same image processed in Lumen at f15 for front to back sharpness then next at f2 to soften background. I then brought it into Lightroom for some basic raw file processing.
L16 --- 28mm, ISO100, f15, 1/2,200sec, +.0evs, handheld
Notice background softness when the same image is processed in Lumen at f2 (vsf15) with focus point on face and the same basic processing in Lightroom.
Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
Focus point on foreground wooden post in Lumen to reduce depth of field in background. The same photo is below but with the focus point shifted to the background structure
L16 --- 28mm, ISO101, f4.8, 1/1,150sec, +.0evs, handheld
Same photo as above but with focus point moved in Lumen to background structure vs post
THE TRIP
Our journey started with a short stop in Santiago Chile before flying south east to Stanley the capital of the Falkland Islands where we would embark on the National Geographic Explorer for our photo exhibition. We spent several days sailing around the Falklands landing on different islands exploring the local wildlife and visiting Penguin and Albatross colonies. Here the L16 was not of much use as the weather was in the low 40s and mostly rainy. Our DSLRs are weather sealed reasonably well and with camera raincoats and sunshades covering the lens glass we did okay in the challenging wet conditions although a number of our fellow travelers had some significant camera failures due to water early in the trip. Unfortunately the L16 sat out this part of the trip. But when we got the South Georgia Island the weather was beautiful and out came the L16.
Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 36mm, ISO100, f15, 1/1,400sec, +.0evs, handheld
I found the added capability of being able to adjust depth of field and focus point after the fact in post was both a blessing and a curse, causing me to spend more time in post production as there are a infinite number of ways to view the photo.
Old Whaling Ship at Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 28mm, ISO100, f14, 1/2,200sec, +.0evs, handheld
While the Lumen program has some basic post processing functions such as temp, contrast, vibrance, saturation, exposure and sharpening, I choose to do all my processing in Lightroom which is much more familiar to me at this stage.
Whale oil steam boilers at Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
So what would you choose to do with this image? Render at f15 or f2 or in between? Where would you put your focus point, on the right, left or middle boiler? I choose f5 and focused on boiler #2. This is what I meant about the blessing or curse.
L16 --- 54mm, ISO100, f15, 1/500sec, +.0evs, handheld
Old Whaling Ships at Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 28mm, ISO102, f15, 1/1,800sec, +.0evs, handheld
Old Whaling Ship at Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 28mm, ISO103, f15, 1/1,800sec, +.0evs, handheld
The Petrel an old Whaling Ship at Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 28mm, ISO101, f9.4, 1/750sec, +.0evs, handheld
Chin Strap Penguin checking out Museum, Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
Choose f5.3 in post to slightly soften background
L16 --- 28mm, ISO100, f5.3, 1/1,500 sec, +.0evs, handheld
In prep for the trip I searched for a practical way to carry and protect my L16 while in the field. The camera case that came with it while nice looking is of little practical use mainly since it has no attachment mechanisms such as a simple belt loop and it can’t accommodate an L16 wearing a rubber bumper. Removing the bumper each time you want to use the case is simply not very practical or useful, so I left my case home and have yet to use it. While I initially didn’t like the bumper as it added bulk to the camera and made tripod mounting challenging it grew on me and I believe to be critically important to protect the front and back glass of the camera while laying flat on any surface. I did not use the stick-on glass protector sheets as I have not had good experiences with them in the past on cameras and smart phones. My main solution to protecting the L16 was to get a very basic Micro Fiber sack/ pouch, like those used to protect ski goggles, its an excellent way to just cover your L16 in a coat pocket, fanny pack or camera bag. They also easily covers the L16 with a bumper on. Its lightweight, compact, works well as a glass / lens cleaner and provides some basic scratch protection. In Antarctica I basically kept the L16 in my coat side pocket in it's micro fiber sack, very practical and useful. Light Co. should consider shipping L16s with one.
A basic and simple solution, a Micro Fiber pouch is an excellent way to provide basic protection for the L16
Lodged in the Fast Ice where we were able to walk out on the frozen sea water at Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica
L16 --- 28mm, ISO110, f15, 1/10,000 sec, +.0evs, handheld
Lodged in the Fast Ice at Wilhelmina Bay, Gerlache Strait, Antarctica
Recognizing that the L16 has variable resolution depending on focal length I tried to avoid certain focal lengths such as 60-69mm, opting for wider or longer such as 70mm+ to maximize resolution. Something to be mindful of.
L16 --- 35mm, ISO107, f15, 1/6,000 sec, +.0evs, handheld
Gentoo Penguin and the National Geographic Explorer, Brown Bluff, Antarctica
L16 --- 95mm, ISO108, f15, 1/5,000 sec, +.0evs, handheld
Brown Base, Argentine Base Station, Paradise Harbour, Antarctica
L16 --- 60mm, ISO100, f14, 1/7,100 sec, +.0evs, handheld
Southern Elephant Seals & King Penguins, Gold Harbour, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 74mm, ISO100, f108, 1/1,500 sec, +.0evs, handheld
Southern Elephant Seals & King Penguins, Gold Harbour, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 28mm, ISO105, f15, 1/4,500 sec, +.0evs, handheld
My Approach...
to using the L16 whether on the ship, bouncing around in a zodiac or while on land in the field was to keep it in its sack in my jacket pocket. I sometimes kept it in a small dry bag in my pocket if I thought we might get some weather or have a wild and wet zodiac ride. I used it to mainly to shoot scenic shots, landscapes, portraits or stationary / slow moving wildlife. All of my images were hand held and I used auto mode for 95% of my shots. I normally shoot aperture priority for 98% of my photography but since the default effective aperture of L16 photos is around f15 every image starts out with a very deep depth of field which can then be changed in the Lumen software, very cool. On this trip I mostly used auto mode vs manual on the L16 although I used exposure compensation extensively. I avoided manual shooting for a few main reasons. I am still new on the learning curve for how to use the camera and in the field on this trip I didn’t have time to fiddle with settings. Separately I was very pleased with the battery life, never had an issue.
Impt Issues: The font sizes on the screen for camera settings etc is a hard to read without my reading glasses, bigger fonts or the ability to increase their size w/b a good enhancement. Most significantly the glass on the rear LCD screen is highly reflective and sometimes nearly impossible to see in bright sunlight. In certain outdoor lighting conditions I sometimes found it near impossible to even see what I was shooting and very hard to properly place the focal point in the image. This was a real drawback in the field. Particularly problematic for wildlife photography where you often want the sun behind you. Not sure how to mitigate this. It would also be nice to be able to see a histogram in playback or live view to better manage proper exposure. In any case I took over 500 images on the L16 during the trip and was very pleased with the results. I actually held back shooting somewhat as I was concerned about memory. Early in the trip Light Co. issued a firmware update for the camera and a significant one for the Lumen desktop software. While on the ship we had very limited internet connectivity so while I was able to update the camera firmware I was not able to update Lumen. As a result I was not able download images from the camera or see them with full processing. I must say I had a number of back and forth emails with Light Co. Customer Support and found them to be both very helpful and responsive. One aha was that the L16 has a number of apps like a smart phone and one of them is an internet browser which was essential to be able to login to the ship’s network which like hotels can sometimes be much more complicated than just inputting a password. I would suggest to Light Co. that the app section would be a good place to download a copy of the Camera manual or even tutorials. Currently one needs to be online to see the manual. I would also suggest Light Co. take a look at the Gnarbox another new innovative photo and video storage device that is able to store, share and edit photos and videos in the field without a laptop in a form factor a little bigger than a deck of playing cards. Linking the L16 with a Gnarbox would be a real powerful and innovative pairing.
The Governoren Factory Whaling Ship, wrecked 1915, Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
L16 --- 35mm, ISO116, f15, 1/2,000sec, +.0evs, handheld
Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
L16 --- 28mm, ISO103, f15, 1/7,100sec, +.3evs, handheld
The Governoren Factory Whaling Ship, wrecked 1915, Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
L16 --- 86mm, ISO107, f15, 1/8,000 sec, +.7evs, handheld
Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
L16 --- 34mm, ISO110, f15, 1/8,000sec, +.0evs, handheld
Gentoo Penguins, Neko Harbour, Antarctica
L16 --- 60mm, ISO100, f13, 1/3,000 sec, +.7evs, handheld
Icebergs, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica
L16 --- 28mm, ISO114, f14, 1/120sec, +.75evs, handheld
Captain Oliver guiding the National Geographic Explorer into the rock wall to lodge it instead of anchoring, Paradise Harbour, Antarctica
L16 --- 32mm, ISO114, f14, 1/10,000sec, +.00evs, handheld
Lowering the Zodiacs in Paradise Harbour, Antarctica
L16 --- 34mm, ISO110, f15, 1/6,000sec, +.00evs, handheld
Icebergs in Paradise Harbour, Antarctica
L16 --- 28mm, ISO114, f15, 1/10,000sec, +.00evs, handheld
King Penguins, Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island
L16 --- 70mm, ISO 110, f15, 1/8,000sec, +.0evs, handheld
Me & My L16 (photo not shot with the L16)
Overall I am very impressed by this first generation highly innovative camera, I’m also impressed by the company’s responsiveness to suggestions and their speed at continually updating and improving this very innovative new approach to photography. Now that I’m back from the Land of ICE I'll be looking forward to using and pushing the L16 further. As an early endorsement we already ordered a second one so my wife can experience this revolutionary camera and approach to photography. I plan order up some large format prints from our trip as I was very impressed with the L16’s resolution and level of detail.
Post Script
Serious photography is like a craft and true craftsmen have an array of tools in their toolbox. The camera is the Photographer’s tool to capture light and like all craftsmen the serious photographer will have a number of tools in their tool chest. The notion that there is one best camera for a serious photographer is a bit silly, just like the notion that there is one best camera bag, how many of you have searched for that and now have a closet full of camera bags? Those who obsess about comparing cameras using performance graphs, counting pixels, worrying about micro-contrast nuanaces and other technical specifications often miss the point of the craft. Don’t get me wrong, specs and performance certainly matter but too many reviewers seem to obsess on the technicals and forget the basic notion that the best camera is the one you actually carry with you.
As a craftsman I have a many tools in my toolbox each of which I look to for a given task. My smart phone is always with me and its small and convenient, but sometimes I prefer to use my GoPro for video, stills or underwater, sometimes my little Brinno time lapse camera is the right tool for time lapse sequences that may extend for days, weeks or months, other times I might grab my advanced point and shoot as the best tool for the task or when looking for a different perspective I might use a drone, my prosumer DSLR is often my weapon of choice or when I’m in the field on a real serious photo expedition my big heavy pro DSLR can’t be beat. When traveling I often bring 4-5 of these tools with me as they make me a better Craftsman.
So when I think about the new innovative L16 light camera the question I ask is where does it fit in my toolbox? What role does it play in my craft? What are it’s strengths and weaknesses, how does it advance my mastery of the Craft? I don’t waste my time as some do comparing every technical element of the camera against all others in the marketplace. Frankly I find that silly since we live in a time of raging technological advances and before one finishes their comparative analysis another newer product has popped up in the marketplace. So as a serious photographer I only care about how each tool fits into my toolbox and advances my craft.
POST SCRIPT: A few more L16 shots from the trip
King Penguins at Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island
Pano of Elephant Island, Antarctica (four horizontal images stitched together)
Leaving the very picturesque Paradise Harbour
Bringing the zodiacs around, Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
Today is a perfect day to kayak in Antarctica
Gentoo Penguin returning from sea and headed back to the nest, at Neko Harbour, Antarctica
To see Part II of our “Antarctica Wanderings Blog” visit: "First Stop; The Falklands:
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill Klipp 2017, All Rights Reserved
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net & http://www.videos.wkimages.net /
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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(Part III of "Antarctica Wanderings" highlights South Georgia Island Part 1)
After our visit to the Falkland Islands our next landfall on the way to Antarctica was South Georgia Island and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia Island is easily one of the most incredible places on the planet for its scenery and abundance of unusual wildlife. It is a very remote crescent shaped island that is about 120 miles long and located about 1,000 miles south east of Cape Horn (tip of South America). The only way to get here is by boat as there are no landing strips, towns or hotels and it is too far from anywhere to come by helicopter. No large cruise ships allowed here and there is no permanent human population. It is a very rugged island with 9,000 foot peaks and Himalayan like typography interlaced by hundreds of glaciers. It has often been described as Switzerland meets the ocean. South Georgia was an British colony discovered by Captain Cook. It now has its own governing body located in Stanley, Falklands and is part of the United Kingdom. It is located below the Antarctic Convergence so its weather patterns are heavily influenced by Antarctica but unlike the very dry and desert environment of the Antarctic Continent (the driest continent) it gets 300- 360 days of precipitation with very actively changing and extreme weather patterns. It is common to experience katabatic winds of over 120 knots coming down over the tops of glaciers to the sea with almost no warning.
A cold rainy morning at Gold Harbor, made for some challenging photography.
A busy place, Gold Harbour Beach, South Georgia Island
A highlight for sure was our interactions with the Elephant Seal Weaners. All you had to do was find a curious fellow and sit down in the sand and the Weaner did all the rest. We are not allowed to touch them but if you sit quietly and leave it up to them, magical things sometimes happen.
South Georgia Island
The government of South Georgia derives most of its income from issuing commercial fishing permits and from the roughly 6,000 tourists that make their way down here. On the island itself are two British research stations, a couple of research shacks / camps, a few emergency supply shacks and the remnants of old whaling stations from the early 1900s. Located at the Grytviken research station is the remains of a historic whaling station, a small museum, post office, a little church and conservation office. Also there is an old cemetery where Ernest Shackelton is buried.
There are only a few people who live here with the 30 million sea birds and very large numbers of marine mammals such as Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, Fur Seals with several varieties of Whales in the nearby waters. The marine mammals come here each spring and summer to give birth and mate before heading back to sea for the rest of the year. At the peak in Nov / Dec over 4 million Fur Seals will arrive. There are no indigenous terrestrial mammals and no trees but 25 types of small low lying plants along the coast. Like Antarctica, South Georgia is governed by IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators which establishes very rigorous rules and standards for any visitors. All visitors must receive a mandatory briefing and certification before stepping upon the island. In addition all of our outerwear (boots, jackets, hats, gloves, rain pants, tripods, walking sticks, backpacks, etc) must be decontaminated before each visit.
A group of Prions shot in the rain from our Zodiac
So why go here? The answer is: This is THE PLACE to go to experience the greatest density of wildlife on the planet; 7 million Penguins across 6 species, 95% of the world’s Antarctic Fur Seal population, 50% of the world’s Southern Elephant Seal population and over 250,000 Albatross across a variety of species to name just a few of the creatures who visit this remote place.
A King Penguin Colony sprawling up the mountainside at Right Whale Bay
We made excellent progress crossing the Scotia Sea from the Falklands so we started our visit to South Georgia earlier than expected and our 1st visit will be to Elsehul & Right Whale Bays, two new places for Linda and I. Overall the weather today was miserable, temps in the high 30s with strong winds driving the rain sideways. But if you don't go outside you see anything and you never know if today will actually be better than tomorrow, so off we go every day regardless of conditions. At Elsehul Bay our zodiac plowed thru the choppy wind blown seas and driving rain while we explored the fog shrouded shoreline where we found some Fur Seals, sea birds and a Gentoo Penguin colony. In the afternoon we had our first shore landing in the driving rain at Right Whale Bay a small bay with stunning scenery and a small King Penguin colony interspersed with male Fur Seals claiming their territories for the breeding season. Small is a relative term here, when I say small penguin colony that means thousands of animals vs tens or hundreds of thousands. The windy, rainy conditions were pretty tough and this would be our weather conditions for the next several days and the next few days took a toll on a lot of guests as over a dozen cameras did not hold up to the wet conditions creating many equipment failures. Having said that some of our best shots are during inclement weather. Never the less we powered through several days of miserable weather only to be rewarded with a bunch of beautiful sunny blue-sky days for much of the rest of the trip.
Grey Headed Albatross
Macaroni Penguins Headed back up the cliffs to their Eleshul Bay colony
Macaroni Penguins returning from a foraging trip
Fur Seals on beach at Eleshul Bay, shot from zodiac
Gearing Up
Each time we head out to a landing we need to gear up. It took us a few days to get it right but now we have our system down pat and can be ready in 15 minutes. The key is layering as the weather down here changes rapidly. We also need to make sure both our equipment and self are waterproof from head to toe, as we seem to encounter water in some way every day whether it be rain, mist, snow or ocean spray coming over the sides of the zodiac. While our trip started in the Falklands with temps in the mid 40s, in South Georgia we were often in the mid to high 30s and when we get to Antarctica we will mostly be in the high 20s and low 30s (we hope anyway). In any case it often feels colder with the high winds and moisture. So each day on the bottom we don long underwear, covered by fleece pants and Gortex rain pants. Our uppers are the most variable depending on expected conditions and length of hikes, with the norm being a wicking type technical long sleeve shirt, under a cotton long sleeve shirt and maybe with a fleece vest or jacket. Over that we either use a Gortex type wind breaker (for the warmer Falklands) or the Lindblad supplied winter parka when it’s colder. Gloves are a personal item, I use thin light fleece gloves while Linda goes heavier with a liner and waterproof pair. Key is being able to work the controls on your camera. On our feet we wear hiking or ski type socks with hiking shoes (Linda often wears her Uggs) covered over with knee high water proof over shoes, along with our kneepads of course. Our feet are the most important as we always seem to be in the water, whether that be from the wet landings, shoreline surf or crossing streams, creeks and bogs. We keep our camera gear and other equipment in water proof backpacks and bags as water, in particular salt water is certain death to electronic components. We also carry giant zip lock bags for an emergency. A number of guests this trip are having camera equipment failures from the moisture.
Zodiac landing at Right Whale Bay
Zodiac Operations
Unless we are at a port city all excursions off the ship are via Zodiacs which enable us to access landings not available to other vessels. Traveling from ship to land via Zodiac is an experience in itself. Each time we leave the ship we must wear a life jacket and check out with an electronic key card, one of two ways they make sure no one is left ashore. The Zodiacs pull up to the side of the ship and we step out of a hatch into them. This could be tricky and timing is critical, as the swells drop the zodiac up to 10 feet below you and as the waters rise you actually step up to get in. In the environmental areas of South Georgia and Antarctica we decontaminate our boots as we leave the ship and rinse / hose down when we return. Once on shore we leave our life jackets in bins at the landing site so they can better account for us at departure. Since we left the Falklands all our landings have been wet in that the zodiacs are driven to shore and we need to jump out into shallow water on usually sandy or pebbly / rocky bottoms. The Zodiacs are about 18 feet long and carry 8-12 people. They usually pull into shore bow first but with waves or swells they might stern in first. Depending on conditions there will be between 2 and 8 staff in the water wearing chest wader’s to catch and secure the zodiac as we disembark. We then unload by always facing the seas watching the waves, than when the timing is right you swing your legs over the side hopping into the water with your gear. The staff of course will help anyone needing it. Getting back in is basically the process in reverse. Most times this is not a problem but some landings can be both tricky and a bit crazy as the zodiac can get pummeled with waves while you are trying to get out or in. On occasion someone will fall in requiring a quick return to the ship.
King Penguin at Right Whale Bay, notice the seal skulls
"As I laid on the ground to shoot some Penguins I felt something pecking on my feet". It was a Snowy Sheathbill which we affectionately call a "Shitbill" as they are often found eating Seal and bird shit.
A large group of molting King Penguins huddling together in the rain
Got to love the breeding colors of King Penguins
Two King Penguins and a Snowy Sheathbill on beach at Right Whale Bay
A Trident to help push back the very aggressive Fur Seals
Male Fur Seal taking the high ground on a tussock
Click above photo to see video of Right Whale Bay King Penguin Colony
We were very excited when we heard our next South Georgia landing will be at Gold Harbour a place we have been several times on past trips. When I think Gold Harbour, I think of a relatively small bay, walled by spectacular snow covered mountains interlaced with glaciers fronted by a black lava sand beaches covered with groups or harems of thousands of breeding Southern Elephant Seals and a large breeding colony of King and Gentoo Penguins. Gold Harbour is one of the most scenic and amazing places on the planet. As we approached the shoreline it was clear this visit would be difficult, we were met with temperatures in the mid to high 30s F with high winds and constant rain, not the best conditions to be cruising in zodiacs and wandering the beaches and tussock grass covered mountain sides in search of awesome wildlife photographs but we persevered and got some good shots in spite of what was really a normal day in South Georgia. We luckily came back to Gold Harbor on our last day and were met with beautiful blue skies.
Southern Elephant Seal bellowing to to chase a competitor away
About King Penguins
Gold Harbor is a breeding rookery for King Penguins and since it is still early in the season many sub-adults were molting (shedding their feathers to grow a new coat) so it was not yet time to mate and lay eggs. In addition, the entire beach was covered with Okum Boys which are 9 month old King Penguin chicks born late last summer (Feb / March). They spend the winter here with their thick fluffy brown coats and will be ready to fledge and begin swimming before this coming winter. If they don’t mature by this time they are not able to survive a second winter and we saw evidence of this with many dead chicks along the beach. These chicks were originally thought to be a different species of birds since they look so different from the adults. In fact, they are even larger and heavier than the adults as they have had to fatten up to survive the winter. They can’t yet swim as their fluffy coats are not water proof. The source of their name Okum Boys goes back to the Whaling and Sealing days as young boys were hired to climb down into the hold of the whaling ships to install a mixture of Okum and horse hair between the ship’s wooden planks to seal the hull. When they came out they were all brown and looked tarred and feathered. These not so little pudgy Penguins are incredible to watch, they have a ton of personality. They usually gather together in huge crowds to stay warm and they have a real friendly and curious streak to them. All you need to do is sit down quietly near the group and several will wander over to check you out. They will walk right up to you and peck your boots or tripod. Then all of a sudden one would get all excited and run around flapping its wings, squawking, whistling, falling down or bumping into the others. You can watch them for hours as they make you constantly smile and laugh.
The young King Penguins have no fear of us and are very curious
Brown Skua has no fear
Gentoo Penguins taking to the surf
The Giant Petrel is a key predator in the Penguin Colony
This Brown Skua seemed to like it's reflection in Linda's camera lens
Elephant Seal pups known as weaners. These guys are fully weaned by their mom within 3 weeks then left to fend on their own.
Mom with her chick
To our surprise and delight due to the time we gained by flying into the Falklands vs sailing we will return to Gold Harbour on our last morning in South Georgia and be met with beautiful morning light and sunny blue skies, an amazing contrast from today. But I'm actually liking some of our rainy day photos better.
King Penguins returning from a fishing trip emerging from the surf onto Gold Harbour Beach
A big bull on the move to protect his harem
Elephant Seal pups known as weaners, play fighting
These pups can almost speak to you with their amazingly big eyes
This young male doesn't yet have his own harem, but has some battle scars from attempts to win one
The Sights & Sounds of Gold Harbor, Click this link for Youtube video: Linda's Gold Harbor Video
About Elephant Seals
There are two species of elephant seals, the Northern and Southern. Most of us are familiar with the Northern Elephant Seals found in California and Baja California, and while we think these guys are big they are nothing compared to their Southern cousins. Southern Elephant Seals live in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters that feature brutally cold conditions but are rich in the fish, squid, krill, and other marine foods these seals enjoy. Southern Elephant Seals breed on land but spend their winters in the frigid Antarctic waters near the Antarctic pack ice. Unlike their somewhat smaller cousins in the North, Southern Elephants are the largest of all seals, males can be over 20 feet long and weigh up to 8,800 pounds, the size of pickup trucks. Females while large grow to about 12 feet and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. These massive pinnipeds aren't called Elephant Seals because of their size, they take their name from their trunklike inflatable snouts.
In late Aug / Sept the male Elephant Seals arrive on the beach to claim a territory, then they mostly lay around on the beach for a month or so not eating just guarding his territory from other males and hoping to collect a harem of 15 to 50 females. He spends his days and nights guarding his women and trying to mate as many times as he can. The constant fighting, defending of territories and mating is exhausting for them so the dominate males are usually the biggest and strongest of the all. The males battle each other almost constantly for mating dominance. Some encounters end with roaring and aggressive posturing, but many others turn into violent and bloody battles.
We called these big beach master males "Harvey", as sexual harassment seemed to be their main preoccupation
One way to cool down and avoid sunburn is to cover yourself with sand
Always very curious checking out our stuff, right before he knocked over the camera
Click above photo for video: Linda’s Elephant Seal Encounter
You would never guess that sitting on the beach in the rain when it’s a chilly 37 degrees could be a fun experience. Well sometimes that can happen on the magical beaches of South Georgia Island.
These big guys move surprisingly fast and silently. They are not aggressive to us at all, but when one of them wants to go from A to B you better not be in their way or they will run right over you
Close call, you always need to be watching behind you.
Elephant seals migrate in search of food, spending months at sea and often diving deep to forage. They have been known to dive to over 7,800 feet below sea level and stay down for over an hour, an amazing feat of physiology for a mammal. The females arrive in Sept / Oct to give birth and mate before heading back out to sea. The mothers suckle their young for only 2-3 weeks during which they put on about 20 pounds per day due to the incredibly high fat content of the milk. While suckling their young, females do not eat—both mother and child live off the energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber.
Are these guys cute or what?
A male Elephant Seal surrounded by the females of his harem. Our ship the National Geographic Explorer in the background
Godthul Harbour was another new spot for us with it's glacial head wall forming a natural cliff amphitheater. We did some zodiac cruising here and found a large variety of sea birds
Blue-Eyed Shag, is a type of Cormorant
The Kelp Gull is the only Gull found here
We sometimes had a hard time maneuvering in the zodiac due all the kelp
Male Fur Seal, during breeding season these guys are very territorial and can be vicious
Female Fur Seals are much smaller than the males
Side by side one can easily see the sexual dimorphism of male and female Fur Seals
This cute little South Georgia Pintail Duck is actually a carnivorous duck, don't get too close
Fur Seal with nursing pup only a few days old. Notice how much bigger the males are
The South Georgia Pipit, the southernmost songbird has had an amazing comeback. Back in 2011 when we were last here this bird was facing near extinction and was only found on a few out islands. There are no trees in South Georgia so the Pipit like most birds here nest on the ground. As a result their population on the main islands was decimated by invasive rats introduced to the island back in the whaling days. Six ago an ambitious project was launched to rid the entire island of rats. The largest project of its kind ever attempted and now there are Pipits popping up everywhere as the rats have been exterminated. The Project was an amazing success. Back in 2011 we made a donation by purchasing several 6 hectors of land for rat eradication, it was nice to return and hear about the success of the project.
Hercules Bay is a nice protected bay and a good spot to see the hardy little Macaroni Penguins as they emerge from the sea and make their way high up the rocky cliffs to their colony in the tussock covered slope overlooking the bay. The high seaside cliffs here make a good spot for many other species of birds that breed in the area. Overhead one will see gulls, Terns and Light-Mantled Albatross. Being a fjord there was no place for us to land as the coastline was sheer cliffs. So this morning’s activity was a zodiac cruise around the fjord taking in the sights.
Hercules Bay seems to be favorite place for the hardy little Macaroni Penguins, in spite of the steep rugged shoreline
Macaroni Penguins
Light-Mantled Albatross nest high in the cliffs and perform a mating ritual where the male and female take to the skies for a synchronized acrobatic flight, its beautiful to watch.
Snow Petrel over the ship's bow
Black Browed Albatross
Snow Petrel
Risting tidewater Glacier in Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia
The ship headed to the protected Drygalski Fjord, with its tall steep cliff walls and narrow waterway, it's a beautiful and classic fjord setting. We sailed deep into the fjord which dead ends at Risting Glacier the largest coastal glacier in South Georgia. Shortly after this photo was taken there was a deep rumble as a “Shooter” emerged from the sea. A "Shooter" (at least in Antarctica) is the calving of a Glacier from under the sea, creating an iceberg that lunges to the surface like a giant cork spreading ice chunks everywhere and creating a wave.
Click above photo to see video of a small Shooter
Don't miss our next blog installment of “Antarctica Wanderings IV” where I continue to share images in Part 2: South Georgia Island Part 2
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, All Rights Reserved
Check out our online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net & http://www.videos.wkimages.net /
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Part IV of "Antarctica Wanderings" continues with our exploration of South Georgia Island before we sail south to Antarctica
Fortuna Bay
A deeply cut valley filled with wildlife surrounded by tall majestic rugged mountains is what you see upon entering Fortuna Bay. This would be our 2nd visit to Fortuna Bay this trip, our first visit was to just drop off some hikers who wanted to experience the last leg of Shackleton's trek back to safety as he climbed over the mountain and glaciers to Stromness Harbor. It is described as 4 mile hike with 1,000 of elevation gain over a variety of surfaces such as tussac grass, gravel beds, boulders, snow and creeks over a glacier. On this visit we headed inland to a large King Penguin colony hiking over the relatively flat soft, spongie tundra which was covered in a layer of molted Penguin feathers. As we hiked in we stopped many times to photograph the many King Penguins as they headed back and forth from the Colony to the sea.
As we hiked in towards the Colony we were met by a near constant comings and goings of small groups of Kings. Note the white feathers everywhere.
Good stuffing for a down pillow
Three Kings
A rare headless King Penguin
Calling her chick
The adults returning from the sea with food for their chicks have to first find their own chick among the thousands of look alikes spread across miles.
They find their chicks by sound, hence a Penguin colony can be very noisy. When mom gets near with some food the chicks get very excited.
Fur Seal with some King Penguins
Click above photo for the sights and sounds of Fortuna Bay King Penguin Colony
Shackleton's Last Leg
In a life boat, Ernest Shackleton and two of his men left Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica and traveled for 14 days and 800 miles ending up in South Georgia at Fortuna Bay. Knowing roughly where they were from past adventures they set out with minimal supplies and equipment up and over the mountains in hopes of finding the whaling station at Stromness Harbor. After a grueling 36 hour journey over the mountains and across South Georgia they finally heard the whistle blow at the whaling station where the whalers there initially thought they were an undiscovered species of apes due to their hairy, unshaven beat-up, un-human appearance. What a shock it was for the whalers at Stromness Harbor to learn these men were Sir Ernest Shackleton and some of his crew who were feared dead after no word of their whereabouts for over 15 months.
Stromness Harbor
As one enters the harbor you are struck by the sight of the many buildings and rusting remains of one of the larger old whaling stations. The Captain put the ship right up on the beach here making for a very short zodiac ride to shore. Due to the instability of the structures and the unpredictable high winds we were not allowed to wander too close to the buildings. As we landed on the beach we were greeted by quite a few male Fur Seals, some straggling Elephant Seals and of course Penguins. Most of the group headed inland to see a water fall and visit a Gentoo Penguin Colony, we opted to hang on the beach with the Elephant Seals and Fur Seals which were once hunted to near extinction.
Gentoo Penguins greeting our ship
Click above photo for time lapse video of zodiacs at Stromness Harbour
Elephant seals were aggressively hunted for their oil, and their numbers were once reduced to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, populations have rebounded under legal protections. It ironic to now see them breeding on the beach in front of the boilers once used to melt down their blubber.
Male Fur Seal on the run. The name seal is a bit of a misnomer as he is more closely related to Sea Lions which have external ear flaps and the ability to walk on all 4 limbs. True Seals don't have external ear flaps and the rear limbs are positioned backwards so they don't use their rear limbs as legs and move on land more like an inchworm.
Beach master coming in full speed to stop an intruder looking to hit on his harem
Sex on the beach
Old whaling ship propellers
Like I said earlier these guys have one main goal when on the beach
Blue-Eyed Shag coming in for a landing
Precision Photography -- We were on the beach at Stromness Harbor on South Georgia Island and Linda challenged me to get a shot of a fast flying Antarctic Tern inside the National Geographic Yellow Box logo. Bingo, nailed it in a few minutes, got to love my Nikon D5
Sleeping Fur Seal up close
Click above photo for Elephant Seal Video at Stromness Harbour
Grytviken
Grytviken is the only place on South Georgia Island where anyone lives. It was the main whaling station on the island established in 1904 and closed in 1965. There is an active British Research Station here along with a little church, small museum, post office, several old partially sunken whaling vessels and maze of rusting structures and wooden buildings previously used (now abandoned) in the processing of whale meat, blubber and whale oil. There are about 2 dozen people who work and live here on a temporary contract basis.
Overlooking the Grytviken Whaling Station
Old Whaling Ship at Grytviken Whaling Station, South Georgia Island
Looking out the small Museum's window
Gathering at Grytviken Cemetery for a special memorial service and whiskey toast to the “Boss” Ernest Shackleton at his grave site.
St Andrews Bay is another favorite spot, home to the largest breeding colony of King Penguins with over 200,000 pairs. The colony is nestled in a valley at the base of a glacier. In addition this is home to Gentoo Penguins, Elephant Seals and Fur Seals.
King Penguin paradise, St Andrews Bay
"He Saw / She Saw"
Sometimes when Linda and I out shooting in the field we see the same thing but from a different angle
"He Saw / She Saw"
Getting down low creates a unique photographic angle
Crossing the river is not always easy
After lunch the ship cruised a short distance to Prion Island where the giant Wandering Albatross breed. Magnificent sea birds, the largest on earth with 12 foot wing spans weighing in at 25lbs. We were lucky to get permission to land here as very few are allowed to. It is so restricted that we must visit the island in several shifts to limit the number of people ashore at any one time. Once on shore we again had to transverse thru the Fur Seal maze on the beach to a wooden boardwalk and a 200 stair climb to the hill top for a viewing platform to see the Wandering Albatross chicks which are gigantic. The walkway was constructed by the South Georgia Govt to provide researchers access up the treacherous hillside to monitor the nesting sites.
This walkway was built by the Researchers to access the Wandering Albatross nests
Wandering Albatross chick
Mating Brown Skuas
The gorgeous Snow Petrel
These nasty guys, Giant Petrels, are fighting over a seal carcass
Being chased off the carcass
Headed South to Antarctica
Well now it's time to head south to Antarctica, and we are starting to see some ice. As we leave South Georgia we have a 2+ day sail to Elephant Island our first stop in Antarctica. This can often be a fairly rough sail as we head south and west into some of the stormiest seas on the planet. Since we picked up some extra time on the front end of the trip the Captain and Expedition Leader decided we could make a short stop at the remote South Orkney Islands for some zodiac exploration. Not many ships stop here as it's a bit out of the way and the last time this ship stopped here was about 10 years ago. The islands were discovered in 1821 by two sealers. Due to the strong winds upon our arrival the ship headed for the more protected Sandefjord Bay on Coronation Island the main island. We were met by some snowy, windy choppy seas, icebergs, some gorgeous scenery and a large colony of Chin Strap Penguins with 120,000 animals and a smaller group of Adelie Penguins.
Chin Strap & Adelie Penguins nesting along the rocky shoreline
Chin Strap Penguins
Chin Strap Penguin at Sandefjord Bay
Click above photo for Sandefjord Bay short video
Adelie Penguins and their fun personalities are one of our favorites.
Adelie Penguins at Sandefjord Bay
Chin Strap Penguins at Sandefjord Bay
Chin Strap Penguins at Sandefjord Bay
NEXT STOP "The Land Of ICE", ANTARCTICA
Stay tuned for my next blog installment of “Antarctica Wanderings V” where I will share images from the "Land of Ice", Antarctica our ultimate destination.
If you Missed "Antarctica Wanderings" Part III visit: South Georgia Island Part 1
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, All Rights Reserved
Check out our online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net & http://www.videos.wkimages.net /
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Part V of "Antarctica Wanderings" continues with our arrival in the "Land of Ice", Antarctica
“The thing that is most beautiful about Antarctica for me is the light. It’s like no other light on Earth, because the air is so free of impurities. You get drugged by it, like when you listen to one of your favorite songs. The light there is a mood-enhancing substance.” ― Jon Krakauer
The South Orkney Islands (our last stop) are about the halfway point between South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. The next leg of our journey to Antarctica would be a 375 mile sail due west and south into the winds and building seas of the Weddell Sea. While some on the ship found the journey to be uncomfortable we in fact were lucky to have what the Captain described as moderate seas for this region with 15-20 foot waves and 30-40mph winds. As we headed further south the seas began to take on the appearance of another world as we passed large icebergs caught in the west to east clockwise direction of the prevailing winds and currents of the Southern Ocean.
Click above photo for a short Weddell Sea video:
Emperor Penguin entering water at Wilhelmina Bay. This was our first ever encounter with an Emperor, the largest of the Penguin species
At Sea Towards Antarctica
The ocean area from 40’ south latitude to near the Antarctic Circle has the strongest sustained westerly winds found anywhere on earth. The highest frequency of gales is reported between Longitude 20’ and 60’ east, north of the Ross and Weddell Seas and the approaches to Drakes Passage. Interaction between the frigid air coming off Antarctica and the relatively warm and moist air from the lower latitude ocean areas creates the cyclonic “Roaring Forties”, “Furious Fifties” and “Screaming Sixties” storms. They make the region from 40’ to 60’ south one of the stormiest areas in the world. The main course of these cyclones is from west to east around the periphery of Antarctica. We however were lucky and avoided overly difficult weather.
After a day and a half at sea from the South Orkney Islands our first stop in Antarctica will be Point Wild on the north coast of Elephant Island. Elephant Island became famous from Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–17), also known as the Endurance Expedition. Back in 1916 after being stranded for 281 days and following the crushing and sinking of their ship “Endurance” in the pack ice, Earnest Shackleton and 27 men used life boats and drifting ice floes to reach the uninhabited and very inhospitable Elephant Island. It’s here that they camped out in small space the size of a house under upturned life boats surviving on seal blubber and penguins for an incredible 137 days. Mean while Shackleton and five of his men headed out seeking rescue in one of their open life boats (the James Caird). Their goal was South Georgia Island a dangerous and grueling 800 mile 2+ week sail across the Southern Ocean to Fortuna Bay. If you have never read the book “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage” by Alfred Lansing, I would highly recommend it as it surely is one of the most amazing stories of human exploration and endurance. Now if this is the first time you heard the story you missed my previous blog chapter about South Georgia Island. Moving on ...
Elephant Island, very little flat shoreline, tough place to camp out for 4 months in the winter
Elephant Island, making the pano above
Elephant Island is an ice-covered mountainous island in the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica and part of the South Shetland Islands. It was named by early explorers in 1821 due to it’s Elephant head-like appearance and the sighting of Elephant Seals on its shores. There are virtually no safe landing sites here due to the very rugged, high mountainous terrain with steep cliffs rising right out from the sea. We arrived in the late afternoon in blowing snow and very choppy seas and headed out for a pretty uncomfortable zodiac exploration of the coastline and the large Chin Strap Penguin Colony.
Exploring around Elephant Island
It was tough conditions for zodiac cruising, Chin Strap Penguin colony in the background
Cemented to the rocks, is a bust of Piloto Pardo, the captain of the Yelcho, the ship that Ernest Shackleton was finally able to get down there to save the men stranded on Elephant Island. Our ship is in the background.
As we leave Elephant island we headed south into the Antarctic Sound towards the eastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. We will spend the afternoon and evening at sea traversing the ice fields at the northern edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. While cruising we had a couple of presentations one of which was about the various seals we might encounter. We also had another decontamination party to prepare us for landing on the Continent of Antarctica. It was easy to tell we were in a new territory from the sounds of ice scrapping against the ship’s hull and the periodic shuddering we would feel as the ship plowed through smashing its way through the thicker ice.
We are now headed into the Weddell Sea and Iceberg Alley, famous for harboring massive tabular icebergs with their flat tops, steep sides and a length to height ratio greater than 5:1. These tabular bergs begin life as a floating ice shelf or glacial tongue attached to the land that crack and break off. These ice islands can be enormous such as B15 which was originally 183 miles long by 23 miles wide about 4,200 sq miles reaching heights of 130 feet above water. Bergs of this size can severely block navigation and impact ocean currents. As they move about following the west to east currents of the Southern Ocean they bump into land and other icebergs, they crack and erode due to wave action and of course start to melt, causing them to crack, shrink and break apart overtime. These enormous icebergs can be over 3,000 feet thick causing them to get grounded periodically and scour the sea floor as they move with the currents.
ICE, ICE everywhere
Large tabular bergs sometimes 10s of miles long and 100s of meters thick broken from glacial tongues or broken from an ice shelf, Icebergs born from glaciers are large chunks that are at least 15 feet above the water line, bergy bits smaller than icebergs 5 feet above water and growlers 1 foot above water, then there is fast ice, sea ice, pancake ice and many others. In any case the shapes, colors and incredible beauty can only be described as other worldly often formed into sculptures that only nature can create. Amazing sights in every direction 24x7.
A memorable 3am sunrise
Linda at the ready as we cruise through the ice fields
Pushing through the ice of Antarctic Sound
Brown Bluff
Our morning was a bit of a surprise as the ship headed towards our first “official” Continental landing at Brown Bluff, one of our favorite landing sites and home to Adelie and Gentoo Penguin colonies. Our last time here we had a freezing and blizzardly day, today as we popped out of the zodiac at high tide onto the icy embankment we were met with a very windy yet sunny blue-sky day. Linda and I set out along the shoreline headed for the colony, but we did not get very far as we just plopped down in the snow to photograph the comings and goings of long lines of Adelies and small groups of Gentoos heading back and forth between the sea and their nesting sites. We also spent some time on the edge of the colony to watch mating behavior and nest building as the Adelies would steal pebbles from each other to build their nests. While most of the Penguins were still in courtship and nest building modes a number were tending to their eggs. We also keenly watched the Kelp Gulls, Skaus and Giant Petrels as they swooped down into the colony to steal a Penguin egg for dinner.
Adelie Penguins are our favorites to watch, lots of personality
Adelies seem to like to move around in large groups. These guys gathered at the edge of the ice waiting to head out to sea, then once one jumps in they all follow like Lemmings. When one of them stops they all stop. They often hesitate in entering the water as they worry about a lurking Leopard Seal or Killer Whales their biggest predators.
Adelie adjusting it's egg in it's modest pebble nest
Gentoo Penguin collecting pebbles to build a nest
One Gentoo will sit on the egg while the other heads out to sea to forage, you can tell this guy just returned from the sea (very clean) and is about to relieve his partner so she can go forage. Its this switching time when they are most vulnerable to predation from the Kelp Gulls, Skaus and Giant Petrels circling overhead waiting for an opportunity to swoop in and grab an egg.
This Kelp Gull circled the Colony for awhile seeking an opportunity to grab an egg. Its amazing how they can hold onto it
Got to love these guys, I just laugh looking at them
Gentoo taking the leap
Gentoo Penguins
It was pretty cold this morning as it should be, we are in Antarctica after all! After our morning at Brown Bluff we spent the afternoon and rest of the day cruising through iceberg alley and crashing through the pack ice, admiring the large icebergs and seeking wildlife in Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea. We came across Weddell and Crab Eater Seals lying about and Penguins scurrying across the ice. There were also beautiful Antarctic Terns flying around the ship hoping that as we hit and upturned the ice they would find some underlying creatures to eat. It’s a lot a fun to be up on the bow as the ship crashes through the ice and small icebergs. You can feel the ship shudder and shake as the bow crashes through the ice scraping its way along the ship's hull removing the ship's paint little by little. The Weddell Sea is where Shackleton’s ship the Endurance got stuck in the ice eventually sinking. For us though we had a great finish to a very fine Antarctic day.
Antarctic Sound, notice the group of Adelie Penguins on the ice off the ship's bow.
Adelie Penguins on the run, as seen from the bow, as the ship plows through the ice
Weddell Seal
Adelie Penguin wandering the ice floes
Sunrise at 3:26am near the Enterprise Islands, Antarctica
An Epic Day in Antarctica
It started with beautiful 3:26am sunrise as the icebergs glowed in various shades of pastels. A windless morning with deep blue skies with streaky white clouds with moderate temperatures in the mid 30s met us as we entered Enterprise Bay. The water was crystal clear, and the dead calm seas were littered with icebergs and bergy bits. The clarity of the air was noticeable and reflections glared at us from every direction.
First up this morning was kayaking across the crystal clear radiant blue waters through the ice fields among the Gentoo Penguins and alongside the rusting hull of the "Governoren", a snow covered sunken whaling factory ship lost in time since 1915. After kayaking it was back to the ship for a quick gear reset then we headed back out again, this time in a zodiac for some ice and wildlife exploration in the neighboring bays. To top the morning off we had the opportunity for an exhilarating Polar Plunge in 30.5 degree Antarctic waters. As we reluctantly left Enterprise Island behind we were pleasantly surprised to find lunch being served outside on the rear deck, a rare event in Antarctica. ... WHAT A DAY and this was all before noon with much more to come.
If you look closely, you can see the EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) around our necks in case we get lost or capsize.
National Geographic Explorer anchored at the Enterprise Islands. A Weddell Seal sleeps in the sun on the ice
At the end of the whaling season in Jan 1915, the crew of the "Governoren" was having a traditional end of season party to celebrate their haul of thousands of gallon of whale oil. The party below deck got out of hand and a lamp got knocked over setting fire to the entire ship. To save the crew the Captain grounded the ship in Foyn Harbor of the Enterprise Islands, all 85 crew survived making it ashore and were rescued by another whaling ship. Some divers from our ship went down into the wreck to investigate and found many old oil barrels and artifacts still in place undisturbed for over 100 years. The rusting hull is now a nesting spot for Antarctic Terns
Click above photo for our Kayak adventure video:
It's common for icebergs to erode and melt from the bottom up as the water temps can be warmer than the air. As the bottom melts, the berg gets top heavy causing it to unpredictably flip over revealing some of the most incredible ice sculptures and designs. For certain sized or shaped icebergs you need to be mindful of not getting too close in a zodiac or kayak as they can be very unstable and potentially flip over unexpectedly on you.
Is this looking like heaven or what?
It was a beautiful day for swim. Sunny blue skies, streaky white clouds, moderate temperatures in the mid 30s F and a gorgeous backdrop. What could better? A perfect time for a Polar Plunge into 30.5 degree Antarctic waters, Got to do it! It will be my 5th time...
Here I go.....
Sea water freezes at 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit, I was lucky today it was warmer, only an exhilarating 30.5 degrees F. Notice the paddles nearby in case of heart attacks.
Click above photo for my Polar Plunge video:
You can't beat the view from this lunch Bistro
In the afternoon our ship the National Geographic Explorer headed back out into the Gerlache Straits. It was nice enough for an outdoor lunch on the ship's rear deck as we headed to Wilhelmina Bay in search of fast ice where the ship could be embedded in the ice hopefully for some outdoor activities out on the ice and snow. Fast Ice is sea ice that is attached to and extending out from the land or shoreline. On our search we passed several small groups of Humpback and Fin Whales. After several attempts the Captain was able to lodge the ship into the ice and lower a gangway onto the ice for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, wandering and a BBQ. The highlight though was a lone Emperor Penguin who wandered close by to check us out. For me this was heaven to score some awesome shots of the ultimate icon of the Penguin species. This was Linda and my first encounter with an Emperor and the 8th Penguin species we have encountered on the trip.
As we sailed through the wildlife rich Gerlache Straits we came across a few Humpback Whales actively feeding
Humpback Whale tail lob
Humpback Whale fluke
Two Humpback Whales as the pass right under the bow of our ship
I finally got a shot at a double fluke
It took the Captain several attempts to find thick and stable enough ice to lock the ship into. Nothings cooler than hanging over the bow as the ship smashes through the ice, the sights and sounds are like nothing you have ever seen or heard.
Once the ship rammed into the ice and got firmly embedded, the Captain left the engines running on idle to keep us lodged in. A gangway was then lowered onto the ice
Some of the staff went out first to test the safety and stability of the Fast Ice
Helping lock the ship into the Fast Ice
Looks stuck pretty good to me
Click above photo for my "Fast Ice" time lapse video:
Notice toward the end of the video the arrival of the Emperor Penguin
A special treat out on the ice
A BBQ out on the ice. Life jackets on everyone in case we fall through the ice.
Enjoying a snack out on the ice
Got to make some snow angels
An Emperor Penguin gazing on as two cross country skiers pass by.
A lone Gentoo Penguin heads back into the water
It is a rare to see Emperor Penguins in this area, it was thought this guy was 1-2 years old and was a bit lost.
On this trip we have now seen all 8 Penguin species of the Antarctic region, a first for us.
Emperor Penguin
Click above photo for a short Emperor Penguin video:
The next day we explored Danco and Cuverville Islands along with their gorgeous ice fields. Zodiac heading back to the ship anchored off Danco Island
Icebergs begin life as snow falling on land to form glaciers or ice sheets that build up over hundreds, thousands or even millions of years, flowing downhill towards the sea under their own weight as frozen rivers. Eventually they reach the sea where they sometimes break off in a process known as "calving", then floating out to sea.
Icebergs are made of fresh water and float around in sea water, small ones weigh hundreds of tons, typical ones weigh 100,000+ tons and the biggest ones billions of tons. They can be very beautiful yet very dangerous.
Most Icebergs are white in color but older icebergs can have spectacular shades of blue and green. Overtime snow builds up in layers freezing solid into ice often trapping many little air bubbles. Overtime as the ice builds up it gets compressed under very high pressure becoming extremely heavy and dense, squeezing the air bubbles smaller and smaller and forcing the smaller ice crystals to grow together and merge into larger grains. When light encounters the dense, compressed ice, much of the light penetrates it. The ice absorbs longer wavelengths of colors, such as red and yellow. Colors of shorter wavelengths, like green and blue, reflect the light creating this "leftover" blue-green light creating some remarkable colors.
Exploring the Ice around Cuverville Island
Notice the smooth sculptured texture of the ice. This berg had flipped over so you now see the bottom with some fresh blown snow.
Exploring the icebergs around Danco Island. Notice the erosion of the icebergs along the water line. Think about how that might alter it's shape and behavior over time.
Gentoo Penguins swimming past our Zodiac near Danco Island
When in a hurry these Gentoos porpoise out of the water as they swim
Sunset over Antarctic Sound
Stay tuned for the Final Chapter of "Antarctica Wanderings" VI: Land of Ice - Part 2
If you missed our last "Antarctica Wanderings" Part IV visit: South Georgia Part 2
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, All Rights Reserved
Check out our online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net & http://www.videos.wkimages.net /
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Part VI of "Antarctica Wanderings" is our final chapter of our Antarctica Photo Expedition……
As the Captain gently grounded the ship a few meters from the shoreline we geared up for a very short Zodiac trip to a landing on the ice and snow covered banks of picturesque Neko Harbor. As we shed our life jackets into the bins we noticed the snow was sprinkled with sand, small pebbles and gravel. Little did we know it was sign of what was to come. Even as we moved 10 meters inland there were the signs that the debris may have come from a large wave maybe a tsunami wave from the calving of the nearby tidewater glaciers which seemed to run down every valley into Neko Harbor. We strapped our dry-bags to the bins and started our hike up the snowy trail to an overlook and a Gentoo Penguin Colony. It was sunny blue sky morning with warm temperatures in the mid 30s and no wind. As we hiked higher up the hill we shed our parkas and stashed them in a snow hole along the trail.
After landing at Neko Harbour we began hiking up to the ridge line overlooking the bay
As we hiked up we passed a series of "Penguin Highways", well worn tracks in the snow between the colony and the sea. As we hiked across the snow we needed to be careful of "post-holing" where our weight creates deep circular holes in the snow, which Penguins can fall into getting trapped.
Notice the old whale vertebrae
A few of us stopped partway up the hill to photograph the Gentoo Penguin colony, with a tidewater glacier as a backdrop
Then out of no-where there were booming thunderous explosions echoing between the mountain sides, huge cracking and sliding noises and then we saw a large section of ice was crumbling, breaking off the glacier’s face and crashing down into the bay. We raised our cameras to capture the scene and Linda pulled out her iphone for some video, but the next thing we heard were SHOUTS of “UP”, “UP”, “UP” the naturalists were yelling that we should run higher up the mountain away from the oncoming tsunami waves created by the calving ice. We luckily were fairly high up the slope well away from the crashing waves. The ship was fine, the zodiacs headed out into deeper water away from the waves. But there were a number of people exploring the Penguin colony along the shoreline. As the waves banged along the shoreline it almost seemed to be in slow motion, I looked over to the left at a small group of people down near the shoreline. As the warnings to run rang out I watched them dart and run up the hill with more than one falling down, luckily well beyond the reach of the crashing waves. Luckily no one was hurt but the waves took out over 50 life jacket as the bins got swept into the sea and the jackets started popping as the water set off their CO2 inflators. The waves slowly petered out but the rest of the morning was filled with periodic booms and explosions from avalanches and more glacial calving. Of course we were always at the ready and jumping around hoping to catch “The Shot”.
As the glacial wall collapsed into the bay a series of waves began to build creating a Tsunami or Tidal Wave headed our way on the opposite shoreline.
As the waves crashed on our shoreline our Guides and Naturalists started yelling "UP, UP, UP", instructing us to quickly move uphill away from the waves.
Wave after wave began breaking on our shoreline and washing up towards us and the Penguin colony
While we were fairly high up the slope some of our landing party was down along the water's edge and began running, falling and crawling to safety.
Even the Penguins began running inland and uphill. The zodiacs moved into deeper water away from the waves
Once the Tsunami was over the once clear bay was covered in ice. As we were leaving Neko Harbor later that day there was another large calving and Tsunami although we were all safely aboard the ship
Neko Harbor Glacial Calving and Tsunami. Click above photo for our video:
After all the excitement we continued our hike up the slope, it was a beautiful warm day in the high 30s day, at least for a few hours. Notice the ice floating in the harbor from the calving. Every once and awhile we would hear large cracking sounds as small icebergs cracked flipped and broke apart from the warmer water temperatures.
Hiking up over Neko Harbor
Gentoo Penguins
We parked ourselves along one of the Penguin highways to watch their comings and goings
Collecting pebbles for nest building
Click following link for Gentoo Penguin video: Got Pebbles!
Its amazing at what lengths these little Gentoo Penguins go through to find the right collection of pebbles to make a nest. They will routinely pass by piles of pebbles in search for the right one. Then once they are laid out to form a crude circular pebble nest they sometimes seem to rearrange the pebbles on an almost constant basis. And of course one of the big concerns is having a pebble stolen by a Penguin too lazy to collect his own. Fascinating to watch.
Gentoo Penguin collecting pebbles
The Weddell Seal is the most southerly breeding of all mammals, and one of the best known Antarctic seal species and a favorite meal of Killer Whales
Pano of Neko Harbor, glacier is on right side of frame
The Ship's professional Video Chronicler Eric Wehrmeister did an awesome job capturing the glacial calving at Neko Harbour. Click above photo for the video:
Adelie Penguins on an ice floe
Opps! Adelie Penguins on the run
Penguins on the run time lapse as we cruise the ice of Antarctic Sound: Click above photo for Video:
We had the pleasure of traveling with a few scientists specializing in Cetacean Research with NOAA and it's Canadian equivalent. While sailing through the Gerlache Straits we came across a pod of about 2 dozen Killer Whales.
The Scientist's goal was to get some id photos of each of the Killer Whales, then to get some biopsy samples using a crossbow with special darts. To id the Killer Whale you want a photo of the dorsal fin as well as the white saddle patch.
Male Killer Whales are larger and have very tall dorsal fins
At one point the Killer Whales started chasing a Penguin which jumped into the Zodiac for safety. But once he jumped back into the water he quickly became a Killer Whale snack.
We passed some large icebergs in the Gerlache Straits
As we approached Paradise Harbor it was clear we were in for a treat with dead calm seas, awesome reflections and some huge arched icebergs
Entering Paradise Harbor
The Captain likes to park the ship in strange places. This time he edged right up to the rocks
Zodiacs being deployed for some exploring of Paradise Harbor
The ship's bulbous bow edged up on the rocks
Amazing water clarity and awesome reflections
This iceberg has flipped over revealing a very artistic bottom, now the top
It was a bit sunny
We came across a series of mushroom like icebergs. notice the edge where the icicles are hanging from. This was once the waterline but with constant melting and water erosion they seemed to rise up out of the water. At some point they will become top heavy and will flip over.
Blue Eyed Shag taking off. Similar to Cormorants these excellent divers need along runway to take off.
Blue Eyed Shag diving for fish
Brown Station located in Paradise Harbor is an Argentine Antarctic base and scientific research station named after Admiral William Brown, the father of the Argentine Navy. It has been unoccupied each time we have been here.
Gentoo Penguin on the move
Some Gentoo Penguins popping out of the water
This iceberg has already flipped over, notice how smooth the ice is.
Leopard Seal lounging on an ice floe, these guys are big, tough and nasty
Other than Killer Whales, the Leopard Seal is an apex predator in this ecosystem, with a taste for Penguins
Nice set of teeth
Click above photo for a Paradise Harbor Zodiac cruise thru the ice fields
Cruising through the ice fields
While we were out in the zodiac we came across some friendly Vikings serving up some Hot Toddys
Paradise Harbor and Brown Station
Leaving Paradise Harbor
Leaving Paradise Harbor headed for Gerlache Straits. Click above photo for Time Lapse:
We briefly met up with our sister ship the National Geographic Orion to get some extra CO2 cartridges to recharge the life jackets that got hit by the tsunami
National Geographic Orion
Antarctic Sunrise
Crashing through the ice of Antarctic Sound: Click above photo for short video:
Entering the very picturesque Lemaire Channel
Click above photo for Lemaire Channel Video, our southernmost point
Approaching the southernmost point of our journey at 65' South Latitude
Cruising the ice of Antarctic Sound: Click above photo for Time Lapse:
Click above photo for short Drakes Passage Video:
We were lucky again with our 6th calm crossing of Drakes Passage, one of the most notoriously rough ocean passages.
Safely back to Ushuaia Argentina the southernmost city on earth after an incredible journey to the bottom of the planet.
If you missed our last "Antarctica Wanderings" Part V visit: Land of Ice-Part 1
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, All Rights Reserved
Check out our online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net & http://www.videos.wkimages.net /
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill & Linda Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Fantasy Fest 2017 Wanderings Part II .............
Join me as we “Wander” through 10 days of Fantasy Fest 2017 as: "Time Travel Unravels”
This is our 18th year celebrating Fantasy Fest so “WANDER” with us as we navigate our way EACH DAY through the dozens of Wild and Crazy times of Fantasy Fest 2017
My Fantasy Fest Wanderings Blog will evolve as Fantasy Fest week unfolds, so come back for Daily Updates....
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
Fantasy Fest Grand Parade
Fantasy Fest always ends on the last Saturday of October and it ends with a huge festive parade. In spite of the hurricane and in-spite of the threatening weather Saturday night there were over 50 entrants to the final Fantasy Fest Parade. Having seen 18 of these over the years I must say it was one of the better ones.
Before the Parade spectators begin lining the streets along the Parade route and Duval street is filled with costumed partiers strutting their stuff
The Parade begins in Truman Annex, winds its way down Whitehead St the up Duval
Fantasy Fest King & Queen
"Fantasy Fest Friday" --- The Masquerade March
Clearly the best event of Fantasy Fest is the Friday Masquerade March, aka the Locals Parade. Starting at the Key West Cemetery near our house several thousand costumed marchers gather for a walking parade to downtown. If you want to see creativity and some wild and crazy costumes this is the event to see or better yet participate in. A highlight is always the group costumes which vary from current events, Florida Keys issues, the Fantasy Fest theme or whatever the locals come up with. If you visit Fantasy Fest the Masquerade March and the Zombie Bike Ride are two must see and must participate events. As the Parade winds it’s way to Duval Street passing by decorated houses and Inns there are plenty of stops set up to grab a shot, some beer, special punch or this year even shots of Hurricane Beefaroni. Beyond the Parade there are plenty of theme oriented parties such as Bowties & Birthday Suits, Southernmost Beach Jam, Annual Pirate Bash, The Den of Desire, Glitter & Glow Party and Pimpin Ain’t Easy party to name a few.
Visit our "Masquerade March" slide show at: Masquerade March Slide Show
This year we did Steam Punk
Bumper Cars
Time Flies
16 foot wing span
Let Them Eat Cake!
Even Live Gold Fish
Beefaroni a staple food during Hurricane Irma
The Wizard of Oz
Winner! Shell Game for Jello Shots
Harvey's Castration Couch
Hurricane Irma Eyewall
Hi Jack
I have seen this photographer many times at Fantasy Fest over the years. He has quite a unique style. I hear he does weddings also.
For 18 years of my Fantasy Fest photos click: http://www.FantasyFest.me
"Fantasy Fest Wednesday"
Wednesday's of Fantasy Fest is often about color, there is Fogarty's annual Red Party, Green Parrot Green Party, Lucy's Blue Party, Gas Monkey's Redneck Party and Mary Ellen's Luv2Glow Party. It's also time for the annual Pet Masquerade show, Dungeon of Dark Secrets at 801 Bourbon, ABC party (Anything But Clothes), Wharfstock aka Woodstock at Schooner Wharf. And of course the very popular Sexy Bull Riding contest at Cowboy Bills and Homemade Bikini contest at Smoking Tuna bar.
Ready for Wharfstock aka Woodstock at Schooner Wharf Bar
Peace & Love
Homemade Bikini contest at Smoking Tuna Bar
Beer anyone?
Hot Bikini
Headed to Fogarty's Red Party
Fantasy Fest "Naughty Bike Ride". A ride for the less than sober. Click above Photo for short video.
"Fantasy Fest Thursday"
The main event today was the 35th Annual gala Headdress Ball, this year held at the spanking brand new Key West Amphitheater along the Truman waterfront. Presented by the Key West Business Guild as the premiere gay and lesbian event of Fantasy Fest. While these homemade custom costumes are truly amazing the panel of judges base their votes only on the Headdress creativity and design as the candidates compete for the $3,000 first prize. In spite of Irma the show went on in its usual festive fashion.
We are all dressed up and ready for the Headdress Ball
The brand new Key West Amphitheater at the Truman Waterfront Park
Some of the contestants
One of the Judges
EmCee Tom Luna announces the contestants
1st Place Winner
The fabulous Randy Roberts
The top three Winners
2nd Place Winner
3rd Place Winner
Thursday has also always been known at TOGA Thursday as Sloppy Joe’s holds its annual TOGA party and contest a party that has been a tradition for 34 years. Thousands of TOGA clad revelers crowd the streets of Key West. Other events include: the Nerd party, Fat Tuesday’s Pink Party, White Party, Pajama & Lingerie party, Brick House Funk party, Naughty Bike Ride and Famous Duos Karaoke contest to name a few. Of course there is always plenty of body paint and nudity.
If you Missed Fantasy Fest Wanderings Part I visit: Fantasy Fest 2017 Part 1
For 18 years of my Fantasy Fest photos click: http://www.FantasyFest.me
Zombie Ride click: Zombie Slide Show
Masquerade March: Masquerade March Slide Show
Visit my 2016 Fantasy Fest Slide Show click: 2016 Fantasy Fest Slide Show
PLAN A VISIT TO Fantasy FEST 2018 -- 2018 Theme: "OH... The Games We Play"
Two Bedroom Condo Still Available 10/21/18-10/28/18 Come to Fantasy Fest and stay at the Hyatt Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/hyatt_beach_house
For 18 years of my Fantasy Fest photos visit: http://www.FantasyFest.me
© Bill Klipp 2017 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2017 -- "Time Travel Unravels"
Fantasy Fest Online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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LET THE FANTASIES & WILD TIMES BEGIN.............
Join me as we “Wander” through 10 days of Fantasy Fest 2017 as: "Time Travel Unravels”
This is our 18th year celebrating Fantasy Fest so “WANDER” with us as we navigate our way EACH DAY through the dozens of Wild and Crazy times of Fantasy Fest 2017
The winds have died down, the waters have receded, the debris piles are disappearing and the sun is shining brightly thru the naked tree tops....
As Halloween approaches Key West our little island in paradise takes on a scary vibe as tens of thousands wild party revelers arrive for the huge theme oriented celebration called FANTASY FEST week. The event lasts 10 days and is a Mardi Gras like event that culminates the last Saturday in October with a wild costumed gala parade up Duval street. Throughout the week there are dozens of theme oriented parties like the: Royal Coronation Ball, Zombie Bike Ride, Sloppy Joe's Toga Party, Fogarty's Red Party, Captain Tony's Party in Plaid, Tighty Whitey Party, Pet Masquerade, Headdress Ball, Halos and Horns Party, Locals Masquerade March and dozens more. The streets of course overflow with costumed party goers of all ages. While this is a Halloween oriented event with lots of Costumes there is also plenty of body paint and nudity so it's not for the shy or prudish and is clearly an adult oriented festival.
My Fantasy Fest Wanderings Blog will evolve as Fantasy Fest week unfolds, so come back for Daily Updates....
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
For 18 years of my Fantasy Fest photos Visit: http://www.FantasyFest.me
Zombie Ride: Zombie Slide Show
“Fantasy Fest Parade Lab”
This year the Fantasy Fest Kick Off is an Art Show and exhibition at the Studios of Key West. Celebrating this year’s “Time Travel Unravels” theme, the ground floor Sanger Gallery at The Studios presents a pop-up Fantasy Fest Parade Lab - part production... shop, part exhibition space – where the festival’s exciting 38-year history of costumed marches, glamorous balls, street fairs, pet masquerades, parties, exhibits and charity fundraisers can be explored through posters, photographs, memorabilia and video projections. Show hours 10am-4pm with Photos, Posters, & Parade art on 2 levels! The exhibitions are free and open to the public and remain on view through October 26.
Nadine Grossman Orr, Producer of this year's Fantasy Fest
Marky Pierson, Art Director Fantasy Fest 2017
Fantasy Fest Art Show and Exhibition at the Studios of Key West
Got to love some of the decorated houses
Off to the Royal Coronation Ball
You know it’s officially Fantasy Fest in Key West when the Kings and Queens of Fantasy Fests past gather for the Royal Coronation of this year’s Royalty. The Royal Coronation Ball for Fantasy Fest King & Queen is a gala entertainment filled party on the beach at the Casa Marina. This year 4 Candidates spent 5 weeks (shortened due to Irma) raising money by sponsoring wild and flambouyant parties and events for “AIDS Help” and Hurricane Relief. Last year over $330,000 was raised in the event and it was initially thought this year’s event would be canceled due to Hurricane Irma, but the 4 Royal Candidates all agreed the show must go on, as every penny raised will be valuable to support Community members in some very trying times.
Meet your new 2017 Fantasy Fest King Saint Paul and Queen Destiny
Past Fantasy Fest Queens festive as always
2013 Fantasy Fest King & Queen
"Royal Coronation Ball"
The Royal Coronation Ball is an evening entertainment extravaganza where local talent hits the stage in celebration of the Royal Event. The show culminates with the official crowning of each year’s Fantasy Fest King & Queen and the announcement of their fund raising efforts. This year in-spite of lost times and lots of hurdles the Royal Family raised over $129,000. This year the first father Daughter team of Bucky and Destiny Montgomery along Saint Paul Murphy and Vicki Hodgson with joined the race as Royal Candidates. In the end our new King Saint Paul and Queen Destiny were crowned in gala fashion. They will now preside over the rest of Fantasy Fest’s many parties, galas and parades. If you bump into the King & Queen be sure to thank them for their hard work and many contributions.
Fresh in from Bobby's Monkey Bar
Special guests the Fabulous Spectrelles take to the stage. The longest running Duval street singing act
Candidate Vicki Hodgson performs
... and of course the wonderful and famous Christopher Peterson
In-spite of the challenges from Hurricane Irma $129,023 was raised for AIDS Help and Hurricane relief this year
Our 2017 Fantasy Fest Royal Family, a true Key West asset
Click above photo for a short Royal Coronation Ball Video
“Goombay Festival”
Fantasy Fest week always kicks off with the annual “Goombay Festival” held in Key West’s historic Bahamas Village which supports various groups in the community. On Friday and Saturday Petronia street becomes festival central with ethnic food stalls, vendors, raffles, music and carnival rides.
Goombay weekend marks the beginning of Fantasy Fest, in Key West’s Bahama Village. Each year this street festival attracts thousands of people who come to sample Caribbean foods, arts, crafts and carnival rides as well as enjoy live music ranging from gospel to reggae.
“Zombie Bike Ride”
Once a year the dead rise up and migrate by bicycle across Key West in search of food and drink. The festivities start at the haunted Fort East Martello as thousands gather at Zombie Land from around the planet then migrate by bicycle at sunset down US1 along the Atlantic Ocean to downtown Key West. Last year’s Zombie Bike Ride brought over 8,000 Zombies to the streets of Key West.
Zombie Ride: Zombie Slide Show
For many more Fantasy Fest photos visit my website: http://www.FantasyFest.me
Off to the Zombie Ride, Zombie 1st Responder & Linesman
For many more Fantasy Fest photos visit my website: http://www.FantasyFest.me
Nice set of wings!
Off to a 1960s Beatles Party
"Tutu Tuesday"
You know it's Tuesday of Fantasy Fest week when the streets are filled with thousands of Tutu clad or unclad party goers. While Tuesday of Fantasy Fest week brings a number of annual parties such as Captain Tony's Plaid Party, Tighty Whitey Party, Green Party to name a few, the big event is the annual TUTU Party. This year Tutus started arriving at "The Porch" for a pre-party followed by a Tutu walking parade and Bar Crawl. The final gathering spot for over a thousand Tutu revelers was at the Waterfront Brewery where the party went till the wee hours.
Click above photo for short TUTU party video:
Don't Miss Fantasy Fest Part 2
Zombie Ride: Zombie Slide Show
Masquerade March: Masquerade March Slide Show
Visit my 2016 Fantasy Fest Slide Show: 2016 Fantasy Fest Slide Show
PLAN A VISIT TO Fantasy FEST 2018 -- 2018 Theme: "OH... The Games We Play"
Two Bedroom Condo Still Available 10/21/18-10/28/18 Come to Fantasy Fest and stay at the Hyatt Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/hyatt_beach_house
For 18 years of my Fantasy Fest photos visit: http://www.FantasyFest.me
© Bill Klipp 2017 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2017 -- "Time Travel Unravels"
Fantasy Fest Online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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The older I get the quicker summer seems to fly by. As we move into Fall the Delta takes on a much more relaxed pace. September and October are seasonally transition times on the Delta with less boats and activity on the water along with more moderate daytime temps and much cooler evenings. We even get a few surprise rain showers. I thought I would share a few of my Summer's End photos.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Beaver Bay
Indian Slough
Discovery Bay Country Club
Bird's eye view of the golf course
Pacific Pond Turtles
Tule Reflections
Great Horned Owl
Cormorant
Great Egret Fishing
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret in flight
Snowy Egret
Cruising on by
Ultralight fly over
The fall brings more interesting weather to the Delta. Click above Photo for my Beaver Bay Cloud Time Lapse
Good time of year to go fishing
The winds pick up in the fall
Fresh bait
Discovery Bay Marina launch ramp
Tule fog returns in the fall, Great Blue Heron
Kellogue Creek Bovines
Orwood Resort on the Delta
Orwood Resort launch ramp time lapse I. Click above photo to see video:
Orwood Resort launch ramp time lapse II. Click above photo to see video:
Still have time for a yummy steak & lobster dinner at Orwood Resort
BYE for Now
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings -- Birds of the California Delta" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/9/delta-wanderings-XXIII-Sept-2017--Birds_of_the_California_Delta
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Great Horned Owl in a walnut tree
Birds of the California Delta
It has been said that the California Delta has upwards of 200 different bird species either living here or passing through. While I'm surely not a birder in the traditional sense I sure love to photograph them especially when we have so many right in our delta backyard. As the waters from the Sierra Mountains make their way to San Francisco Bay they wind through a nearly endless network of rivers, tributaries and channels. With 1000 plus miles of waterways the California Delta is rich in all kinds of wildlife with many varieties of shore and trail birds as well as sea lions, beavers, otters, muskrats, turtles, snakes and a large variety of fish such as bluegill, striped/largemouth/smallmouth bass, sturgeon, catfish, shad, salmon, steelehead as well as crawdads. This edition of my Delta wanderings Blog is focused (pun intended) on some of the many birds that we see on almost a daily basis. The below images represent only a small portion of the avian life in our backyard and almost all of the images below were taken over the last couple of weeks. All you have to do is leave your cell phone behind and get out there on water, look around and absorb our unique surroundings.
Enjoy them now because the Twin Tunnels Project fraudulently called the “Bay Delta Conservation Plan' will most definitely impact our natural Delta habitat in a very negative way.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Snowy Egret is smaller than the Great Egret and has tell tale yellow feet a dark bill and yellow lore (area btwn eyes and bill)
The much larger Great Egret with black legs and feet and yellow bill
The Wild Turkey's bald head and fleshy facial wattles can change color in seconds with excitement or emotion. The birds’ heads can be red, pink, white or blue. The flap of skin that hangs down over a turkey's bill is called a snood, and can also change color, size and shape.
Flock of Snowy Egrets
Great Horned Owl taking flight at twilight a good time for them to start hunting. Their diet consists of mice, frogs, insects, squirrels, skunks, and small birds. They have also been known to prey on small house cats.
Great Horned Owls are the second heaviest owl (2-6 lbs) in North America, coming second only to the Snowy Owl. The Great Horned Owl's facial disc serves a practical purpose as a type of radar dish, receiving auditory waves and funneling them to the ears.
Great Horned Owls can be distinguished from other owls by the prominent tufts of feathers on their head (the "horns"), as well as by their barred plumage (which has led to their nickname, the "tiger owl"). We found a mating pair and two juveniles near Discovery Bay. Great Horned Owls are extremely adaptable - they can live in deserts as well as rain forests, prairies as well as mountains, and they are adaptable to deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests
Snowy Egret and Gull hanging out watching a fish boil waiting for the opportunity to strike
What a mouthful. No longer called Sea Gulls, just Gulls, as they are common far from the sea.
Snowy Egret
Much larger than Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets wade in shallow water (both fresh and salt) to hunt fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals. They typically stand still and watch for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Then, with startling speed, the egrets strike with a jab of their long neck and bill
Wild Turkeys have very powerful legs and can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Their top speed in flight is 55 miles per hour. Domestic birds, on the other hand, are bred to be heavier so they provide more meat and therefore cannot fly, though they can still run.
We often see Wild Turkeys in the pasture off Indian Slough, but one night we found over dozen of them roosting in a large tree for the night
Three Great Blue Herons and Great Egret unusually high up in the tree, as we approached they all took flight
As the Great Blue Heron took flight I tracked him in flight firing off 11 frames per seconds. This is a composite of 8 images
Wood Ducks
A pair of very common Mallard Ducks
Mallard Ducklings
American Kestrel North America's smallest Falcon is an intensely fierce predator in a small compact body and favors bats, rodents, insects, frogs, small reptiles, and small birds.
American Kestrel taking flight to catch some dinner. Composite photo from 9 images
American Kestrels usually snatch their victims from the ground, though some catch quarry on the wing like this one did with a Dragonfly
After grabbing the Dragonfly in mid air this American Kestrel settled down on a high branch to enjoy its meal
Another Dragonfly catch
In the Northern California Delta we commonly see 4 types of Herons. The Great Blue Heron (above) is our largest and heaviest and most vocal often squawking while in flight.
The second largest of our Herons is the more elusive Black-crowned Night Heron. These nocturnal guys roost in trees, bushes and marshes during the day, at night they hunt for fish along the shoreline.
Black-crowned Night Heron
A smaller and stockier Heron, this secretive adult Green Heron hunts fish along the shoreline
Here is a pair of juvenile Green Herons nesting in a tree in our front yard. This was the 4th season their parents returned to the same nest to breed. While often hard to spot their tell tale sign is piles of guano under the tree
Great Blue Herons often stands motionless for exceedingly long periods of time scanning for prey or wading belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish, frog or even a duckling. Its amazing to see how far they can extend their necks to reach down to grab a fish.
These guys also hunt on land for insects and lizards. We have even seen them going for gophers, mice, moles and other small mammals.
Canada Goose, no it's no longer called a Canadian Goose
A pair of adults protecting their Goslings
One nice sound to wake up to. These Canada Geese are headed to the lake in Discovery Bay. Click above photo to see Video
Forester's Tern found on more sheltered waters ponds and bays, can be seen plunging head first into the water to expertly grab small fish
Mute Swan not normally found in and around Discovery Bay, I suspect this guy made wrong turn during a migration
Clark's Grebe once thought to be a pale morph of the Western Grebe is now classified as a separate species. They forage for fish by diving from surface and swimming underwater, propelled mainly by feet.
Sandpipers have very sensitive bills enabling them to feel around mud and sand as they probe for small invertebrates such as small crabs, clams worms and crayfish
Nuttall's Woodpecker mostly only found in California these guys will usually be found near oak trees
White-tailed Kite, these medium sized raptors like open grasslands and savannas with a habit of hovering while hunting for small mammals
Swainson's Hawk are social raptors, nearly always being found in groups outside the breeding season
Double-crested Cormorants float low on the surface of water and dive to catch fish. After fishing, they stand on docks, rocks, and tree limbs with wings spread open to dry.
Double-crested Cormorant drying its wings
Double-crested Cormorants often need space to take off as they clumsily run across the water trying to get loft
Cormorants are excellent underwater swimmers. We found this guy one day in our pool in Key West
Killdeer get their name from the shrill, wailing kill-deer call they make. A shorebird you can see without going to the beach, Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots.
The Belted Kingfisher is often seen perched prominently on trees, posts, or other suitable "watch points" close to water and hunt either by plunging directly from a perch, or by hovering over the water, bill downward diving after a fish. They also eat amphibians, small crustaceans, insects, small mammals and reptiles. These energetic fast flyers are often heard before they are seen with their tell tall loud rattling, machine gun like calls
Belted Kingfisher taking flight to grab a fish. Composite image of four photos
Male Finch
Black Phoebe is a type of Flycatcher and can be found sitting in the open on low perches scanning for insects, often keeping up a running series of shrill chirps
Mockingbird
A cloud of Red-winged Blackbirds. One of the most abundant birds across North America, is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires.
Grouse or female California Quail?, I'm not so sure
Mourning Dove often perch on telephone wires and forage for seeds on the ground; their flight is fast and bullet straight.
Great Egret Sunset
Great Blue Heron at sunset
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings -- Back to Nature" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/9/delta-wanderings-XXII-Aug-2017--A_Classic_Delta_August
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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The big event throughout the country this August was the Total Eclipse of the Sun. Although not in the band of totality we had a pretty good viewing of the Solar Eclipse here in Discovery Bay, Ca.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
As the sun began to disappear the natives became restless and frightened
Peak coverage in Discovery Bay, 37' North Latitude
Solar Eclipse
At it's peak we got about 81% totality as the moon moved in front of the sun around 10am. I used an 840mm lens equivalent shielded with a solar filter and took about 100 shots over a 1 hour 40 minute time frame and created a composite image with 13 frames. Yellow color from solar filter. The next total Solar Eclipse visible in the US will be in 7 years on April 8, 2024
Great Blue Heron
“A Classic Delta August"
The milder temperatures we had in July were replaced in August with some extreme highs as temps soared to over 110’. As the summer seemed to get hotter and hotter with hazy skies and somewhat muggy weather our bays and sloughs seemed to pick up in water sports activities as people headed to the water to cool down. Our somewhat bland July sunsets were replaced with some pretty spectacular sunrise and sunset skies as smoke from several California wildfires led to some vivid red and orange skies. It was a classic Delta August.
Busy times in Indian Slough
The Great Egret, a tall, stately white wader of quiet waters
Discovery Bay Marina Pano
Sheriff on the move
Click above photo for Indian Slough time lapse
Great Egret
Full Moon over Discovery Bay Lighthouse
Bindingless Waterskiing
What a nice way to cruise around Discovery Bay
Cruising the Levees
Full Moon arising
Great Blue Heron
Mt Diablo sunset from Beaver Bay
Indian Slough Farm
Sunset thru the old Kellogue Creek Barn
Mobile Party Barge, a hunk of dock with a motor
Paragliding over Discovery Bay
A favorite hiding spot for the Sheriff
Coming soon to a wine bottle near you
Great Egrets
Ultralight fly over
Beaver chewing on Hyacinth roots
Pacific Pond Turtle, these guys are pretty skittish
Hawk
River Otter
We came across 3 youngsters wandering with their mom
Sunset paddle in Beaver Bay
Captain Morgan's Delta Adventures
Group of adolescent Great Egrets
Great Blue Heron
A new popular water toy, Floating Foam Mats
Click above photo to see water slide video
A Drone's eye view
A great way to spend a hot afternoon
Hot nights make for great outdoor movies
Tubing Fun
Learning how to fish
Cruising Vasco Road, light traffic what a relief!
Kellogue Creek Barn
Mt. Diablo Sunset
Although not in the Delta I thought I would share a night at Wente Winery with Smokey Robinson. Click above photo to see video
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings -- Back to Nature" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/7/delta-wanderings-xx-june-2017--back-to-nature
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Vasco Road 911 Flag Barn
July arrived with a "BANG" in Discovery Bay as the night-time skies lit up with some great Fourth of July fireworks displays, probably the best I've seen in 25 years here. As we move from June to July our sleepy waterways become alive with activity as our sloughs and bays become busy with boating, fishing and water sports of all kinds. Many of the creatures which appeared to be more abundant and very active in the late Spring now seem to be more elusive as the days heat up and our waterways become more busy. Summer brings crowded and noisy skies as waves of honking Canada Geese move back and forth between their daytime feeding grounds and their nighttime roosting spots. No one knows that better than the residents around Discovery Bay’s Lake where the Geese often congregate, fertilizing their yards for free. The Marina and Community Center become centers of activity with outdoor movies, concerts and other Community events. Here we are again in the middle of the lazy hot days of summer on the Delta, get out and have some fun, the fall is just around the corner.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Happy Birthday America --- July Fourth Celebrations
A festive house at the mouth of Lido Bay
Fourth of July Fireworks over Beaver Bay
Just to be clear these were not "Illegals" they were simply "Undocumented"
... but fireworks are dangerous, rumor has it fireworks caught their deck then house on fire. Looks like a total loss
Although substantially reduced weed removal still provides some income for enterprising youths
A mat of floating Hyacinth moving with the currents towards Discovery Bay
While not eliminated, this summer the invasive water weeds have been substantially reduced, seems like the past treatments made a difference. Blue-Green algae while not gone seems substantially less than last summer’s big blooms.
Fun times along Kellogue Creek
The Sheriff's Marine Patrol has been out in force on the weekends. If you see waverunners with Nav lights and Anchor lights at night watch out its the Sheriff's very sneaky waverunner marine patrol
Hey Buddy, that was a "NO Tow Zone" on summer weekends
Boardwalk Grill, Discovery Bay Boardwalk & Marina
Great Egret takes flight, note the black legs and feet and yellow bill
Waiting for sunset
Some color starts to arrive
Twilight Blue Hour
.... and then of course a gorgeous Delta Sunset
Captain Morgan and his Sunset Cruise
Summertime brings music and outdoor concerts to Discovery Bay Marina, hosted by Discovery Bay Lions Club
Great Blue Heron
Mallard Duck Family
Jet Blades in action, powered by a pipe connected to the jet thrust from the waverunner
Giant Octopus attacks Discovery Bay
Local Pilot with his Paraglider
Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron
Full Moon Arising
Pacific Pond Turtle
Sunset behind the old Kellogue Creek Barn. Enjoy this view now as the Pantages development will destroy this scene
... and this one too!
.... and this one too! Wild Turkeys
... and I suspect this old iconic gate along Kellogue Creek will soon disappear under Developer tractors
Great Blue Heron
Sunset over Beaver Bay
They seem to be shooting a music promo
Headed into Orwood for their famous steak & lobster special
It pays to have a marine tow service subscription
Ultralight fly over
Canada Geese at sunset
I'm going to call this section "The Wall of Shame, Neglect and Disrepair"
Some of our Discovery Bay neighbors just don't keep up their property, what a shame!
Stay Tuned for Delta Wanderings XXII Aug 2017
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings -- Back to Nature" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/7/delta-wanderings-xx-june-2017--back-to-nature
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Part 2 of 2 -- The search for a Pregnant Whale Shark
(A photo blog of our recent Whale Shark Expedition by Bill & Linda Klipp)
Among the dozen or so places on the planet where Whale Sharks aggregate the Sea of Cortez is one of the few places you can find not only adult females but sometimes pregnant ones. Our hope on this trip is to both find and closely examine a pregnant Whale Shark and for this we had the help of an ultra-light aircraft for aerial reconnaissance. When not searching for or swimming with the Whale Sharks we were able to do a lot of snorkeling and exploring the Baja.
Whale Shark Reproduction
There is very little known about the reproductive cycle of Whale Sharks and the Expedition’s main objective was research on pregnant Whale Sharks. Almost all known info on reproduction is based on one pregnant Whale Shark captured by fisherman near Taiwan in 1995. Scientists discovered 300+ embryos in her uterus, ranging from embryos in egg cases 16 inches long to 2-foot long embryos without egg cases, living freely in the womb. It was reported that while she was being towed to shore she aborted dozens more embryos, so she actually had a lot more than 300 at one time. Several dozen embryos were frozen for future research and twenty plus years later one of the scientists on our trip had the opportunity to DNA test the samples. What she found was regardless of size / age they all had the same father. It is speculated that once impregnated a Whale Shark maybe giving birth almost continuously as she travels the oceans.
There are only a handful of places on the planet where pregnant Whale Sharks congregate and the Sea of Cortez is one of them. But with over 68,000 square miles of ocean to search the task of finding one is not trivial. So on this trip we had the benefit of an ultra-light aircraft to search the seas and radio back locations to the ship.
Our eye in the sky does a fly by to check the water landing conditions
We needed a calm windless day so the ultra-light could land and take-off near the ship
Waiting to hook up with the ultra-light, perfect conditions!
Our aerial reconnaissance coming in for a water landing
Linda had the opportunity to spend some time in the air searching for these giant fish. Unfortunately, I was over the max weight limit for the ultra-light flight, time to diet.
Good Luck Honey
Not a lot of room in this baby, testing her camera with a 80-400mm lens
Headed out for another run
Click above photo for a short Ultra-light video:
Once a pregnant Whale Shark is found the location is radioed back to the boat and off we went in the pangas
In addition to the usual data collection activities like; measuring, biopsies and taking photo ids the main event this time is to attempt to do an underwater ultrasound on a pregnant female Whale Shark. This will be by far a scientific first.
Full dive gear will be needed for this
Click above photo for a Panga II Time Lapse video :
Swimming with the Sharks required a lot of in and out of the boat
It will take two divers to handle the equipment and perform the ultrasound
A large 30+ foot female comes into view
This pregnant female was swimming a little fast making it hard to keep up with her
The good and the bad. Due to the high level of plankton in the water, visibility was not very good but that’s what attracts the Whale Sharks to this area
Sometimes you couldn't see the Shark until you were almost right on top of her. A very wide angle lens is a must since the fish are so large, 20-40 feet long
Notice the small eye
Notice the swollen belly of this pregnant giant
Click above photo for Linda's Snorkeling with Whale Sharks video :
Dr. Deni Ramirez Macias proudly displaying her one of a kind custom made underwater ultrasound machine. We got close but unfortunately, we were not able to complete an ultrasound as the Sharks were swimming too fast. The group though was elated and learned a lot about proper technique and can’t wait to come back and try again
Aerial view of the Baja
Small pod of Common Dolphins
Los Islotes from the air
One of our favorite spots in the Baja is the small islet of Los Islotes known for its California Sea Lion and nesting bird colonies with a large variety of birds such as Boobies, Gulls, Herons and Falcons to name a few
California Sea Lions
Los Islotes is a very popular snorkel spot with day trip boats from La Paz
Snorkeling with Sea Lions is a very special experience
Adolescent Sea Lions can be very curious and playful, sometimes climbing on your back or even nibbling at your flippers or snorkel
Click above photo for a short Los Islotes Sea Lion video:
Snorkeling near Isla Espiritu Santo
Cave snorkeling near Isla Espiritu Santo
Stingray
Snorkeling near Isla Espiritu Santo
Moorish Idol Angelfish
Wrasses
Crown of Thorns Sea Star
Trumpet Fish
Click above photo for a short Underwater Snorkeling video:
At night we would put out lights to attract little sea creatures such as plankton, squid, fish and other creatures which we would scoop up in a plankton net. Notice the baby Flying Fish
Pulling in a load of Plankton, baby fish, fish eggs, worms, copepods, crab larva, krill etc. It's amazing how much life a cup of seawater contains.
All ready to see what we got
Dave goes in for a closer look at what we found
After checking out some of the samples, we got to see what ends up in a swallow of sea water, yuck!
We also snagged some baby Flying Fish, very cool!
Never a dull moment, if we weren't out in the field we were treated to a series of scientific and photography presentations
Busy working on editing photos
While the MV Adventure is an excellent ship for this type of expedition the cabins are a bit cozy, Luckily we got a quad with extra space for all our photo equipment
Overall an amazing trip with a great group of people
Our route for the week
PS: In case you missed Part 1 of our Baja Wanderings Blog:
Baja Wanderings I – “Among the Gentle Giants” --- A Whale Shark Adventure":
http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/7/baja-wanderings-1-whale-shark-adventure
For more info:
Panterra Eco Expeditions visit: http;//www.Panterra.com
Whale Shark Mexico: http://www.whalesharkmexico.com/
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, additional photos provided by, David Valencia, Lela Sankeralli, Jennifer Schmidt, and other trip participants
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
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Part 1 of 2-- Whale Shark documentary expedition in the Sea of Cortez
(A photo blog of our recent Whale Shark Expedition by Bill & Linda Klipp)
Mexico’s Baja and Sea of Cortez is one of our favorite places to explore for both terrestrial and marine life. On this trip we joined Dr. Déni Ramirez Macias and her research team from Whale Shark Mexico along with Panterra Eco Expeditions for one of their 2017 Whale Shark research expeditions, assisting in collecting new data and hopefully adding new Whale Sharks to her global database. We have visited these pristine waters many times but this trip would be our first Whale Shark experience
Whale Shark Background
Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) are slow moving filter feeder sharks known for their sheer size as they are by far the largest living nonmammalian vertebrate. Adult Whale Sharks range in size from 25 to 40 feet (unconfirmed reports have been up to 60 feet) and can weigh over 25 tons. The Whale Shark is an endangered species protected in Mexico. The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) is a nursery area for juvenile Whale Sharks where juvenile Whale Sharks aggregate to feed in coastal waters in Los Ángeles Bay and La Paz Bay.
The name "Whale Shark" directly refers to the fish's size, being as large as some species of whales and also that it is a filter feeder like baleen whales which strain their prey from the water column. It is thought they can live up to 100 years. Whale Shark inhabit all tropical and warm-temperate seas. The fish is primarily pelagic living in the open sea and have been known to occasionally dive to depths over 5,000 feet.
We embark on our expedition from La Paz on the southeastern coast of the Baja Peninsula, Mexico
Our home for 8 days will be the 110’ motor yacht, the MV Adventure with Panterra Eco-Expeditions and Dr. Dení Ramírez Macías, Director of Whale Shark Mexico. There were 12 of us aboard covering different disciplines (geneticists, shark researchers, underwater videographer and us as photographers) plus about 7 crew.
The MV Adventure as seen by Linda from the Project's Ultra-Light reconnaissance aircraft
The two Pangas were always available for excursions, landings, snorkeling and other activities like up close encounters with Dolphins, Mobula Rays or Whales.
Linda on the bow searching for marine animals right after leaving the dock in La Paz Bay
Our main focus this week was to help the Scientists with their Whale Shark and Mobula Ray research, so on our first morning we loaded into the pangas to patrol some areas known for congregations of juvenile Whale Sharks. Groups of young Whale Sharks come to La Paz Bay each year to feed in the plankton rich waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Headed out on our first Whale Shark encounter
Snorkel gear ready we headed out in the pangas looking for the Whale Shark's telltale dorsal fin, tail fin or large dark shadow in the water
The yellow flag indicates our special research operation and gives us greater special access.
As we skirted the shallows along the western coast of La Paz Bay searching for Whale Sharks we spotted what looked like a floating blue plastic fish (floating plastic trash) but as our panga got closer it turned out to be a bright blue Cannonball Jellyfish. We slowed down to check it out and suddenly found ourselves in a surreal scene surrounded by a large bloom or swarm of these bright milky blue balls bobbing about as they streamed by in the outgoing tide.
Cannonball Jellyfish also known as Cabbage Head Jellyfish come in different colors and are mostly harmless to humans. As we slowly plowed thru the swarm I dipped my GoPro into the water to get a few shots. Our panga Driver reached over and plucked up one of these water balloon like creatures for us to have a closer look. As quickly as they arrived they were gone and we went back to searching for Whale Sharks.
As we start tracking a young Whale Shark the scientists ready their cameras, biopsy spear and measuring devices
The chase is on
Once we find a Whale Shark the Panga driver follows alongside of it until we are ready. When feeding, the Sharks swim in a straight line so we position ourselves in front of the Shark and at the right moment we quietly plop into the water and swim over to intercept the Shark. You then swim alongside the Whale Shark as long as you can keep up. If you lose the Whale Shark you signal the Panga which picks you up and drops you back in front of the Shark. This "Leap Frogging" can go on for 5-6 times depending on how fast you or the Shark swims.
Click above photo for Panga Ride time lapse video:
Time lapse of panga following one Whale Shark
Ready for the intercept
Swimming over to our first Whale Shark
The first step in the data collection is to measure the Shark. This is done two ways, a simple pole with measurement markings and a specially outfitted GoPro device. Next is to try and sex the fish by examining it's underside to determine if its a male or female. Lastly a biopsy is taken using a special spear like instrument which is used to pierce the thick skin just below the dorsal fin. Surprisingly most of the Sharks didn't react to the spear. Lastly a GoPro is attached to the base of the dorsal fin to film the travels of the Shark.
Diet
The whale shark is an active feeder, with mouths reaching 5 feet wide they target concentrations of plankton, copepods, krill, crab larva or fish. It also feeds on clouds of eggs during mass spawning of fish and corals. Feeding occurs either by ram filtration, in which the animal opens its mouth and swims forward, pushing water and food into the mouth, or by active suction feeding, in which the animal opens and closes its mouth, sucking in volumes of water that are then expelled through the gills. In both cases, the filter pads serve to separate food from water.
Although hard to see, the dark spot between the swimmers and the panga is a Whale Shark just below the surface
Similar to the fingerprint of a human, the pattern of spots around the gill area are unique to each individual allowing researchers to identify individual sharks. One of our tasks was to photograph the spots right behind the gills on the left side of each Shark. This info was then loaded into a specialized Shark ID data base
A successful encounter with a specialized GoPro photographic measuring device
Back into the panga to get ahead of the Shark again
With a biopsy spear in hand one of the scientists swims over to the Whale Shark to take a skin sample from just below the dorsal fin
Dr. Deni Ramirez Macias shows the skin sample which will be used in the Project's DNA research
Dr. Deni’s research group also developed a special GoPro clamp that they would attach to the Shark’s dorsal fin to film it’s activities.
After tracking the Whale Shark we recovered the attached camera making our first few Shark encounters very successful
Click above photo for a short Whale Shark video:
One happy snorkeler
Conditions for Whale Sharks is often a short window of a few hours each day so when not on the hunt for Whale Sharks we found ourselves exploring the Sea of Cortez for Whales, Mobula Rays or snorkeling, kayaking, beach combing or hiking the deserted islands of the Baja
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale fluke
Gorgeous setting that reminded us of the Florida Keys
Exploring the mangroves near Isla San Jose for birds and other wildlife
Great Blue Heron
Grebe
Reddish Heron
We came around a turn and surprised a Snowy Egret, notice the yellow feet and dark bill
Great Blue Heron's mating on nest
Brown Pelican
Desert Iguana, Santa Catalina Island
Trigger Fish anyone? You never know what you find when wandering the beaches of the Baja
One afternoon we spotted a pod of playful Common Dolphins, so we grabbed the cameras and jumped into the pangas for an up-close encounter
A mom Common Dolphin with her young calf
Cruising the Sea of Cortez looking for marine animals
One morning we came across a crude Fish Camp. Set up in a protected cove, this temporary Camp houses a group of male fisherman (no females allowed) who stay for several months fishing. It was old home week for one of our Panga drivers as he used to work at the Camp
Isla Espiritu Santo and the Fish Camp from the air
When not fishing the fishermen spend hours repairing the nets
Now that's a lot of fish hooks
Fileting the fish before bringing into town
Rooster Fish anyone?
Fresh Fish!
We even found a Whale Shark pareidolia, a psychological phenomenon where one perceives images in normally common random patterns , like cloud formations. See the Whale Shark in the above geological formation?
Sunset over the Baja
Stay tuned for the next installment of Baja Wanderings II --- “The search for a pregnant Whale Shark" *** Coming Soon**
http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/7/baja-wanderings-2-Search-for-a-Pregnant-Whale-Shark
Note La Paz at the bottom of the Baja Peninsula
For more info:
Panterra Eco Expeditions visit: http;//www.Panterra.com
Whale Shark Mexico: http://www.whalesharkmexico.com/
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2017, additional photos provided by, David Valencia, Lela Sankeralli, Jennifer Schmidt, and other trip participants
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
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It’s been a while, but I’m back with a new installment of my “Delta Wanderings” blog, "Back to Nature", recent wildlife photos from around Discovery Bay, remember you wouldn’t see any of this if you are looking at your smart phone
Late spring and early summer (May/June) are ideal times to see Mother Nature in action. In early Springtime our feathered and fury friends are busy in courtship, finding mates and working on building and repairing nests and renovating their dens. Next the little ones hatch / are born and the parents are hyper active seeking food to bring home to their young. By late Spring / early Summer the little ones start to wander from the safety of their homes to explore their surroundings learning how to fend and feed themselves.
This is one of my favorite times on the Delta, as Mother Nature peaks in activity, the tide levels seem both higher and lower than normal, the winds seem to die down, making for great reflections, and the boating traffic is still very light.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Canada Geese
Swainson's Hawk
Beaver
All you need to do is get out and about on the water, move slowly and pay attention to your surroundings. Your best bet at seeing Mother Nature in action is early or late in the day at low tide and the lower the better. As our river waters flood out to San Francisco Bay, low tide exposes new ecosystems especially along the edges of the levees and tulee islands as small sand bars and mud flats emerge. This newly exposed land attracts all sorts of critters. Instead of seeing one or two Snowy Egrets foraging for small fish and invertebrates you might see a group (“Congregation”) of adolescent Snowy Egrets along with Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons all wandering the shallows seeking a meal. Instead of seeing a single Beaver you might see the whole family out and about exploring and munching on some water hyacinth. Instead of a single River Otter swimming by you might see a small group of curious babies playing and exploring the shoreline. As the tides drop look closely at the edges of the levees and you might see lots of little footprints near holes or tunnels in the base of the levees, these would be the entrances to dens of our local aquatic mammals, Beavers, Muskrats and Otters.
Mallard Duck family
Great Horned Owl
Mother Wood Duck protecting her ducklings
Wood Duck coming in for a landing
If you are lucky and really pay attention at dusk you might even see some raccoons beginning to mobilize from their daytime nap. Instead of seeing some adult female Mallards leading a long line of little ducklings you might see a mom with just a couple of little ones left as Great Blue Herons, Hawks and even large fish have narrowed their numbers. Black Crowned Night Herons and Little Green Herons actively work the shoreline catching fish. Raptors such as Red Shouldered Hawks, Red Tailed Hawks, White Tailed Kites, American Kestrels, Swainsons Hawks, Osprey high in the trees or patrolling the skies seeking a meal.
Sub-adult Swainson's Hawk with adult on nest
Osprey looking for some fish
Male and female Mallard Ducks (notice the id tag on the male's leg)
Snowy Egret hunting
White-tailed Kite
Congregation of Snowy Egrets (notice the yellow feet and dark bill)
Beaver grooming in front of his den entrance
Beaver making a meal out of some roots
Beaver
Beaver, too bad they don't eat the hyacinth more quickly
Beaver
To see a short Beaver video: Click on Above Image
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron with fish
Snowy Egrets in a territorial dispute
Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret hunting fish
Muskrat, our smallest aquatic mammal (roundish body, thin hairless tail)
We were cruising down Indian slough just before sunset when we heard screaming sounds coming from the tulee island, sounded like a cat fight. We speculated it was raccoons and a few minutes later we spotted one cowering near the water’s edge. He was clearly trying to stay away from the other one.
Some of our tulee islands are home to Raccoons, who swim to our shores often on garbage pickup days
Raccoon
Young River Otter checking us out
Young Beaver swimming
Canada Goose
Great Blue Heron
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
Swainson's Hawk being harassed by a Mockingbird
Wild Turkey
Hummingbird
Hummingbird
Mallard Ducks, Beaver & Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron at sunset
Enjoy our Delta wildlife while you can because all these valuable habitats are very much threatened by the “Tunnels Project” which will divert valuable fresh water from the Northern California Delta and wetlands to Southern California for crops, golf courses and lawns. Speak Up against the Delta Tunnels Projects!
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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A night drive across remote Ruaha National Park can take on a magical or even mystical feel as the giant Baobab trees reach into the night sky with their root like naked branches silhouetted against the backdrop of a glowing Milky Way. Traversing through the Baobab forests truly gives one a sense of our own smallness in a world of expansive natural wilderness and giant trees that have been observing our planet for thousands of years
(A photo blog of our recent African Photo Safari by Bill & Linda Klipp)
Night sky with Milky Way
Click above photo for my Baobab Milky Way time lapse video:
Baobabs are widely distributed in belts across Africa, also growing in Madagascar, India, Ceylon and Australia. Baobabs (Adansonia Digitate) are also known as 'bottle tree', 'tree of life', 'tree of souls', 'upside-down tree', and 'monkey bread tree'. The trees reach heights of 100 feet with trunk diameters of 23 to 36 feet, and the largest known tree being 155 feet in circumference. For most of the year, the tree is leafless, and looks very much like it has its roots sticking up in the air, hence the name ‘Upside-down Tree’. The oldest Baobab was carbon dated at over 6,000 years old although many trees are thought to be several thousand years old.
We came across some Baobabs that had pegs and / or holes in the trunk some dating back hundreds of years. Local tribesman / hunters will make wooden pegs which they hammer into the trunk to climb the tree, sometimes to harvest honey from bee hives or to seek shelter overnight.
Lilac Breasted Roller
Baby Yellow Baboons do what all little kids do, they play
Female Yellow Baboon, males are larger and have long sharp upper canines
The Baobab tree is known as the ‘Tree of Life’, as it provides shelter, clothing, food, and water for many of the residents of the African Savanna, both animal and human. The leaves can be boiled and eaten and can be used as condiments and medicines to treat kidney and bladder disease, asthma, insect bites, and several other maladies. The fruit, called "monkey bread", is edible, and full of vitamin C. The pollen when mixed with water can be made into glue. The trunk is fire resistant and the cork-like bark is used for making rope, mats, baskets, paper and cloth. Its trunk and bark can hold over 100,000 liters of water and can be tapped to drink or chewed as Elephants and Eland do for water in the dry season.
Elephant eye
The Nile Crocodile is an opportunistic apex predator which ambushes it's prey consisting of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Adult males range from 12-16 feet and weigh in at 500-1,700 lbs. Although some have been recorded to reach 20 feet and 2,400 lbs.
Male Ostriches are black and white while females and young are usually grayish, brownish and white
Baobabs naturally hollow out after 1,000 years and a living tree in Limpopo South Africa has hollowed to such a point that the owners of the land created a small pub inside the space. This hollowing though has created a natural habitat for both humans and animals in the bush for thousands of years. Weaver birds build their nests in the huge branches and animals like baboons and warthogs eat the seedpods, while barn owls, and ground hornbills and other birds roost in the many hollows.
Baobab sunrise
Chameleon
The Rock Hyrax sort of resembles a Guinea Pig with short ears and tail although it's closest living relative surprisingly is the Elephant
Male Impala
Cape Buffalo often travel in herds and are considered to be highly dangerous to humans due to their unpredictable and often aggressive behavior.
Cape Buffalo like Elephants have excellent memories
This was not playful behavior
Our journey to Ruaha National Park from the Masai Mara began with a short ride from Alex Walker’s Serian Camp to the airstrip where we loaded onto our private charter for a short 30 minute flight, followed by a van ride to the Tanzania’s Isabanya border town where we rechecked into Tanzania got back in our van for a 30 minute drive to another airstrip and another private flight to Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania. At 5.7 million acres the Park is Tanzania’s largest park and due to it’s isolation its’ one of wildest and least visited parks. We landed on the far end of the Park so we had a long game drive to Kigelia Ruaha our next Camp. The camp is pretty isolated with six tents overlooking the banks of the nearly dry Ifuguru river bed, which acts as a highway for herds of elephants, antelopes and of course various predators. Kigelia is the name of the African Sausage Tree which frames the entrance into the Camp. For the next 5 days this will be our home under the Milky Way and among the giant Baobabs.
Arriving in Ruaha National Park
Our modest home while at Kigelia Ruaha Camp
Classic bush bucket shower
Open air dining palapa
Grey Headed Parrots feasting on the fruit of a Sausage Tree (a.k.a Kigelia Africana)
Young male Elephant showing us he is a tough guy
Its amazing how these guys seem to enjoy munching on branches, roots and logs in the dry season when there is no greenery
Click above photo for Ruaha Elephant video:
A pair of male Impalas practice dueling
Fish Eagle surveying a pond
Pied Kingfisher with his catch. Amazingly he ultimately swallowed it whole
Little Bee-eaters, one coming in with guess what? A bee!
A Coucal in the foreground with a Red-Billed Hornbill
The park is characterized by semi-arid type of vegetation, Baobab trees, Acacia and over 1500 other plants. With 571 species of birds, Ruaha is great spot for birders, but is also known for its large herds of Elephants, Buffalo and diversity of Antelopes such as Roan, Sable, Kudu (Lesser & Greater), Eland, Zebra, Waterbuck, Zebra, Impala, Grants Gazelle and Giraffes to name a few. With lots of prey of course, the Park has its share of predators including Lions, Leopards, Cheetah, Jackals, Foxes as well as endangered Wild Dogs.
Guinea Fowl
African Grey Crowned Cranes
Magnificent Starling
Lesser Kudu with Red-billed Oxpeckers
Black-Backed Jackals
Nile Crocodiles cooling off in the afternoon heat
Vervet Monkey
Our routine at Kigeli Camp was up before sunrise, coffee, hot cocoa and cookies in our tent then in the dark we load into the vehicles grab a blanket as the mornings were chilly then off we go, first to find a good sunrise foreground before heading deeper into the Park. By mid-morning our guides would find a nice shady safe spot to unveil an elaborate bush breakfast.
One of the so called "Little Five" the elusive Elephant Shrew. This little guy was outside our tent each morning
At Kigeli Camp we typically had breakfast (really a feast) mid-morning in the bush
Every morning we found a different breakfast spot
Female Impala
Male Agama Lizard
Time for an afternoon dust bath
Yellow Baboons get their name from their yellowish brown fur. Their scientific name “Papio Cynocephalus” means “Dog Face” due to their elongated muzzle. They live in mixed gender social groups of up to 200 animals and when they are on the move you will see the dominate males leading the group with the females and young ones safely in the middle and the less dominate males bringing up the rear. They spend most of the day on the ground foraging, grooming, playing and doing what Baboons do. At night they retreat into the trees to sleep and avoid predators. Adult males grow to 2-4 feet tall and can weigh up to 60 lbs, females are a little shorter and weigh half that of males. While they are opportunistic omnivores they prefer fruits, plants and insects. While the females are the primary care givers to the young males often help out.
Early in the morning they can still be found hanging out in the safety of the trees
Hey! You Looking at Me!
Playful little ones
A rare old Yellow Baboon with white fur, not an albino but with a condition called Leucism which only affects the pigment in its skin and fur
Practice, practice, practice makes perfect
Click above photo for my Yellow Baboon Video:
Bye for now. Our next and last African Wandering trip blog will take you to the wet and wild Okavango Delta of Botswana. Stay tuned
PS: In case you missed our previous African Wanderings Blogs:
African Wanderings I -- "The Elephants' Ball" -- This ain't no Circus: http://www.billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/african-wanderings-i----aug-2016----the-elephants-ball
African Wanderings II --- “The Wildebeest Buffet" – All you can eat: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/African-Wanderings-II-aug-2016--Wildebeest-Buffet
African Wanderings III --- “The Predators Playground” – Enter at your own risk: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/1/african-wanderings-III--predators-playground
Stay tuned for the next installment of African Wanderings V --- “Africa’s Last Eden ” – The swamps of Botswana
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
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The Furry Puss Caterpillar may look like a cute, little, furry Tribble (from Star Trek) but it’s really the most poisonous Caterpillar in North America. On a recent windy day I found this little guy on my fence post in Key West, must of gotten blown out of a tree. Their sting can be more painful than a bee, jellyfish or scorpion. Just pet one of these little hairy guys or have one fall out of a tree on you and it’s fur-like spines inject venom resulting almost immediately in intense, throbbing pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal distress, and sometimes shock or respiratory stress. This is one nasty little hairball.
The Puss Caterpillar got its name because it resembles a cuddly house cat. At only about 1-inch-long and completely covered with brown or gray hairs (depending on age) they resemble a colored ball of cotton and look adorably harmless and begging to be pet. But under all that fur are venomous spines or bristles that break off into the skin when touched. The result is an immediate and intense fiery pain that can travel up one's body.
The underbelly
The Megalopyge Opercularis, is a moth larva and once the Puss Caterpillar reaches maturity, it turns into what is known as the Feathered Flannel Moth, and is no longer a threat. They are native to the southeast and are found throughout Florida, Texas and Louisiana often favoring citrus, oaks, elm and sycamore tress. Also known as; Puss, Tree Asp, or Southern flannel moth caterpillar and sometimes called the Trump Caterpillar for being an extreme look-a-like of Donald Trump's hair.
If you happen to get tagged by one of these things, you can use sticky tape to hopefully remove the tiny poisonous spines but you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Click above photo for my Puss Caterpillar short video:
See my Furry Puss youtube Video at: http://youtu.be/OGmr50GKpG8
© Bill Klipp 2017
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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After leaving the Tanzania’s Serengeti we headed to the Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya known for it’s large number of Big Cats and predators. The next 5 days will provide us with a first row seat to witness the awesomeness of Mother Nature and the Circle of Life.
(A photo blog of our recent African Photo Safari by Bill & Linda Klipp)
She seemed to causally wander across the open savannah past our Land Rover headed towards the forest, but it would be a mistake to think this adult female Leopard wasn’t highly aware of her surroundings. Wandering thru the heart of the Marsh Lion Pride’s territory brought risk of a Lion attack, but the dense forest will provide her with both safety and the best coverage for a stealth attack on an unwary prey. Then out of nowhere the casual walk turned into a full out hunt, she apparently saw what we didn’t. This time it was a majestic looking male Impala standing alone inside the forest’s edge hidden from our view but not hidden from the very alert and stealthy Leopard. Little by little the Leopard crept within striking distance, then with an explosion of energy and speed she ran full tilt towards the Impala leaping several times to quickly cover more ground.
Leopards tend to favor rocky landscapes with dense bush and riverine forests where their stealth and camouflage make them virtually invisible.
Male Impala, wrong place at the wrong time.
Within a fraction of a second and with virtually no struggle it was over as the Leopard’s powerful jaws clamped down around the Impala’s throat. I wonder if he even knew what was happening. With a prize weighing as much as her, the Leopard did not delay in dragging the lifeless Impala to the safety of the upper branches of a large tree where she and her cub can feast at their leisure without the risk of a Lion or Hyena attack. This was our welcome to the Masai Mara National Reserve and the “Predator’s Playground”.
Click above photo for our Leopard hunting short video:
The Masai Mara region of southern Kenya was only 40 miles north of our last camp in the Serengeti ( see our "Wildebeest Buffet" blog), but it took take pretty much all day to get there as we needed to drive to the airstrip take a 30 minute flight, get in a van for 30 minutes, cross the border on foot get in another van, drive 30 minutes to another airstrip, fly 30 minutes to Masai Mara, then a short game drive, followed by a river crossing by boat to Little Governor's Camp where we entered the "Predators' Playground".
Governor’s Camp has their own private air fleet
Busy border town between Tanzania & Kenya
Contemplating the next adventure
Welcome to Governors' Camp, Masai Mara Kenya
While in Camp we often had to wait for the Elephants to move on
Cape Buffalo wading thru swamp in Camp are some of the most dangerous animals in Africa
A group of Giraffes is called a “Tower”
The Waterbuck has a long-haired, often shaggy brown-gray coat that emits a smelly, greasy secretion thought to help in water proofing but the unpleasant odor also sometimes prompts predators to choose other prey.
Click above photo for our Little Governors' Camp Video:
The ever wary Banded Mongoose, sometimes we came across dozens of these guys traveling together
Spotted Hyenas are often thought of as scavengers but their powerful jaws make them fierce predators
Clumsy in appearance, Hartebeests with their hump-shouldered, a steeply sloping back, slim legs and a long, narrow face are one of the fastest antelopes and most enduring runners. Often found on elevated mounds surveying the grasslands for approaching predators
Though Warthogs appear ferocious, they are basically grazers, eating grasses and plants. Notice the Lion hiding in the grass
Warthogs are surprisingly fast for short distances able to sprint up to 30mph. Enabling this one to narrowly escape the attacking Lion.
Got my selfie stick
This morning we took to the air for a balloon safari over the Masai Mara
I had a unique opportunity to take some shots from inside the balloon as it was being filled, very cool, I mean Hot!
Up, Up and Away!
A balloon safari provided us with a unique perspective of the Masai Mara and it's wildlife
The landing is less than elegant as the basket was laid down on it's side while the balloon dragged and bounced us across the grasslands as we hoped we didn't flip. In the end we were all smiles.
Safely back on Terra Firma
Of course a Balloon Safari ends with a very civilized champagne breakfast.
Click above photo for Balloon Safari time lapse video
Built for speed, the Cheetah is the fastest land animal, found mostly in open and partially open savannahs relying on tall grasses (and sometimes vehicles) for camouflage when hunting
Cheetahs eat mainly gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas and smaller hoofed animals.
A classic pod of Hippos
Often seen mostly submerged in rivers and ponds Hippos take to the land each night to graze
And sometimes they are not so friendly with each other
Click above photo for our Hippo action video:
Resting from an unsuccessful hunt
The Hunt...
The Catch...
A wary Cape Buffalo checks us out
Dinner calling
Although there is a specific pecking order, the Pride will often share in the catch.
Unlike other big cats, Leopards are skilled climbers, this one was sneaking away from some nearby Lions
Mom and some young ones
Click above photo for Marsh Lion Pride video:
Female Impala
It was a week of non stop action
The Marsh Pride of Lions have been frequent stars of the BBC documentary called “Big Cat Diaries”
A young male challenging the Pride's dominant male
It was a ferocious encounter that went and off for over an hour.
The big male ultimately won
Several other young males decided to participate in the scuffle
Sunrise in the Masai Mara
PS: In case you missed our previous African Wanderings Blogs:
African Wanderings I -- "The Elephants' Ball" -- This ain't no Circus: http://www.billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/african-wanderings-i----aug-2016----the-elephants-ball
African Wanderings II --- “The Wildebeest Buffet" – All you can eat: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/African-Wanderings-II-aug-2016--Wildebeest-Buffet
Stay tuned for the next installment of African Wanderings IV --- “The Land of the Giants” – The Tree of Souls
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
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“Tis the Season" – Another festive weekend of Lights, Decorations and Holiday Cheer in Discovery Bay with the annual Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade and the Discovery Bay Yacht Club’s Kids Christmas party
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
A brisk, windless evening was the perfect setting to the annual Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade and the Lake residents didn’t disappoint with maybe their best ever Lighted Boat Parade. Over a dozen extremely lit and decorated boats slowly snaked their way around Willow Lake to the cheers of hundreds of partiers set up along the shoreline.
Not well known to many in Discovery Bay is the land locked Willow Lake, a community within a community with it’s own community spirit. Being a deep water resident the Lake is somewhat of a mystery to me and many others in a town whose motto is “LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY”. I always assumed boating in Willow Lake was restricted to canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and electric boats, but that’s just not so. In spite of being a no-wake / 5mph zone there are plenty of big pontoon boats on the Lake and a number of them went all out to decorate their boats for the Parade.
This year’s Willow Lake Parade was the highlight of the 2016 season of Lighted Boat Parades even topping the more publicized DBYC Lighted Boat Parade.
Well done Willow Lake Residents your Parade was awesome!
Whether by boat or land a good time was had by all... Merry Christmas
Not living on the Lake we had to sneak onto a vacant lot for the show
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Discovery Bay Yacht Club’s Kids Christmas party
The Land lubbers had fun last night also at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club’s Kids Christmas party. Arts and crafts, a spaghetti and meatball dinner followed by a a magic show, a snow ball fight and of course Santa who gave all the kids a present. The evening ended with a classic Christmas movie
Magic Time
Balloon animals for all
Have you been a good little girl?
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/12/delta-wanderings-xxviii-dbyc-lighted-boat-parade
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Oh! The weather was looking bleak coming into the annual Discovery Bay Yacht Club (DBYC) Lighted Boat Parade. As Parade weekend approached we were having rain on and off, mostly on than off, but as early Saturday evening approached it seemed to warm up and the winds disappeared revealing a maze of watery mirrors, perfect weather and backdrop for an awesome "Lighted Boat Parade". With the parade theme of "Christmas Reflections", the windless, mirror like sloughs queued perfectly. Unfortunately, the weather damped Parade participation creating a very short, but nice, parade of less than 10 boats.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Santa's Sleigh one of the Parade favorites
It just so happen we were hosting an annual Christmas party with some old friends and our Bay was off the Parade route, but armed with our Ugly Christmas Sweaters (our party theme) and sufficient quantities of Holiday Libations we marched off with a few chairs under arm to one of the few remaining vacant deep water lots near our house and cheered on the Parade.
Well Done DBYC !!!
The first festive aquatic vessel was the local favorite “Rosemarie” led by Captain Morgan.
Whether by boat or land a good time was had by all... Merry Christmas
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/12/delta-wanderings-xxvii---Delta-Aquatic-Mammals
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Can you tell what kind of aquatic mammals these guys are? They are common in the California Delta
We get 4 types of Aquatic Mammals in Discovery Bay: We have resident Beavers, River Otters and Muskrats and occasionally we get transient California Sea Lions (not Seals) in the Delta coming up from the San Francisco Bay. Sometimes these guys are hard to tell apart especially when most of their body is submerged while swimming. There are of course some tell tale signs; like body shape, size, food type, teeth, tail structure, and behavior. While all the below photos were taken in deep water in Discovery Bay, our resident aquatic mammals can also be found in Willow Lake.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
This little guy is a Muskrat often confused with our local Beavers and Otters
Muskrats are rat like, notice the smaller, roundish body and long thin scaly, non-hairy tail. Like Beavers and Otters, these guys live in dens dug into the mud embankments along the Delta shoreline. During low tide you can often see the entrances to these dens, along with foot and tail prints.
Muskrats are rodents (like beavers), notice the classic teeth of a herbivore, plant eating animal. Muskrats are the smallest of our water mammals, up to 4 lbs and 2 feet long
Otters on the other hand are larger and have elongated bodies with a long round, pointy, hairy tail and canine type teeth as they are carnivores eating fish, crabs, clams and crayfish. Adults are 3-4 feet long and 11-30 lbs.
Their long bodies make for sleek swimmers
Of our 3 resident aquatic mammals, Otters seem to be more curious traveling further and exploring their environment during the day often climbing on docks and boats. They are the more playful of our resident aquatic mammals.
BTW Otters often piss and crap on your dock
Beavers are much bigger than Otters and Muskrats, have large ears, a triangular head, roundish body and a large flat platter like tail. 3-4 feet long and 24-70 lbs.
Notice the classic teeth of a herbivore and floating plant stalks (his food) nearby, this Beaver's teeth are similar to those of Muskrats. This Beaver lives along Indian Slough and he is sitting in front of the entrance of his den.
Beavers like their rodent Muskrat cousins are also herbivores, this one is eating some plant material which they do very often given their size and weight
Beaver tails very different than our other aquatic mammals, broad, flat and hairless
Beavers can be skittish and when startled or when they want to send you a message like you are in my territory they make a large tail slap on the surface of the water.
Beaver tail slaps can be very loud and startling
Delta Beaver Video Click above photo
We also get transient California Sea Lions (not Seals) in Discovery Bay. The swim up from the San Francisco Bay hunting fish like Bass, Catfish and Carp. Sea Lions travel long distances and are often found in the more open deeper waters of the Delta. Most often seen in the Delta winters but can sometimes be seen all year round. Adult males can be up to 8 feet long and weigh 400-600 lbs while females can be 6 feet long and 200 lbs.
Notice the large canine type teeth of this carnivore
Have you ever wondered about the main differences between Seals and their "second cousins," the Sea Lions? Sea lions have small flaps for outer ears "true" seals lack external ears altogether. Sea lions are noisy, Seals are quieter. Sea Lions vs Seals are more adapted to land as their rear flippers are like feet they can walk on while Seal’s rear flippers angle backward so when on land they wiggle around vs walk. Seals don't like leaving the water unlike Sea Lions who like to lounge in the sun on land
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/12/delta-wanderings-xxvi-dec-2016---parade-of-lights
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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The winds disappeared setting the stage for a wonderful evening under a crescent moon for the 14th Annual Discovery Bay Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s theme “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” brought thousands of spectators to the streets of Discovery Bay. To save prime viewing spots chairs and tents were being set up early Saturday morning. Street parties were held all along the parade route with fire pits glowing on front lawns and even a few living room leather couches out on the side walk making for extra comfy viewing.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Getting Ready at the Marina
3 Cheers for our Vets
The Parade starts at the Discovery Bay Marina where the floats assemble, take care of last minute decorations and practice their routines one last time. Then shortly after sunset the parade heads down the streets of Discovery Bay to the delight of thousands of both local and visiting festive spectators. The Judging tent sits prominently in front of the Community Center as the floats pass by stopping to dazzle the Judges.
Santa sent one of his junior Reindeer to join the Parade
The Judges Tent
Some of our distinguished Judges enjoying their role
Amanda Dove the Grand Puba
The crowd enjoying the festivities
Sponsored by the Discovery Bay Lions Club this annual event is a testament to our Community Spirit as a small town hosts a big city like parade with dozens of lighted floats, bands, and walking groups. Individuals as well as local businesses and schools work for weeks to create their Parade entry. This year was another very successful family oriented event. Next week the Community will be treated to the Discovery Bay Yacht Club's Annual Lighted Boat Parade (Dec 10th), followed by the Willow Lake Annual Lighted Boat Parade (Dec 17th). A busy time in Discovery Bay whose motto is “Live Where You Play”
The Discovery Bay Lions presents the Parade of Lights
Liberty High School Marching Band
See Ya Next Year!
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/8/delta-wanderings-xxv-august-2016----Golden-Hour
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Race week began in Key West with the arrival of world class offshore Powerboats for the 36th annual Key West World Championship Powerboat Races. This Offshore Powerboat Racing event is scheduled over 3 race days and is one of the most incredible offshore power boat races from a spectator's perspective. The boats scream by at over 100mph chased by helicopters within 100 feet of the shoreline lined with spectators. This is the final race of the season for Super Boat International’s annual offshore powerboat racing series. Participants from around the globe come here to compete for the World Championship title. Like all festivals in Key West race week starts off with a boat parade down Duval St.
Visit my Key West Powerboat website at: http://KeyWestPowerboats.me
On Wednesday Race Day 1 we caught the races from Fort Zachary Taylor always a good spot near turn #2 where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico often creating turbulent conditions.
On Friday Race Day 2 of the Key West 2014 World Championship Offshore Powerboat Races we set up our chairs along the Outer Mole near the finish line and the races were exciting as ever. Sunny blue skies and calm waters was the backdrop for today over as many of the winners from Day 1 tried to continue their winning streak hoping to set them up for the finals on Sunday. Today was a day of attrition as a number of boats broke down not able to finish the race.
Seven World Champions will be crowned on Sunday which is the finals where the points are doubled and the course is substantially lengthened with some boats doing 13 laps. The World Champion must be both fast and avoid breakdowns during this punishing round of races. Today we set up our chairs at Fort Zachary Taylor for some of the best race viewing. Although the water was pretty flat the Pro Floors boat from New Zealand flipped at turn 2 while the WHM Superboat ran over the top of the upside down boat. Luckily no one was hurt. Several other boats in each class did not finish due to breakdowns and spinning out. All in all it was another very exciting race week in Key West.
Heading to the starting line
Passing by Mallory Square
Green flag, its a go!
Click above photo for short race video
Lots of pleasure boats lined the course
Emerging from turn #2
The dry pits are open all day
For more Race photos visit Bill's Key West World Championship Powerboat Race website: http://www.KeyWestPowerboats.me
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
]]>november 2016
Winner Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11TH ANNUAL BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS HONORS PHOTOGRAPHER BILL KLIPP FROM KEY WEST FL. USA
LOS ANGELES (Nov 5, 2016) - Photographer BILL KLIPP of KEY WEST FL. USA was presented with the 11th Annual Black and White Spider Awards HONORABLE MENTION in the category of WILDLIFE at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow webcast Saturday, November 5, 2016.
The live online gala was attended by over 10,500 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry's most important event for black and white photography.
11th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from National Geographic, Washington DC; The Armory Show, New York; TBWA, Paris; Victoria Film Festival, Canada; Aeroplastics Contemporary, Brussels; Studio Hansa, London; Fratelli Alinari, Florence; Australian Centre for Photography; Young & Rubicam, Lima; and Anthem Worldwide/Marque Branding, Sydney who honored Spider Fellows with 627 coveted title awards in 31 categories.
"It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 7,556 entries we received this year," said Basil O'Brien, the awards Creative Director. "BILL KLIPP’S” "KILLER WHALE BEACH ATTACK" an exceptional image entered in the WILDLIFE category, represents black and white photography at its finest, and we're pleased to present him with the title of HONORABLE MENTION."
Photographer KLIPP also had 2 images as Nominees in the CHILDREN OF THE WORLD CATEGORY, one image in the FINE ART CATEGORY, one image in the SPORT CATEGORY and one in the WILDLIFE CATEGORY. Each of which represents considerable achievement.
Jury member Paola Anselmi, interdisciplinary curator and arts writer in Australia added, "As always it was a real treat to be part of the program. Congratulations to all involved and to all the remarkable photographers who gift us new insights into the world and ourselves." "A truly amazing set of entries, so many deserving winners," added Marcel Wijnen, Creative Director at Anthem Worldwide.
BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography. www.thespiderawards.com
# # #
"YOUNG HIMBA GIRL"
Nominee -- "CHILDREN OF THE WORLD" Category
"HIMBA GIRL"
Nominee -- "CHILDREN OF THE WORLD" Category
"GHOST PIER"
Nominee -- "FINE ART" Category
"DUNE RUNNER"
Nominee -- "SPORT" Category
"WRINKLES"
Nominee -- "WILDLIFE" Category
For more photos visit Bill photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Friday’s Fantasy Fest 2016 --- “Masquerade March”
By far our most favorite event of Fantasy Fest. Starting at the cemetery near our house several thousand costumed Fantasy Fest revelers take to the street for the annual Friday “Masquerade March”. The parade splits in two, each arm headed down a different route to Duval street where the parade rejoins itself in the middle of the Duval Street Fair. Creativity in Costumes along with group costumes makes this a not to miss event. Some other parties around town include; Southernmost Sea Creature Voodoo contest, Rum Barrels’ Pirate bash, Living Art Expo, Chicago’s Gangsters & Molls Party, 801 Bourbon’s Den of Desire, Pimp & Ho party to name a few. Fantasy Fest comes to a close on Saturday with the big Duval Street Parade.
If you missed my 1st Fantasy Fest Wanderings Blog try: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/fantasy-fest-wanderings-2016
Gathering for the parade by the Key West Cemetery
Prime spot for Parade viewing
Oh! Bill, What did you do now?
Pug Rescue
Click above photo for March video
Vote for Jerry Garcia, make America Grateful again. "What a Long Strange Trip its been"
The Election is rigged, just see the under-age voter
Give Peace a Chance
Heckle & Jeckle
Marilyn and her Boys
What a piece of ass!
Food vendors lined Duval st
Smokin Tuna Bar
True artist
Mobile bar
Fantasy Fest 2016 Duval Street Parade Night
Key West's finest clearing the way for the Parade
Click Photo above for short Parade Video
"The Groper" Green Parrot Halloween Contest winner
Fantasy Fest Casualty
2017 Theme: "Time Travel Unravels" --- Goodbye Political oriented themes
If you missed my first Fantasy Fest Wanderings Blog try: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/fantasy-fest-wanderings-2016
PLAN A VISIT TO Fantasy FEST 2017 -- 2017 Theme: "Time Travel Unravels"
Two Bedroom Condo Still Available 10/22/17-10/29/17 Come to Fantasy Fest and stay at the Hyatt Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/hyatt_beach_house
For 16 years of Fantasy Fest of my Photos Visit: http://www.FantasyFest.me
© Bill Klipp 2016 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2016 "Political Voodoo and Ballot Box Barbarians"
Fantasy Fest Online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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LET THE FANTASIES & WILD TIMES BEGIN.............
As Halloween approaches Key West our little island in paradise takes on a scary vibe as tens of thousands wild party revelers arrive for the huge theme oriented celebration called FANTASY FEST week. The event lasts 10 days and is a Mardi Gras like event that culminates the last Saturday in October with a wild costumed gala parade up Duval street. Throughout the week there are dozens of theme oriented parties like the: Royal Coronation Ball, Zombie Bike Ride, Sloppy Joe's Toga Party, Fogarty's Red Party, Captain Tony's Party in Plaid, Tighty Whitey Party, Pet Masquerade, Headdress Ball, Halos and Horns Party, Locals Masquerade March and dozens more. The streets of course overflow with costumed party goers of all ages. While this is a Halloween oriented event with lots of Costumes there is also plenty of body paint and nudity so it's not for the shy or prudish and is clearly an adult oriented festival. For 16 years of Fantasy Fest of my Photos Visit: http://www.FantasyFest.me
My Fantasy Fest Wanderings Blog will evolve as the week unfolds, so come back for periodic updates....
This year's Fantasy Fest theme is "POLITICAL VOODOO AND BALLOT BOX BARBARIANS"
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
Goombay weekend marks the beginning of Fantasy Fest, in Key West’s Bahama Village.Each year this street festival attracts thousands of people who come to sample Caribbean foods, arts, crafts and carnival rides as well as enjoy live music ranging from gospel to reggae.
Click above image to view video
Once a year the dead rise up and migrate by bicycle across Key West in search of food and drink. The festivities start at the haunted Fort East Martello as thousands gather at Zombie Land from around the planet then migrate by bicycle at sunset down US1 along the Atlantic Ocean to downtown Key West. This year’s Zombie Bike Ride brought over 8,000 Zombies to the streets of Key West.
The Zombies take over Route 1 along the Atlantic Ocean
Many communities across the country have been frightened by Scary Clowns we welcome them here at the Southern Most point in the US. "One Inhuman Family"
Several dozen body painting artists set up booths in Zombie Land to touch up the dead before the Ride
A real killing machine
Zombie Ride Video: http://youtu.be/OGg_qj_JQLw
Please keep in mind it is illegal to feed the Zombies as that seems to encourage their return each year.
During October Key West local homeowners and businesses take on the festive Halloween spirit
Getting ready for the Parade, it's going to be along week!
As the Zombies converge on downtown portions of Duval street are closed down as the Walking Dead take over
Now that's a paint job
Donald J
TUTU Tuesday
The usual highlights for Tuesday of Fantasy Fest week is the annual TUTU Party and Captain Tony's “Party in Plaid” street party. This year the TUTU party moved from the cramped overheated, over crowded Mango's restaurant / bar to new cavernous Waterfront Brewery in the Historic seaport. The theme was "TUTUs in Space" and even with a mandatory TUTU policy over a thousand Tutu toting partyers packed the place to the roof.
NO TUTU No Entry!!!
Serving up the rooftop dance music
Nice Legs!
Captain Tony’s Party in Plaid refugees
Wednesday – Blue Party & Fogarty’s Red Party
As Fantasy Fest week proceeds the costumes, wild times and dabauchery steps up a notch. Today we geared up for Lucy’s Blue Party a marine-themed party with “Patrick and the Swayzees” rocking the house. Next we wandered through the Historic Seaport stopping along the way at Schooner Wharf’s Wharfstock Party and of course lower Duval street for Sloppy Joes, Captain Tony's and Smokin Tuna.
Lucy’s Blue Party
Fantasy Fest Royal Family
Uncle Sam & Miss Liberty
Les Greene of Patrick and the Swayzees
Fogarty's Red Party
Visit my Fantasy Fest Wanderings Blog II for Friday's "Masquerade March" and Saturday's big closing Parade on Duval Street: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/fantasy-fest-wanderings-2
PLAN A VISIT TO Fantasy FEST 2017 -- 2017 Theme: "Time Travel Unravels"
Two Bedroom Condo Still Available 10/22/17-10/29/17 Come to Fantasy Fest and stay at the Hyatt Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/hyatt_beach_house
For 16 years of Fantasy Fest of my Photos Visit: http://www.FantasyFest.me
© Bill Klipp 2016 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2016 "Political Voodoo and Ballot Box Barbarians"
Fantasy Fest Online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
We hung back in the shade of the tree line about a 1/4 mile from the river, hiding from the hot sun but mostly to avoid spooking the growing herd of Wildebeests and Zebras headed down to the river. Are they going down for a quick drink, a look, or might they be preparing to cross the muddy Crocodile and Hippo filled Mara River? Our goal is to witness and photograph the Great Wildebeest Migration during one of its epic crossing moments a scene that has eluded us on our 4 previous visits to Africa.
(A photo blog of our recent African Photo Safari by Bill & Linda Klipp)
They build up along the river's edge and it only takes one to start a crossing stampede
As they cross, the river's swift current starts to sweep them downstream
The stampeding frenzy kicks up huge amounts of dust
The predators are always waiting for their opportunity to enter the "Wildebeest Buffet"
You heard of the "African Big 5"? These guys are are one of the "African Ugly 5"
A male Impala looks on
After short flight from Lake Manyara we landed in the northern Serengeti of Tanzania not far from the Kenya border. Within a 10-minute drive from the airstrip we arrived at Alex Walker’s Serian Camp our home base for the migration. Each year Alex strategically sets up seasonal tented safari camps. This season is the migration so we are camped in the northern Serengeti near 10 well-traveled migration river crossing points. The next 5 days we will spend countless hours from before sunrise till sunset tracking the hordes of Wildebeests and positioning our vehicle for hours at a time waiting and hoping that a few brave Wildebeest will make a break for the river initiating a Lemming like stampede to race across the river.
Alex Walker's Serian North Camp is only a 10 minute ride from the airstrip
Relaxing by our tent
Not bad accommodations for a seasonal camp
Right before sunrise we found a good spot, laid some blankets on the ground and waited for the right moment.
They make no notice of our presence
We were not disappointed this trip with 8 different crossings in 5 days and lots of action. The first was within a few hours of our arrival at Camp. All geared up, the four of us along with our traveling safari guide Russell Gammon loaded into our two safari vehicles and headed off towards the river in search of some action. Within a short time our guides found the shade of some trees as we watched thru binoculars a distant Wildebeest herd building near the river’s edge at Crossing #4. The crossing points are numbered 1 thru 10 with each having it’s unique crossing challenges and dangers.
Watching the herd build up along the river's edge, hoping for a crossing
A Masai Giraffe wanders by
An alert Topi always scanning the plains
A gorgeous Lilac Breasted Roller take flight after some insects
We sat in the vehicles checking our gear and taking a few photos when suddenly one of our drivers shouted “They’re Going, Hang On” he then started the engine and raced off, swerving and bouncing across the plains as we hung on for our life trying to protect our equipment speeding our way to the river’s edge. The tell-tale sign was the ever rising clouds of dust from thousands of hoofs running across the plains and into the river. As we blast through the chaos of stampeding Wildebeests to the river's edge the unmistakable smell of death surrounds us. With Vultures swirling above and perched everywhere along the river the stench is only avoided by the adrenaline pumping thru our bodies.
Race to the river video. Click above image to view video
Vulture drying it’s wings
To provide for ultimate photographic flexibility we only had two of us and a driver in each safari vehicle with Russell rotatating vehicles daily.
"Serengeti" in the Masai language means " Endless Plains"
A false start, sometimes they build up along the river then decide to abort and head back inland
It often starts in a very organized way, then the stampeding frenzy begins
On the run, note how the Zebras hang back. Click above image to view video.
Once the frenzy begins they will trample each other, sometimes to death
Once across they need to climb the steep river banks
Our Guide Russell suggested we position ourselves a bit downstream as the Crocs usually approach from that direction. Crossing #4 is unique in that it is the only one we are allowed to exit the vehicle and stand along the cliffs hanging over the river. At one point we climbed down to the river’s edge for a closer view although we retreated as a part of the herd started heading our way. Being trampled by hundreds of Wildebeest is something we thought we should avoid. As the Wildebeests and Zebras leaped into the waters below and headed across the river you can see the swift current sweeping them and their dust downstream towards us. As a once straight line of animals started to bend downstream Russell yelled out “focus on the Croc”. Methodically the huge Nile Crocodile slowly swam up towards the herd grabbing a young Wildebeest as it’s mom helplessly looked on. During the frenzy with our adrenaline flowing I fired off hundreds of shots from the two cameras hanging from my side. Then as quickly as it started the herd stopped dead in it’s tracks turned and began stampeding back inland away from the river.
As the stampede begins nothing seems to be an obstacle
The smarter and more skittish Zebras usually wait for the Wildebeests to go first
It starts out as a straight line but the current quickly pulls them downriver
A Crossing, Break on thru to the other side. Click above image to view video.
A huge Nile Crocodile moves in for the kill
Mom helplessly looks on as her calf is pulled down by the Croc
On the run, their single focus is to cross as quickly as possible
It looks like a swarm of ants as the herd emerges from the river
The stench along the river is often nauseating from the dozens of rotting carcasses.
Wow! this was only Day 1 in the Serengeti, we climbed back into our vehicles threading our way through the herd as we headed back to camp for some evening cocktails, sunset and campfire chatter.
Alex Walker's Serian Camp time lapse video. Click above image to view
An Olive Baboon catching some early mornig rays
Olive Baboons
An little agile Klipspringer on top of a copi (rock outcropping)
Poor manners
A female Oribi takes a break from grazing to check us out
The setting full moon took on an orange glow as the sun began to rise
A Hippopotamus headed back to the river after an evening of grazing.
A male Agama Lizard displaying his colors
On an annual basis vast herds of Wildebeests, Zebras, Gazelles and other ungulates make their way on a round trip journey from the Serengeti’s great grassland plains to Kenya’s Masai Mara following the rains in search of green pastures. With over 2 million animals making the trek this surely ranks among one of greatest wonders of the Natural World. The excitement and energy that the thundering herds create attract large concentrations of predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetah, Hyenas and of course giant Nile Crocodiles all in pursuit of the Wildebeest Buffet a literal smorgasbord of nomadic mega herds.
Wildebeest on the run
The beginning of another crossing
A yellow-billed Stork glides by as a Crocodile takes a nap
Once started almost nothing stops them
Making child's play of an unfortunate Wildebeest, Nile Crocodiles can reach 20 feet and 1,200 lbs.
Their speed, strength and power is amazing. This guy tries to rip the head off the Wildebeest
Marabou Storks and Vultures line the shores by the hundreds providing a vital role to the eco-system as they consume the rotting carrion
After ripping off pieces of meat the Croc does a head toss to swallow it
The dusty savannahs make for some awesome sunsets
On the move this Lion pride numbering 13, heads for some midday shade.
Close enough for a little iPhone video
iPhone Lion video. Click above image to view
They started out nicely sharing this Wildebeest then things turned nasty
Check out those retractable claws
Often thought of as scavengers, Spotted Hyenas are formidable predators participating in the Wildebeest Buffet.
A couple of Banded Mongoose (or is it Mongeese?) scamper by
Early morning balloon flight over Serengeti
Tres Amigos out for a stroll
As we watched some Lions lounging on the rocks a Leopard wandered by but luckily he quietly snuck away
Two young brothers hanging in the shade
The Leopard spotted the Lions and got very nervous.
Truly a gorgeous animal
Stealth is the name of the game
Wandering the plains
Mom Warthog and her little piglets. They are very skittish and for good reason as they make good Lion and Leopard snacks.
Little Bee-eater
Hard to spot and for good reason. Serval Cats use the high grasses for camouflage
Our normal routine was up by 5:15am as coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits are delivered to our tent, then into the vehicles by 6am and off to find a good sunrise location, next we check the river crossings and around 9 am if nothing is happening we set up for a “Bush Breakfast”. This morning we saw the herds building along the river and decided to have a quick bite in the shade hopefully before the action started. Then it became hurry up as a we spotted the rising dust and the beginning of yet another crossing.
A quick bush breakfast time lapse video. Click above image to view
Sometimes the best way to spot the stealthy predators is to watch the prey.
Once spotted this male Lion has little chance of hunting success
Mom and her 3 cubs enjoying a Zebra dinner
Licking her chops after a yummy meal
Doing what little ones do, Play
This skinny little guy hasn’t had a meal in a while, making his future uncertain
A perfect night for a Sun-downer
Tanzania's northern Serengeti is just south of the Kenya Border
Next stop is the Masai Mara region of southern Kenya only 40 miles north of us, but it will take pretty much all day to get there as we need to drive to the airstrip take a 30 minute flight, get in a van for 30 minutes, cross the border on foot get in another van, drive 30 minutes to another airstrip, fly 30 minutes to Masai Mara, then a short game drive, followed by a river crossing by boat to Little Governor's Camp and the "Predators' Playground". STAY TUNED.....
PS: In case you missed our first African Wanderings Blog: "The Elephants' Ball" check out:
Stay tuned for the next installment of African Wanderings III --- “The Predator's Playground” – Enter at your own risk
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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After a short 30 minute flight from Kilimanjaro Tanzania our Cessna Caravan touched down on a dirt landing strip inside Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. It's around 11am and the 4 of us along with our private Safari Guide Russell Gammon load into the two Land Cruisers waiting for us. At 1100 square miles Tarangire is Tanzania's 6 largest national park located in the Manyara region in north eastern Tanzania. The park and it’s neighboring private concessions are known for its diversity of wildlife and its mobs of Elephants. The hilly landscape is dotted with vast numbers of Baobab trees, dense bush and high grasses.
(A photo blog of our recent African Photo Safari)
The mid day heat draws everyone to the watering holes
Elephant Shower
Masai Giraffes are most vulnerable when drinking
Giraffes time lapse video. Click above image to view
Its hot, dry and dusty as we bounce along the sun baked tracks traversing Tarangire for our first safari game drive of our month long African photo adventure. The next two days were designed as a warm up for the adventures to come, and they did not disappoint as one of our vehicles got stuck in the mud at sunset and had to be left behind. Our destination was Chem Chem Safari lodge lying along the shores of Lake Manyara just outside Tarangire Ntl Park.
Day 1 stuck in the mud near Lake Brunge
Stuck in the mud. Click above photo to see short video
For the next two days we will encounter lions mating at night, ostriches with beautiful courtship colors, a cheetah with a kill, large groups of giraffes, zebras, hundreds of wading flamingos and white Pelicans to mention a few of the many creatures we encountered including elusive Honey Badgers. The highlight of course are the many Elephants wandering through the Park's diverse habitats.
Male Ostrich with colorful breeding plumage
Lilac Breasted Roller with Impala in background
Lunch break in the bush
Elephant eating a thousand year+ old Baobab tree
Black Backed Jackal
As we scanned the horizon across the seeming endless savannahs of Tarangire National Park we spotted what looked like a row of giant termite mounds in the distance. But then they appeared to be moving. Not termite mounds but a good sized herd of 20-30 elephants headed to the watery swamps in front of us to escape the midday heat. Led by their Matriarch they walked in a single line with the moms leading their calves alongside adolescents of various ages munching and crunching on trees and vegetation as they Wandered our way. Then as we looked behind us emerging from the forest were dozens and dozens of more Eles on their daily midday migration to the water. Its’s all about the water.
"The Elephants' Ball" a time lapse video Click above image to view
Greater and Lesser Flamingos together at Lake Brunge
Cheetah with Zebra kill, note full belly
Cheetah with Zebra kill. Click above photo to see short video
Masai Giraffe
Nice Capture! Marabou Stork eating a rat
Getting in close for the White Pelicans along Lake Manyara
A refreshing drink of water
A false charge
On day 2 we began a routine that would be our norm for the next 4 weeks. Up at 5:00am, some coffee and hot chocolate then we load into our private safari vehicles and out into the bush for sunrise and unknown animal encounters. Today's plan after a few sunrise shots was to find a good watering hole to hang out near and hopefully watch nature unfold, and boy did we get our wish. With a beautiful lush watering hole as our foreground surrounded by classic Acacia trees with blue skies and puffy clouds, today would be our most productive photo session of the trip with us each shooting well over a thousand images.
Over 20 giraffes came in for a drink
Our tent at Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Not too shabby
Lunch-time at Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Von Derdecken’s Hornbills ( Male & female )
Curious Dwarf Mongoose
Marabou Stork picking thru a fisherman’s net, ugly but smart
Female Ostrich
Malachite Kingfisher on the hunt
Vervet Monkey
Sundowner along the shores of Lake Manyara
Got to like this portable bar
Masai tribe giving us a show
Local Masai Tribe dance. Click above photo to see video
Dueling Impalas
Seeking the cleaner water mid-pond
Busy watering hole short video. Click above image to see video.
Snake Eagle on the lookout
Giraffes practicing fighting. Click image above to see video
Playful Elephants
Black Hooded Love Birds
Five legged Elephant taking a dust bath
Marabou Stork one of the “Ugly Five”
Breakfast at Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara Sunset Flamingos
Sunrise Baobab Tree
Off to the Serengeti for the Great Migration
Stay tuned for the next installment of African Wanderings II - “Wildebeest Buffet” – All you can eat
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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"Even the most beautiful days eventually have their sunsets." – Unknown Author
The clear, hot, cloudless and windless days of July have started to shift as we move into August. Day time temperatures have started topping out in the low 90s vs low 100s, our flat windless waters have taken on some ripples as winds have picked up helping to break up some of the nasty algae blooms. The cloudless days and nights of July were great for star watching but our wonderful Delta sunsets were dull at best. With increased winds bringing some scattered clouds along with a smoky haze from the summer fires our wonderful Delta sunsets have started to return.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Skiing into the sunset
A fisherman's paradise
Two Buddies
Barefooting on a calm, quiet night along Indian Slough
Delta Reflections
Wood Duck coming in for a landing
Mom Wood Duck with her ducklings
Great Blue Heron. Besides fish these guys are known to eat small rodents, lizards, baby ducks and small birds
Snowy Egret on the prowl for dinner
Rare sighting of Giant Delta Flamingos nesting
Golden hour near Lido Bay
The White Tailed Kite is a medium-sized raptor of open grasslands and savannas
A delta beach emerges at low tide
Anchored for sunset
A family of barefooters from New Zealand trying our Delta waters
This young guy starts out being dragged on his chest, he then spins onto his back to get his feet in front of him, before standing up
Hamming it up for the camera
A young California Sea Lion holding up the barefooters. While more often seen in the winter it's less common for these guys to swim up from San Francisco Bay in the summer. They come for the fish.
Didn't even know they made 400 hp outboards
Got a Winner? Lots of fisherman were out during this past weekend’s Bass Fishing Tournament.
Loco paraglider
Not really as close as it looks
Ultralight headed home
A busy Sunday morning at Orwood Marina's launch ramp. Click photo above to view time lapse video
Pacific Pond Turtle
Great Blue Heron Sunset
Click photo above to view Time Lapse video
“A large drop of sun lingered on the horizon and then dripped over and was gone, and the sky was brilliant over the spot where it had gone, and a torn cloud, like a bloody rag, hung over the spot of its going. And dusk crept over the sky from the eastern horizon, and darkness crept over the land from the east.”
John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at:
http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/7/delta-wanderings-xxiv-august-2016----Gas-Dock-Sinks-Boat
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Sanger wakeboard boat driver vies for “Bonehead Boater” of the year award.
Around 7pm yesterday a Sanger wakeboard boat was maneuvering around close to the Discovery Bay Marina gas dock when the driver slammed the throttle into forward launching the boat up onto the concrete gas dock. Eye witnesses said the boat climbed up on the gas dock sticking almost straight up into the air as it wiggled or walked its way sideways along the dock before settling down straddling the dock. As it the rode up the dock the skeggs were ripped off the bottom of the hull creating a good sized hole. The boat then slid off the backside of the dock and sank in short order behind the dock. No serious injuries were reported and two of the occupants may have been arrested for BUI. Part of the side of the dock is smashed up and one of the brand new gas pump’s hose reels was ripped up and pushed sideways. Good thing the boat didn’t take out an entire pump. In short order emergency services was on the scene with a helicopter flying overhead, a firetruck, at least 4 police cars and Contra Costa Hazmat Health Services. With fuel leaking from the boat, spill containment booms were laid down and absorbent sheets were spread around. Later in the evening a Hazmat response truck arrived with a 55 gallon drum of some type spill mitigation material which was used on the floating gas behind the dock. The dock fuel pump and fuel lines were not leaking.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
We were out for a sunset cruise when my wife Linda spotted some emergency activity at the Marina
As we approached, Matt Saale and Delta Seaweed Removal's pontoon boat was already working the scene, trying to pull boat along bottom under the dock
Notice damage to edge of dock, and gas pump hose reel. Flying boat missed pump by inches
Spill containment booms and absorbent sheets in place
Boat ontop of dock. Photographer unknown (Jeff Ensley ?)
What a mess!
Matt Saale of Delta Seaweed Removal saw the accident from his house across the bay and was on the scene in short order. With his scuba gear on he was able to attach 5 air lift bags to the underwater boat filling them with air from his regulator. Given the late hour and very dark murky conditions Matt did all his underwater work by feel as there was no visibility. The plan was to pull the boat across the muddy bottom and out from under the dock but with the wakeboard boat’s tower up it was too tall. Working underwater in complete darkness Matt had to fold the tower down and attach a tow line. With a line attached to The Seaweed Removal pontoon boat the sunken Sanger was slowly towed out from under the dock and maneuvered over to the forklift drop area. With the help of a backhoe, Matt in the water and Donnie, Noah along with several other marina dockhands the sunken boat was slowly moved into position over the forklift’s underwater arms. Little by little the boat was repositioned until the forklift was able to lift it up out of the water around 9pm. We were able to watch and photograph the entire salvage operation and I must say Matt and company and the Marina Staff did an awesome, professional job that would have taken others many more hours to accomplish. Good thing Discovery Bay HazMatt Saale! Job well done Matt.
Matt getting suited up
Attaching towing line to pontoon boat
Diver in
Attaching a lifting line to backhoe
Forklift moving into place, Contra Costa Hazmat Heath Services truck in background
Ropes attached, ready to try and lift
Now the heavy lifting begins
Going up!
Lifting line broke, time for a heavier duty rope
Air lift bags slowly break the surface
Stern of boat starts to emerge
Contra Costa Hazmat Heath Services
Repositioning a very heavy water filled wakeboard boat onto forklift arms was no easy chore
Almost there!
Anyone interested in a slightly used Sanger V215?
Looking good! bring her up
Got to love my Nikon D5 digital camera for low light photography, shooting at 64,000 ISO to take photos in near darkness
Water draining from several large holes in hull. A $50,000+ boat down the drain
Sunken boat salvage video by Linda Klipp. Click photo above to view video
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at:
http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/7/delta-wanderings-xxiv-august-2016----Gas-Dock-Sinks-Boat
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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As the calendar heads towards August we find ourselves in a classic Delta summer, hot cloudless days, cool evenings (sometimes) and lots of activity in the waters around us.
Summer
Hair gets lighter, Skin gets darker. Water gets warmer. Nights get longer. Music gets louder. Life gets better.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
A different view of Discovery Bay's iconic Lighthouse
A busy Saturday evening on the water
But all is not Rosey in our Delta Paradise
Looks like so far we have gotten a slight break from the invasive weeds that have plagued us over the last few years. Of course some sloughs are fairing better than others. There still are large patches of slough choking Water Hyacinth scattered about but so far nothing like last year. After several years of the Egeria Densa weed growing out of control the treatment by California Department of Boating and Waterways seems to have helped. All is not Rosey though, as we have been plagued with a green pea soup algae bloom creating some of the worst water clarity I have seen in many years. We have seen this many times when water temps are high and winds low. But it usually comes and goes relatively quickly. This year it seems to have persisted for a longer time. To make matters worse in late July Contra Costa Health officials started advising people in Discovery Bay to avoid swimming in the slow water areas after preliminary field tests indicated the presence of potentially harmful blue-green algae. Hopefully it doesn’t last very long. Just imagine if the Twin Tunnels Project moves forward lowering our water levels and diverting substantial amounts of fresh clean water to Southern California. Link to Health alert: http://cchealth.org/press-releases/2016/0725-Blue-Green-Algae-in-the-Water.php
An aerator was installed the other day in the DB Marina to break up the slick green slime. Seemed to do a good job
Boat launching is a challenge when Willow Lake water levels are lowered annually for maintenance
I wonder how the lower water levels have affected algae blooms in Willow Lake?
A playground for the young
Main Channel to Marina
As seen from Discovery Bay on 7/27, the debris from the Chinese carrier rocket Long March 7 (aka Chang Zheng 7)
Juvenile Snowy Egrets preening
Juvenile Snowy Egrets taking flight
Ultralight, Ultra low
With a constant flow of fresh water from the Sierras and 4 significant daily tide changes the California Delta is known for some excellent fishing
The Delta is a boater's paradise
Close call! I was waiting for these guys to crash
We don't see many sailboats in our narrow channels
Go! Speed Racer
"Live Where You Play"
Got to love growing up on the water
Snowy Egret with tell-tale yellow feet and yellow lores (spot btwn eye and bill)
Great Egret flying by. The largest of our Egrets, notice the black legs and feet with yellow bill. (composite image)
Got to love Delta Sunsets
Indian Slough, a watery play ground
A serious floatilla on the move
Sometimes we forget we live in an agricultural region
"SITTING DUCKS"
A local farmer and professional marksman uses our vast open space for target practice
Captain Morgan headed back to the Marina after one of his very cool Delta tours
Pacific Pond Turtle
Headed back home after our Delta wine cruise. A time lapse video from our pontoon boat. Click above photo to play video
Discovery Bay Marina
Summer Concert series at the Discovery Bay Marina draws a big local crowd. Sponsored by the Discovery Bay Lions
A view from above
Sheriff in one their favorite hiding spots, intersection of Indian Slough and Werner Dredger Cut
Headed in. When it stays light out till 8:30-9pm I'm not sure I understand why the Marine Sheriff goes in so early?
Not exactly 5mph / No Wake. The reckless and irresponsible become more active later in the day after the Sheriff heads in.
Got to love our colorful Delta skies
Full Moon arising, props to my wife and boat driver for the line-up
Fireworks maybe illegal in Contra Costa County, but they sure are fun to watch (composite image)
Star Trails over Discovery Bay Lighthouse
Night sky time lapse view of Discovery Bay. Notice the active flyway. Click photo above to start video.
At night you can here the train's horn throughout Discovery Bay
Orwood Bascule Bridge over Old River built in 1928 to connect Bacon and Woodward Islands
Beaver munching on some tulee roots
Beavers, Otters and Muskrats make their homes along our blackberry bramble and tulee lined levees. Click Photo above for my Beaver slide show video
Snowy Egret in flight
Star Stack, 113 images shot of a 40 minute period stacked on top of each other. Center of circle is the North Star. Click above photo to play video
Twilight over Beaver Bay
X
Harvest Moon rising next to Discovery Bay Lighthouse (composite image)
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at:
http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/7/delta-wanderings-xxii-july-2016-In-Our-Backyard
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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While our photographic travels often take us to some of the most remote and exotic regions of the planet, we are blessed to have such a diversity of wildlife right “In Our Backyard”. Sitting 60 miles inland from San Francisco Bay and fed by half a dozen melt-water rivers flowing down from the Sierra Nevada Mountains our 1,000-mile labyrinth of sloughs and waterways receive a constant inflow of clean fresh water. Each day we experience four significant tidal changes as the Pacific Ocean backups up or lowers the waters of San Francisco Bay creating a watery domino effect as our tides rise and fall by more than 2 meters creating a constantly changing shoreline and ecosystem.
Common Garter Snake
There is nothing like walking out your back door, Wandering down to the dock, getting in the boat and within a minutes finding yourself lost in the natural beauty of the Northern California Delta. While the Delta is often best known for boating, fishing and various water sports, our watery highways lined with blackberry brambles and tule grasses are home to many resident and migrant species of Birds, Mammals and Fish. It’s a scary thought that this natural habitat is threatened by our neighbors down south who want to divert these waters to Southern California communities, golf courses and farms.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Pacific Pond Turtles
Beaver chewing on some plants
Great Blue Heron chasing Great Egret
Juvenile Mallard Ducks
Osprey
Gull with his catch, he actually swallowed the fish whole!
Muskrat
Swan
Tern with his catch
Night Heron
Dragonfly
Canada Geese
Swainson's Hawk
Green Heron
Preying Mantis
Canada Goose
Great Blue Heron with a Crayfish
Great Egret taking off
River Otter
Coot
Cormorant
Belted Kingfisher
Red Shafted Flicker
White Tailed Kite
Nuttall's Woodpecker
A pair of Snowy Egrets with a Great Egret
Clark's Grebe
Mallard Ducks
Snowy Egret
Wood Ducks
Swainson's Hawk
Delta Full Moon
If you missed my last "Delta Wanderings" blog post check it out at:
http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/6/delta-wanderings-xxi-may-2016----springing-into-summer
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Seems like we sprung from Spring right into Summer as the rains have stopped, the winds have slowed and temperatures have already climbed to 100’ plus. Summer clearly has arrived and with it comes all sorts of boating and water sports activities. Got to love just Wandering the Delta always something different to see and experience.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Headed out
Harken's back to simpler Delta Times
Three little Mallard ducklings sticking close to Mom.
Pacific Pond Turtle
Canada Goose taking off
Springtime brings the little ones, Mallard Duck with ducklings
Discovery Bay from above
Airchair headed out of Discovery Bay
Coming down for a clean landing
Summer time fun
Just let go!
Not yet ready to fly, Canada Geese Gooselings
Twilight over Beaver Bay
Darkness arrives. Click image above to activate short time lapse video
Clear moonless skies lets the stars shine
Star Stack looking southwest. 200 images taken over 90 minutes and then stacked together as a composite.
Entrance to Discovery Bay
We have had some crazy skies. Click image above to activate short time lapse video
Fishing at the Point
Police patroling on wave runners Memorial Day Weekend
Low tide brings opportunities
Good Night!
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia is the only place on the planet where Killer Whales / Orcas will intentionally strand or beach themselves in order to catch their prey of Sea Lions and Elephant Seals
Visit our first blog about our Photo Expedition to Peninsula Valdes: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/5/Patagonia_Wanderings_Peninsula_Valdes
Are Killer Whales Really Whales?
Orcas or “Killer Whales” (Orcinus orca) are in fact not whales at all but the largest member of the Dolphin family. They can be found in every ocean on the planet even the very cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. They are among the smartest animals on earth and live together with their families their whole life in matrilineal family groups. Some Orcas live their entire life in one place while others are known as transients which means they like to travel. Orcas can live to be 30-50 years old in the wild but when in kept in animal parks like Sea World they die much younger. Orcas have been known to be friendly to humans and have never hurt humans in the wild (only when abused in captivity).
Setting up on the beach close to the Sea Lions at sunrise, now we just need some Orcas
Orcas are sexually dimorphic, meaning adult males and females differ in body shape and size. Adult males weigh almost twice as much as females. More striking though is the 3 foot size of the dorsal fin of females vs adult male’s which can be up to 6 feet tall. Size seems to vary by population with the Southern Hemisphere animals being slightly larger than those in the Northern Hemisphere. Offshore animals might be slightly smaller than Coastal populations due to higher productivity waters. Adult Orcas may be between 20 and 32 feet long and weigh between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds. Their size and strength make them among the fastest marine mammals able to reach speeds of 30-35mph and able to dive to 1,500 feet to catch their prey.
All set up and scanning the coast looking for blows or dorsal fins, the tell tale signs of Killer Whales on the move.
Two adult Orcas with a baby trailing coming in on some Sea Lions. Orcas are cooperative hunters who teach and train their young about these unique hunting strategies.
Two Sea Lions pups escape a close call. The Orca hung just off the beach waiting for another pup to enter the water.
Very Close call
Why are Orcas called Killer Whales?
Orcas are sometimes called Killer Whales because a long time ago some Spanish sailors saw them catching and eating whales so they named them “Whale Killers”. Over time that was changed to “Killer Whale”. But they are really just very large Dolphins. While most Dolphins are fish eaters, Killer Whales are the top apex predators of the ocean and have developed specialized hunting skills depending on their habitat. While most Orcas dine on fish and squid some have a mammalian specialization, feeding on; seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins and even birds and penguins. Unique among animals is their highly coordinated cooperative hunting behaviors which they teach their young through repetitive practice. While some Orca pods have learned how to catch Seals and Sea Lions in open water, those along Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia have a developed a unique skill only found here. Due to the steep smooth pebble beach topography of Peninsula Valdes the Orcas have learned to intentionally strand or beach themselves to catch Sea Lion and Elephant Seal pups along the shoreline. This behavior is most prevalent in the Feb to May time frame when the young Sea Lions pups are still being weaned and are just learning how to swim. It is an amazing site and our most recent trip was to focus on this unique hunting skill.
The moment has arrived
Sometimes they would just patrol back and forth in front of us.
Orcas sometimes use their flukes to toss their prey in the air to stun them so the young Orcas can have an easier encounter. We watched one toss a Sea Lion pup over 60 feet in the air.
Two Orcas rushing towards the beach
Depending on wind speed and direction we might set up on a cliff overlooking a Sea Lion colony.
We would sometimes stay in a spot all day waiting for some action. While some of the group was spotting others might take a nap. Linda in right foreground.
The cliff lookout gave us a unique perspective to watch the cooperative strategy of a hunt and an attack unfold. Adult Sea Lions have learned to be more alert and quickly get out of the way of incoming Killer Whales.
The waters were churning with unsuspecting Sea Lions and this Orca attacked several times
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala had this to say about my Orca stranding photo
This one little guy was not so lucky, but his playmates got away
Orcas are known for their long dorsal fin and black-and-white coloring. Sea Lions pups are known as a tasty meal.
It takes a lot of Sea Lions to feed a dozen Orcas that can weigh up to 20,000 lbs each and 23-32 feet long
Orcas use echolocation to communicate and to locate prey from great distances.
A pod of 8 Orcas moving in on a Southern Right Whale and it's calf. Notice the baby Orca on the left
The Orcas take turns harassing the two Whales, trying to tire them and separate the calf from the mom.
The adult Whale responds with a constant series of violent tail throws hoping to hit an Orca. If hit an Orca could be severely hurt or even killed impacting the entire pod's ability to hunt.
This attack went on for well over an hour mostly right in front of us, within 20 meters of the beach. As the Whale passed by us the sounds of its heavy breathing engulfed us.
Finally the Orcas backed off and swam away as the Right Whale and it's calf headed off into the sunset to live another day.
When on the beach we lined up strategically along a diagonal line down to water's edge to ensure nobody blocked another’s shot
After the Whale attack this guy treated us to an awesome breach
After catching a Sea Lions the Orcas would move to deeper water and line up head to head to food share as not all of the pod's members have learned this unique hunting technique.
Orca Beach Attack video by Bill & Linda Klipp. Click above to watch video
The Old Lighthouse at Punta Norte sits on a cliff overlooking the dunes and the Peninsula Valdes coastline
From up top of the Lighthouse one could survey miles of coastline in both directions.
The weather seemed to change 5 times a day, with mornings in the mid 40s climbing sometimes to the upper 60s. The one constant were the winds blowing 20-35 mph. Click above to watch short Time Lapse video
We called this the "Training Beach" as the Orcas would sometimes practice and train beaching themselves for hours. It was amazing to watch them do it over an over again, sometimes two or three simultaneously.
Searching for pretty colored pebbles. We sometimes had to find strange ways to amuse ourselves during the many hours of downtown on the beach.
The Orcas would sometimes get very playful with each other as this little guy leaped and slapped his tail repeatedly.
Notice the rake like marks on this Orca's body. Most likely from fighting with another Orca
Another one of the good Orca spots at low tide, no beach at high tide
We saw a couple of Orcas moving towards the beach, but then they disappeared in the sun streak, only to surprise us by lunging onto the beach within 10 meters of us. Orcas will often come into the beach hiding in the sun's glare to surprise their prey.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bill fully armed: with a Nikon D4 and a Nikon 200-400 f4 lens on a tripod, along with a Nikon V1 on a gorilla pod shooting video and wearing Google Glass for photos and video. Not visible at his side is a Nikon D750 with a Nikon 70-200 f2.8
ORCA BOOT CAMP ----- What we did to get the shot.
A typical day in Orca boot camp at Estancia la Ernestina at Punta Norte on Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia Argentina.
Up at 5:45am put on 3 layers of pants, 4 layers of tops, grab a quick light breakfast bite, then in the dark pile into the Land Rovers headed to one of 7 beaches picked by Juan our host the Orca Whisperer. Which beach we start our day is based on wind speed, direction, tides and Juan's intuition. Once we arrive near the the morning's selected spot we spill out of the Land Rovers in the dark, gear up then hike up to a mile with 35-40 pounds of equipment climbing over barb wire fences to trudge across soft sand dunes to perch on the edge of a cliff overlooking a Sea Lion colony with 20 knot winds blowing fine sand and dust all over us while scanning the ocean with binoculars looking for Orcas. Or instead of hiking across soft sand dunes we might hike across seemingly endless fields of loose gravel covered with colorful smooth polished stones then almost slide down a steep gravel embankment and slowly walk single file often crouching along the loose pebble beach to sneak up on the Sea Lions. We sit down in a diagonal line, set up our cameras and wait all day till almost sunset for something to happen while periodically munching on some surprises we find in our lunch boxes or having a social session of mate sharing (a local tea type drink).
If the tides go against us or the Orcas are thought to have headed north or south we hustle back to the Land Rovers drive like a Mad Max movie across the Estancia bouncing and sliding on the gravel tracks hoping to get ahead of the Orcas then hike back down to another beach, set up again and wait, hoping they come our way while Sea Lion pups are in the water. By 6pm we are back in our room charging batteries, downloading images and showering before our 7:30pm group dinner with lots of wine then into bed by 9:30pm. Every day the only thing we can count on is the winds will howl and the weather will change 5 times during the day, we will freeze, sweat, get wet, sometimes even bask in the sun and strangely enjoy doing this every day for 14 days in a row. We were very lucky having 13 days out of 13 with 0rca sightings and even several whale encounters as its more common to see nothing. On the few days with really poor wind and sea conditions for Orcas we headed over to the Penguin colony to photograph penguins, foxes, armadillos, guanacos and birds or we head inland for Burrowing Owls or Great Horned Owls. No down time at all when visiting Estancia la Ernestina in Orca season, a truly unique and special place on Planet Earth.
See Peninsula Valdes Blog: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/5/Patagonia_Wanderings_Peninsula_Valdes )
This is how we got the rare shot of Orcas intentionally stranding themselves to catch a Sea Lion or Elephant Seal pup. It was surely our most challenging and adrenaline filled photo expedition yet. There is nothing quite like watching these highly intelligent and social animals practice and train their young to strand themselves on the beach. Then to actually see them hunt and attack their prey only to share their catch with the group. This is Mother Nature at her finest.
If the tides go against us or the Orcas are thought to have headed north or south, Juan the “Orca Whisperer” will whisper ”Lets Go” we then quickly gather up our equipment and hustle back to the Land Rovers and drive like a Mad Max movie bouncing and sliding on the gravel tracks across the Estancia hoping to get ahead of the Orcas then hike back down to another beach, set up and wait, hoping they come our way while Sea Lion pups are in the water. Click above to watch video
Visit our blog about our Photo Expedition to Peninsula Valdes: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/5/Patagonia_Wanderings_Peninsula_Valdes
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://www.wkimages.net
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2016
Check out our online Photo Website at: http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill and Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Our visit was to Peninsula Valdes in coastal Patagonia where the low pampas meet the Atlantic Ocean. As a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site Peninsula Valdes is a massive mushroom shaped peninsula that forms two large protected bays as it juts out into the Atlantic. Initially settled by sheep farmers the peninsula is still home to very large private estancias (ranches) some of which have established small eco-lodges which focus on the amazing diversity of both terrestrial and marine wildlife. In addition to being an important breeding ground for the Southern Right Whales the region is home to several large Elephant Seal, Southern Sea Lion and Magellanic Penguin Colonies. It is also the only place on the planet where Orcas intentionally strand themselves on the beach to catch Sea Lions and Elephant Seals. COMING SOON OUR NEXT BLOG: "ORCA BEACH"
Visit out Patagonia website at: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/patagonia_argentina
Endangered Southern Right Whale. Named the Right Whale by whalers since it was the "Right" whale to hunt as it was slow, making them easy to catch and they didn't sink when dead
Southern Sea Lions in the surf checking us out
Southern Sea Lions picking up our scent us as they cautiously came closer
Southern Sea Lions, Moms with pup
Elephant Seal Pup
Surf's up
Magellanic Penguin
Orcas hunting at sunrise
Orca
On land one encounters flocks of flightless Rhea, herds of Guanaco, armadillos, grey fox, pumas, pampas cats, mara, cuis along with over 100 species of birds and many other unique creatures. We stayed at Estancia La Ernestina a century old sheep ranch with a small rustic eco-lodge that caters to photographers and film makers. The Estancia covers 37,000 acres with 20 miles of private coastline wrapping around the northern tip of Peninsula Valdes. This put us in the heart of this wild country with its endless dirt tracks where you won’t see another person or vehicle for hours. Our visit to Peninsula Valdes was more like an African safari. COMING SOON OUR NEXT BLOG: "ORCA BEACH"
Herd of wild Guanaco leaving watering hole
Guanaco
Rhea are large (5-6 feet tall) flightless birds native to South America and related to the Ostrich and Emu
Baby Rhea
A family of Cuis, small guinea pig like mammals
Rare Pichi Armadillo
Gray Fox hunting in the dunes
Gray Fox hunting in the Penguin Colony
Magellanic Penguin
Curious little Penguin checking us out
Turkey Vulture
Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owl taking flight
Armadillo hiding in burrow
Magellanic Penguin Molting
Tarantula Spider on the move, notice all the Penguin feathers from their molting
A pair of Burrowing Owls
The Mara is the second largest rodent in the world after the South American Capybara
Burrowing Owl coming in for a landing
Giant Petrel gliding along the cliff's edge
Land Rovers ready to go at Estancia La Ernestina
Full Moon a-rising over Estancia la Ernestina. Click to watch Time Lapse video
Lutz catching the sunrise
Ruddy Goose foraging along water's edge
Grebe
Sunrise at Punta Norte
Giant Petrel taking off
Elephant Seal pup
Blue Eyed Shags marching their way to the water
Between 1917 and 1953 over 200,000 Sea Lions were slaughtered for their oil and blubber near Punta Norte on Peninsula Valdes
A strata of Sea Lion bones strewn across an exposed area of the cliff.
Big Bull Southern Sea Lion
Estancia La Ernestina founded in 1907 as a sheep ranch still has over 5,000 sheep roaming it's 37,000 acres
Estancia's Gaucho carving some sheep for our weekly Asado, (Argentinian BBQ)
Bring on the food!
Guanaco
Peninsula Valdes Sand Dunes
Sand Dunes
Blowing in the wind
Blue Eyed Shags
Scanning the coastline for signs of Orcas
While not normally a morning person, while at La Ernestina we were on the beach before sunrise everyday for two weeks. Click to watch Time Lapse video
Another gorgeous Patagonian sunrise
Visit out Patagonia website at: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/patagonia_argentina
COMING SOON OUR NEXT BLOG: "ORCA BEACH"
For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photo website: http://www.wkimages.net
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Florida / West Indian Manatee in the crystal clear Three Sisters Spring
Safety Harbor
Nestled in the northwest corner of Tampa Bay is Safety Harbor with its tree lined streets shaded by great old oaks draped in Spanish moss interspersed with classic palm trees. With a history dating back to the Stone Age, Safety Harbor has a real small town feel in spite of being surrounded by crowded Pinellas county. We stayed with our good friend Stacey, a recent Key West refugee who treated us to a tour of the area including a visit to the beaches and nature trails of Honeymoon Island where we hiked the Osprey Trail with its dozens of nesting Ospreys, sea birds and even a nesting pair of Bald Eagles. Right down her street is a small pond bustling with activity where I found a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks, a Little Blue Heron and Great White Egret all actively hunting for their dinner. After our fun weekend with Stacey we headed 90 minutes north to visit another old friend renovating a house in Crystal River, a truly unique place with it’s many fresh water springs which are the wintering home to hundreds of Florida / West Indian Manatees.
Visit my Key West website at: www.KeyWestPhotos.me
Great White Egret coming in for a fish. We normally see these guys wading in the shallows vs diving for food.
Great White Egret
We had to stop the car as this Gopher Tortoise scurried across the road on Honeymoon Island
Little Blue Heron
Red-shouldered Hawks
Red-shouldered Hawk
Nesting Ospreys along the Osprey Trail on Honeymoon Island
Great White Egret closely watching an Osprey and its catch
Egret crashing thru tree trying to steal a meal from an Osprey. Who would of thunk!
Osprey escaped with his fish
Crystal River --- Florida’s “Nature Coast”
As you approach the cities of Homosassa and Crystal River its clear this place is all about the Manatees, as all the stores and shops seem to have either Manatee in their name or have Manatee logos and statues. Situated around the magnificent Kings Bay with its many shallow rivers, waterways and natural fresh water springs, Crystal River is one of the few places where you can swim with manatees. With the springs spewing clear fresh water at a constant temperature of 72 degrees, hundreds of Florida / West Indian Manatees migrate here to escape the cooler winter waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Our home base was the Plantation on Crystal River a small resort on the water catering to the area’s many water activities including, boating, kayaking, fishing, scalloping and of course Manatee viewing. We arranged for two days of private Manatee tours with Andy and Cindy, owners of Majestic Manatees Tours a small local boat tour operator we would highly recommend.
Florida / West Indian Manatee in the crystal clear Three Sisters Spring
Florida Manatee Calf
Manatees seem to pop up everywhere
A surreal foggy morning along Crystal River
Click Below to See Video
Young Manatee Calf
Linda swimming with a pregnant female Manatee. Kind of looks like a giant sperm
Selfie of the Great White Manatee Hunters
Florida Manatees have no natural predators, although their biggest threat are boat props
Yellow-crowned Night Heron coming in with some nesting materials
Red Cardinal
Monkey Island, Homosassa Florida
Monkey Island home to 5 Spider Monkeys is only 100 feet from where we had lunch
Resident Spider Monkey
One of the many canals near the Plantations Crystal River Resort
Star Trails
Manatee Background info
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are native to Florida. Adult manatees are typically 9-10 feet long and weigh around 1,000 pounds; however, they may grow to over 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,500 pounds. Manatees have two fore limb flippers that they use for steering movements and to hold vegetation while eating. A large, round, flattened paddle-shaped tail is used for swimming. Manatees have finely-wrinkled, leathery looking thick skin that continuously flakes off. Algae often grows on the backs and tails of manatees, which makes their skin color appear green or brown. Barnacles (found mostly on coastal dwelling manatees) often leave round scars from attachment sites; movement from saltwater to freshwater habitats clears the animals of these saltwater hitchhikers. The manatee’s flaky skin adaptation also helps keep the algae and barnacles from building up on the animals.
Habitat:
The West Indian manatee's range is from the southern United States throughout the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and to northern South America.In the United States, the Florida manatee, a sub-species of the West Indian manatee, inhabits the state’s coastal waters, rivers and springs. Some Florida manatee are known to travel up the eastern coastline into Georgia, the Carolinas, and a few travel as far north as Massachusetts during warm months. In the Gulf, Florida manatees can be found west through coastal Louisiana and are occasionally sighted as far west as Texas. Prior to winter’s coldest months, manatees migrate to warm water habitats in Florida. These warm-water sites include artesian springs and power plant discharge canals. Florida is at the northern end of the manatee’s winter range and these warm-water habitats play an important role in their survival during the winter months.
Behavior:
Manatees are aquatic herbivores (plant-eaters). Also known as "sea cows," these herbivores usually spend up to eight hours a day grazing on seagrasses and other aquatic plants. A manatee can consume from 4 to 9 percent of its body weight in aquatic vegetation daily. Manatees use their tails in an up and down motion to propel themselves forward. Strong swimmers, they are capable of reaching speeds of 15 miles per hour in short bursts. Manatees rest from 2 to 12 hours a day either suspended near the water's surface or lying on the bottom, usually for several hours at a time.
Like other mammals, manatees breathe air. When active, manatees must surface every 3-5 minutes to breathe, but can hold their breath for as long as twenty minutes when resting. The manatee's snout is often the only part of its body that comes out of the water when it breathes. While most people tend to see many manatees gathered together at winter warm-water sites, during the rest of the year these animals are semi-social as they travel around the state’s waterways in search of food, mates or places to rest. Except for cow/calf pairs and small mating herds, manatees do not need to travel together although they do socialize when other manatees are encountered. Manatees reach sexual maturity in 3-5 years (females) and 5-7 years (males) and may live over 65 years in captivity. Gestation is approximately 13 months and usually one calf is born. The calf may stay with its mother (cow) for up to 2 years. Male manatees (bulls) are not part of the family unit. Bulls will leave a cow alone after her breeding period is over. Of the wild manatees that reach adulthood, only about half are expected to survive into their early 20s.
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://KeyWestPhotos.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Great Blue Heron
Paddling Indian Slough
Captain Morgan touring Beaver Bay
Canada Geese heading to roost
Gull with dinner
Weather on the Horizon
Headed home before the storm
Lido Bay
The skies were busy
Indian Slough
Great Egret
Cormorant catching the last rays of sunshine
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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]]>Under the cloak of darkness along the northern coast of Cuba small groups of men, women and children climb into their makeshift homemade boat, called Cuban Chugs as friends and family wish them luck and shove them off to sea. Their journey will be dangerous and unpredictable as their crude vessel chugs along trying to make the 90 mile trip across the treacherous Florida Straits. Their hope is first to survive and second to make land in Florida Keys, for if they are intercepted on the waters (“Wet Foot”) between the two countries they will be deported back to Cuba. But if they are lucky enough to make it ashore (“Dry Foot”) in the Keys the US Policy called “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” will provide them with asylum and qualify them for expedited legal permanent resident status and eventually US Citizenship. This treatment is unique to Cuban Refugees and not available to any other migrants.
Bill & Linda's Cuba photo gallery: www.CubaPhotos.net
See more Cuban Chug photos at: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/cubanchugs
Visit our “Classic Cuba” slide show: www.wkimages.net/ClassicCuba
The Chugs come in all shapes and sizes and are truly makeshift vessels using car engines, small diesel motors even lawnmower engines. Some are made from scrap wooden pallets wrapped with tarps, duct tape and injected with foam, others may be made from metal or may even utilize automobile bodies. They are a testament to Cuban ingenuity and creativity, but reflect great desperation as the journey comes with great risk to life. They are primitive and crude at best and far from seaworthy. Stuffed between the desperate bodies are small bags or backpacks containing their only possessions, sacks of water bottles, small amounts of food, fuel and some spare parts. When they land they will be picked up by the US Coast Guard or US Customs and transported for processing and a new life in Miami. While the numbers are not readily available between Oct 2015 and Feb 2016 there were over 2,500 Cubans who have attempted this trip.
Traveling with little to no navigation skills the Chugs take wildly various journeys some landing on the tourist beaches of Key West while many others end up on one of the many uninhabited remote mangrove islands that dot the Florida Keys. When they are picked up by US Authorities they are required to leave all possessions behind, sometimes the Coast Guard burns the boats but in any case the result is piles of liter and garbage on these pristine remote islands.
My Cuban Chug photo gallery has images of all types of Chugs as well as some of the contents abandoned by these brave desperate travelers trying to escape what had to feel like a hopeless situation. Hopefully the US relations with Cuba will be normalized and its people treated like our other Caribbean neighbors until then it seems more and more Cuban migrants are heading out to sea.
Postscript: This "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" Policy was ended on Jan 12, 2017 by President Barack Obama and should save many Cuban lives from the perils of crossing the Florida Straits in such non seaworthy vessels.
As seen in the Havana Times, Key West's Konk Life, Key West Weekly and Key West Blue Paper
Visit our “Classic Cuba” slide show: www.wkimages.net/ClassicCuba
Cuba photo gallery: www.CubaPhotos.net
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
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Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
The sky came alive with a palette of pastels
The extra low tide grounded some channel markers and revealed rarely seen mud beaches
All sorts of shore birds wander the flats seeking a meal and the low tides provide a better chance to see our local Beavers, Otters and Muskrats on land as they cross the mudflats to their now exposed den entrances. With very few boats out on the water Mother Nature seems to come alive. In my short 2 hour Delta Wandering last night I came across, Mallard Ducks, Sand Pipers, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Green Herons, Canada Geese, Cormorants, Gulls, Kingfishers, American Coots, Otters, Beavers, Muskrats and more. Last night’s extra low tide coupled with no wind and an awesome sunset made for some great reflections. Got to love living on the water in Discovery Bay.
In one spot there were, Mallard Ducks, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets and a Great Blue Heron all looking for a meal
Side by side the Great Egret is much larger than the more flamboyant Snowy Egret
A pair of Canada Geese paddled by
A pair of Mallard Ducks explore the shoreline
The Low Tide reveals a Beaver den entrance, the mud cloud indicates a recent passage
A River Otter slinks into the water
Muskrat headed back to it's den for the evening
A Great Blue Heron chasing a Great Egret
An aggressive Snowy Egret chases off the competition
This guy really didn't like intruders on his beach
A breeding male Snowy Egret flaring his feathers. In 1886 these plumes were valued at $32 per ounce, which was twice the price of gold at the time.
A lone Sandpiper pokes about the shallows
Great Egret going in for a meal
and he comes up with a small fish
A Great Egret, Snowy Egret and a pair of Mallard Ducks
A Snowy Egret and Great Egret
Mt Diablo Sunset
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
]]>Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
A Cormorant catching the last rays of sun
Beaver on the move
A Beaver swims by
Beavers unlike river Otters and Muskrats let you know when you enter their territory with a big Tail Slap
Beaver Tail Slap
Cormorant
Beaver headed back to it's den
A congregation of young Snowy Egrets
Snowy Egrets have long slender black bills with yellow lores and blacklegs with bright yellow feet.
Great Egrets in contrast are much larger, have yellow bills and black legs and feet
Snowy Egret reflection
The congregation take flight
Cormorant Sunset
Mt. Diablo Sunset
Twilight on the Delta
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2016
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Wandering the waterways around Discovery Bay there are always interesting things to see and do, you just have to get out and about. Now as we leave summer behind and head into Fall the Delta begins a welcomed slow down. September and October are some of the finest months to explore and enjoy the unique and wonderful habitat we call home.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
One big traveling Floatilla
Hi!
Now this sure is Wandering in style
The California Cowboys playing to a full house at the Marina
Its been a summer filled with free music, compliments of the Discovery Bay Lions
Nice Light, taken by Linda with an iphone
Captain Morgan Delta Adventures cruising thru Beaver Bay
Anyone driving?
Family fishing adventure
Nice catch & release
I guess you have to hurry to find the fish
Party Time!
Awesome place for kids
Low tide along Indian Slough
REALLY! Look around, not down, Give your thumbs a rest
Great Egret
Great Egret, notice the yellow bill and all black legs and feet
Snowy Egret, notice the dark legs with yellow feet and a dark bill with a yellow lore
Snowy Egrets are smaller than Great Egrets
Your call. Snowy Egret or Great Egret?
Our favorite Paraglider at sunset
Gull with dinner
These guys are hard to sneak up on
Why are all these fisherman in a rush!
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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I recently was invited to buzz the skies above over Discovery Bay in a helicopter for some aerial photography, what a cool perspective of our community. Probably 99.9% of my local photography is at water or levee level so having an opportunity to take to the skies with my camera was a thrill. I have on occasion sent my drone up for some views from above and years ago while in a small plane with a friend I had the opportunity to do a fly over Discovery Bay. But there is nothing like skimming over the Delta sloughs at levee level in a helicopter with the doors off. We were out in the Delta doing a double super-secret photo shoot (more on this in the future) and ended up at Orwood for a classic hearty Orwood breakfast. After breakfast I was invited to fly back to Disco to do some aerial shooting of our community. To my surprise the skies sometimes seemed crowded at times. As we were taking off an Ultralight flew by, a few minutes later we spotted a Paraglider landing below us, then we saw a guy flying a small model RC plane over a field and of course the pilots were on the constant lookout for birds and even drones. Our adventure started just after sunrise.
Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Pushing off from Marlin Bay on the way to our secret photo shoot.
Breakfast at Orwood by Helicopter
Orwood Resort on the Delta
A different view of a Paraglider coming in for a landing
Orwood Resort in the distance
Indian Slough
Indian Slough, notice the GoPro mounted on the helicopter
Tubing in Indian Slough
Unlike a plane an ultralight or even a paraglider a helicopter can fly much slower or even hover in place for a shot and of course changing altitude is a breeze. My drone has a limited range and uses a GoPro with a super wide angle lens so being able to hang out the open door of a helicopter with a real camera was a totally different experience. Although I have done some pretty cool doors off helicopter photography over Botswana’s Okavango Delta, I must say cruising the skies over the Delta is surely a cool way to start one’s morning. Although our flight was short, I got off several hundred shots before we delicately and slowly landed on a small dock anchored in Marlin Bay. Overall the flight was incredibly stable and comfortable. Hope you enjoy a different view of our community.
Discovery Bay West and The Lakes
Over the main channel headed towards the Marina
Discovery Bay Marina
A western view towards the Marina
Discovery Bay Yacht Club
Entering Beaver Bay
Overview of Beaver Bay looking south
Coming in a little closer
Disco Bay Compound
Willow Lake on left and Marlin Bay on right
Marlin Circle
South Point and Kellogue Creek
Coming in for a landing the floating dock with a big letter "H"
It was a perfectly smooth touchdown
Pontoon shuttle to shore
Helicopter GoPro video by Anders. Click on image above for video
Drone's eye view of Boardwalk Grill & Discovery Bay Marina
Drone's eye view of Discovery Bay Golf Course
Drone's eye view from above Cornell Park looking West
Had to slip in a helicopter view of Botswana's Okavango Delta in southern Africa
For more photos visit Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
]]>
Heavy smoke and haze from north bay fires blanketed the Delta this morning as throngs of spectators made their way down the main channel levee towards the Discovery Bay Lighthouse. Dozens and dozens of boats of all sizes and shapes jockeyed for position near the entrance to Discovery Bay as speakers on shore blasted classic rock & roll. Then shortly before 10am the music was replaced by a voice announcing the Boats have left the dock. This marked the beginning of the 2015 Big Cat Poker Run as several dozen rumbling power boats made their way down the main channel through the haze. When they reached fast water the Poker Run participants had a virtual obstacle course to maneuver thru before they could put the petal to the metal and let the horses out as they sped their way to the Pittsburg Yacht Club the first stop on the Run. Thank you Discovery Bay Lions. Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
Big Cat Poker Run Photo Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/big_cat_poker_run
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
People and boats headed to the start
Heavy smokey haze blankets the Delta
Headed to the Marina
The start takes on a party atmosphere
The crowds line the levee
The Sheriff leads the Poker Run Boats to the start near the Discovery Bay Lighthouse.
Let the event begin...
Weaving thru the crowds
Back on track, these two made a wrong turn
Captain Morgan looks surrounded
Headed back to marina for the festivities
Big Cat Poker Run Photo Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/big_cat_poker_run
Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Heavy smoke and haze from north bay fires blanketed the Delta this morning as throngs of spectators made their way down the main channel levee towards the Discovery Bay Lighthouse. Dozens and dozens of boats of all sizes and shapes jockeyed for position near the entrance to Discovery Bay as speakers on shore blasted classic rock & roll. Then shortly before 10am the music was replaced by a voice announcing the Boats have left the dock. This marked the beginning of the 2015 Big Cat Poker Run as several dozen rumbling power boats made their way down the main channel through the haze. When they reached fast water the Poker Run participants had a virtual obstacle course to maneuver thru before they could put the petal to the metal and let the horses out as they sped their way to the Pittsburg Yacht Club the first stop on the Run. Thank you Discovery Bay Lions. Delta Wanderings Photo Gallery: http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
Big Cat Poker Run Photo Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/big_cat_poker_run
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
People and boats headed to the start
Heavy smokey haze blankets the Delta
Headed to the Marina
The start takes on a party atmosphere
The crowds line the levee
The Sheriff leads the Poker Run Boats to the start near the Discovery Bay Lighthouse.
Let the event begin...
Weaving thru the crowds
Back on track, these two made a wrong turn
Captain Morgan looks surrounded
Headed back to marina for the festivities
Big Cat Poker Run Photo Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/big_cat_poker_run
Bill’s Discovery Bay & Delta website: http://DiscoveryBay.me
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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The annual Perseid Meteor shower has made dazzling appearance this week. With a waning crescent moon this will be the first year since 2010 that the meteor shower aligns with a new moon making for some extra dark skies. While the show peaked in the very wee hours of August 13th you can still see plenty of meteors in the coming days. In Discovery Bay we were blessed with pretty clear cloudless skies although light pollution from Brentwood and Tracey / Stockton does wreck the horizon. In any case we still got some nice views over the past week. If you missed head out tonight, ideally sometime after midnight and take a look overhead towards the northeast skies. #Perseid , #Perseidmeteor , #Perseidmeteorshower http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
A long exposure of 15 seconds captured a couple of meteors streaking by.
The key to freezing stars is a long exposure of 10-30 seconds, more than 30
seconds results in blurry stars as they and the earth are constantly in motion
Star Trails with Perseid Meteor shower over Beaver Bay
Discovery Bay Marina & Yacht Club, 15 minute time period , no meteors
In ancient Greek star lore, Perseus is the son of the god Zeus and the mortal Danae. It is said that the Perseid shower commemorates the time when Zeus visited Danae, the mother of Perseus, in a shower of gold
A Star Trail stack requires a very still tripod and a series of long exposure images taken over time.
This Star Trail includes 306 individual photos taken over a 80 minute time
period then stacked on top of each other. Notice the number of meteors.
Light pollution along horizon from Tracy
Only 75 images over a very active 30 minute period, the calm waters even reflected the meteor streaks
The stars appear to revolve around the North Star
More images creates a different effect, this one is a stack of 360 individual photos
Meteor showers occur when the Earth plows into small particles in space left behind by a comet or asteroid. In this case, the Perseids come from the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle (whose last visit to Earth was in 1992). If you trace all the Perseid meteors backward, they all seem to come from the constellation Perseus, thus the name Perseid.
The same images used in the star stack can then be rendered as a time lapse video
showing the stars and meteors movement over time. Notice the light pollution along the horizon.
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
]]>
Last night I headed out on my own as my lovely boat Captain and Compositional Consultant was out of town for a few days. So without a driver I found a nice strategic spot along Indian Slough, backed the pontoon boat into the tules, tossed out a bow anchor and sat back listening to some tunes with a Cubata in hand waiting for something interesting to come by, and I was not disappointed. A parade of boats and wave runners went whizzing by as the light evolved. A guy on a wave runner named Steve hammed it up for the camera and a Great Egret landed in the tules nearby hoping to catch and evening meal. Then as the light breeze settled down some nice reflections started to emerge and the so so sunset lit up the south eastern skies with pastels of pink and blue. Later that night, sometime after midnight I let the camera run for 80 minutes to catch some Star Trails. Got to love living on the water!
Post Script: The beautiful clear night sky of the other day was replaced last night with an unusual summertime storm, bringing us thunder, lightning and a needed rain shower http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Indian Slough, Discovery Bay, Ca.
Headed into the setting sun
What are the doing?
He spotted me
Headed back towards me to ham it up
Go Fast pontoon boat
Great Egret looking for an evening meal
Wakesurfing is rapidly becoming more popular
Getting ready to let go for some wakesurfing
Great Egret headed to roost for the evening
After the sun set the wispy clouds in the south eastern skies began to alight in pastels
Discovery Bay main channel
Discovery Bay main channel
Discovery Bay Marina at twilight
Boardwalk Grill
Discovery Bay Yacht Club
Boardwalk Grill and Captain Morgan's famous houseboat
Star trails over Beaver Bay, notice the shooting stars. (246 images shot over an 80 minutes)
Time lapse star trails over Beaver Bay, Click image above to view short video
Composite photo of 8 different lightning strikes taken over a 1 hour time period
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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As the sun set the other night the winds died and the Delta waters were as smooth as glass making for some nice reflections. In contrast last night the winds picked up a bit providing some long overdue evening cooling, the highlight though was a big gorgeous Full Blue Moon. While not blue in color a Blue Moon is simply is the second of two Full Moons in a month which occurs every 2 -3 years. http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Sunset over Beaver Bay
Sunset Palms
Cruising Indian Slough
Great Egret & Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Great Egret takes flight
Preparing for an early evening wake board ride
Blue Moon over Discovery Bay, July 31, 2015
Blue Moon rising over Discovery Bay Lighthouse
Balancing on a pin
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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There is something magical about living on the water where the Delta is your backyard with it’s ever changing scenery. I'm often asked how do I get all these photos. The answer is simple, "be in the moment" turn off the TV, give up the phone and the tablet head outside and open your eyes, you would be amazed at what Wanders by. Saw some creative fishing techniques, seems fishing from a tube is the in thing now and on occasion you might see guys bow & arrow fishing. Of course the sunsets in Disco Bay are amazing and even better when you come across Jamie Eddy and his mystical flying machine doing aerial acrobatics. What started out as a terrible year for invasive weeds has gotten somewhat better, I wonder if the treatments are working? Of course if you pay attention there is plenty of wildlife to see right in our backyards. http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
The levee is a favorite spot for joggers, walkers and bikers
The Sheriff took a slow ride by this gathering
After a hard day at work, Chad enjoys some paddle boarding
Wake boarding seems to be the home sport in the Delta
You Looking at Me?
The natural setting along Kellogue Creek will soon be no more
This backdrop will soon be wall to wall homes, very sad indeed
I guess these guys don't worry about sharks
Bow & Arrow fishing
Mechanical weed removal machine
Some harvesting in Beaver Bay
Tons of weeds are being hauled out
I guess this is one way to shade your house
Got to love watching these guys
Dare Devil Jamie Eddy, this guy sure knows how to fly
Can I borrow your hat?
This little guy is a Muskrat often confused with our local Beavers and Otters
Muskrat, rat like, notice roundish body and long thin non-hairy tail
Muskrats are rodents (like beavers), notice the classic teeth of a herbivore.
Muskrats are the smallest of our water mammals, up to 4 lbs and 2 feet long
Otters on the other hand are larger and have elongated bodies with a long round, pointy, hairy tail and canine type teeth as they are carnivores. Adults are 3-4 feet long and 11-30 lbs.
Otters are the more playful of our resident aquatic mammals. BTW they often piss and crap on your dock
Two often curious adolescent Otters
Beavers are much bigger than Otters and Muskrats, have large ears, a triangular head, roundish body and a large flat platter like tail. 3-4 feet long and 24-70 lbs.
They too are herbivores, this one is eating some plant material.
When startled or when they want to send you a message like you are in my territory they make a large tail slap on the surface of the water
We also get transient California Sea Lions (not Seals) in Discovery Bay. The swim up from the San Francisco Bay hunting fish like Bass, Catfish and Carp. Notice the large canine type teeth. Most often seen in the Delta winters but can sometimes be seen all year round. Adult males can be 8 feet long and weigh 400-600 lbs while females can be 6 feet long and 200 lbs.
Have you ever wondered about the main differences between Seals and their "second cousins," the Sea Lions? Sea lions have small flaps for outer ears "true" seals lack external ears altogether. Sea lions are noisy, Seals are quieter. Sea lions Vs Seals are more adapted to land as their rear flippers are like feet they can walk on while Seal’s rear flippers angle backward so when on land they wiggle around vs walk
A Canada Goose (not Canadian) takes flight
A family outing in the Delta
A Clarks Grebe can be mistaken for the more common cormorant
Drone view of Discovery Bay Marina
Drone view of Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay Yacht Club at Sunset
Sunset from the Discovery Bay Marina
Sunset from the Discovery Bay Marina
Looks like Mt Diablo has been smoking something
The old gate along Kellogue Creek
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Week three of our BVI Adventure continues.....
Day 14 (6/23) : Diamond Cay, Great Harbor & White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
Tuesday morning after gassing and watering up we left Leverick bay in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda headed back east to Jost van Dyke with welcomed following seas . First stop Diamond Cay and lunch at Foxy's Taboo. Then we headed over to Great Harbor for an afternoon on the beach by Foxys. We even had a chance to chat with Foxy and one of his friends Peter W both of which knew many of our friends in Key West, (small world). Linda prepared a lovely pasta dinner aboard and in the morning we made a short quick run over to White Bay on Jost for a Soggy Dollar afternoon.
Love those calm following seas
Lunch at Foxy's Taboo on Diamond Cay, Jost van Dyke
Headed back to the boat. Next stop Great Harbor, Jost van Dyke and Foxys
Relaxing on the beach at Great Harbor, Jost van Dyke
Linda chatting it up with Foxy
Linda with Foxy's mermaid fountain made by Key West artist and friend David Wegman
Chef Linda making a tasty pasta dinner
Group photo taken by a Canadian tourist in front of the Soggy Dollar, Jost Van Dyke
Greg taking the ladies lunch order
We also are offering today: Caribbean chicken roti, flying fish sandwiches, hamburgers.....
Lunch at the Soggy Dollar, White Bay Jost van Dyke
Time for some shots, White Bay beach
Time lapse video on White Bay beach, Jost van Dyke. CLICK TO WATCH
Day 15-16: Jost to Norman Island to Cooper Island to Trellis Bay
Each day the winds and seas are picking up a bit, the morning cruise from Jost to Norman pounded us on the beam (side) for half the ride and we had some bronco riding as the waves hit the bow for the rest. We tucked into the north east corner of Norman Bight for a pretty protected evening. A floattilla was in order for the afternoon and dinner at Pirates restaurant. I guess we are getting too old as we didn’t even visit the Willy T. Thursday morning we headed west into the wind to Cooper Island for Tina’s last night. Got our favorite mooring ball in the northeast corner and then off to the beach we went for a long beach day with dinner at the Beach Club. For the past day the boat's high water alarm kept going off. Turns out one of the bilge pumps died so Virgin Traders sent out some mechanics to replace it. Friday we had an early start to make the hour crossing to Beef Island and Trellis Bay to drop Tina off at the airport.
Dinner at Pirates restaurant, Norman Bight
Beach time on Cooper Island
"DINGY GONE WILD" --- CLICK TO WATCH
While sitting the beach at Cooper Island, BVIs we suddenly heard screams by a nearby catamaran. While a group of drunk people were swimming one of them was in a dingy when they fell out and the dingy went wild (no lanyard). After some poorly conceived and dangerous attempts to grab it by the swimmers they finally sent a few other dingys over to catch it. When they approached the wild dingy it started to ride up on the rescue dingy near slicing the people up with the spinning prop. Luckily it all ended with no one hurt.
So what would you do to corral a "Dingy Gone Wild" ???
Dinner at Cooper Island Beach Club
Cooper Island beach
Stingray, Cooper Island beach
Cooper Island beach time again
Bill burning a design of our trip into a piece of bamboo driftwood (from Big Bamboo beach on Anegada) as a memento
Designed by Linda
Rare Cooper Island Beach Creatures
Cooper Island Beach Creatures time lapse video. I can't believe she let me do it. CLICK TO WATCH
Good night Cooper Island
Day 17-19: Trellis Bay to Cain Garden, Tortola to Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke to Cooper Island
Cain Garden on the north side or Tortola is large beautiful bay with a big sandy beach lined with a number of restaurants and other services, a perfect spot for us to relax ashore and have lunch. The only issue with Cain Garden is depending on the winds it can be a rocky anchorage, and sometimes those big nasty cruise ships visiting Road Town on the south shore of Tortola send their guests over for a beach excursion creating crowd influxes. Today however we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. Little Harbor about about hour north on Jost van Dyke is usually pretty quiet with 3 restaurants and about 20 mooring balls most of which are usually empty so it's a nice quiet spot to spend the night and get a good meal.
The first mate takes over the helm
Cain Garden beach, Tortola. Now time to pick a restaurant with beach chairs.
Cain Garden beach, Tortola
Lounging in the shallows at Cain Garden beach
Cain Garden
Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke
Dinner at Harris'
Day 20-23: Cooper Island to Marina Cay to Great Harbor, Peter Island to Norman Island.
Arriving at Marina Cay. Let's take that ball?
Erin & Greg's last night at Marina Cay
Our boat Rhona at Marina Cay
Dropping the guests at Trellis Bay only a 100 yard walk to Beef Island airport
Breakfast at Trellis Bay. Bummer we will miss their full moon party.
Cruising the BVIs is actually pretty easy. Unlike the Florida Keys or Bahamas the BVI waters are deep (except Anegada) with few obstructions and you are usually always in sight of land. Although you can find many places to overnight most boaters go to islands with bays that have established anchorages where you can either hook up to a mooring ball ($30 per night) or anchor for free. I prefer the mooring ball as I sleep better not worrying about whether my anchor (or another boat's) is slipping. Some bays like Kelly's Cove on Norman Island have only 5 mooring balls while others such as Cooper Island have 20+. Some bays have a beach bar or restaurants or even full service marinas or small resorts while other bays have no services at all. Some bays along the Southern Islands have no services but get one visit daily by an enterprising operation called 'Deliverance" a small boat which goes from bay to bay offering ice, beer, drinks, fresh rolls and pastries and even garbage pick up. One issue to always consider is ice, as it is our daily life bread to keep the beer and drink cooler going. Of course there are the bigger harbors with stores and other businesses / services which we try to avoid at all costs. Most boaters are out for a week so they find themselves moving everyday to another island or bay. We being out 21 days had the luxury of actually hanging out for a couple of days in a bay. Never-the-less mooring or anchoring becomes a daily task. So I decided to set up my GoPro on the boat's bridge to time lapse our mooring routine.
Catching a mooring ball Time Lapse. CLICK TO WATCH
Off we go, on our own again
Kelly's Cove Norman Island
Snorkeling Kelly's Cove, Norman Island
Blue Tang (juvenile)
Longspine Squirrelfish
Beaugregory Damselfish
Grunt & Blue Tang
French Angel Fish
A Birthday message to our first grand daughter, Zoe Allen
Brown Pelican in flight
Feeding frenzy as the big fish chase the little ones to the surface attracting the Terns
Snorkeling the BVIs video: CLICK TO WATCH
We end our trip on a Full Moon
Our last day, back to Virgin Traders at Nanny Cay 21 days after the adventure began. The end of a truly wonderful vacation.
Our route for Week #3
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: www.WKimages.net , www.WildlifePhotos.me or my YouTube Channel at: www.videos.wkimages.net
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
*Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses or distribution of any kind including print, electronic or internet are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographers.
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Week two of our BVI Adventure continues with an exploration of remote Anegada Island (the "drowned Island") the 2nd largest of the BVI islands at 15 square miles. This low lying flat limestone and coral island is know for some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, offering miles of beautiful, uninterrupted white sand shoreline surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, one of the world’s largest reefs and responsible for over 300 shipwrecks, it is not surprising that snorkeling and diving are some of the top activities in Anegada, followed closely by dining on fresh Caribbean lobster, conch and seafood. Much of the island is a nature reserve, home to flamingos, donkeys, goats, cattle, and Anegada’s unique and rare rock iguana. Bird watchers will also enjoy viewing flamingos, terns, ospreys and herons. Bone fishing enthusiasts will appreciate Anegada’s fishing grounds while sports fishing charters are available for wahoo, tuna, kingfish and swordfish.
Anegada dingy dock
Day 8; Anegada Island
This morning we headed to shore to pick up a rental car to explore the island. For $60 we got an old junkie Jeep Liberty (with a/c!) for 24 hours. We headed east towards the Settlement on pretty much the only paved road on Anegada. We stopped a few times to go off road to the salt ponds to track down the local Flamingo flock. We only got to see them from a great distance. Next we stopped at the Anegada Rock Iguana conservation center and snuck thru the fence as no one was around. The Anegada Rock Iguana is an endangered animal and the center is breeding them for reintroduction, unlike Key West where we take BB guns to the invasive and destructive Green Iguanas. With an island population of only 250 you don’t see many people when you drive thru the Settlement. Next stop was the north side of the island and an afternoon at “Flash of Beauty” on Loblolly Beach. Nice bar restaurant and beach with a cool coral reef with grottos and reef canyons only about 10 meters off the beach. Excellent snorkeling spot and a relaxing beach with only a handful of people.
Headed to shore to pick up the car
Critically endangered Anegada Rock Iguana
As you wander about Anegada you will see many wild donkeys, goats and cattle.
Flash of Beauty Beach Bar on Loblolly Bay
Anegada hair style
Linda snorkeling the reef with a Butterfly Fish
Blue Tang
Smooth Trunkfish
Snorkeling video of reef near Flash of Beauty on the remote north shore of Anegada CLICK TO WATCH
On the way back to the boat we stopped at Big Bamboo and Cow Wreck beaches for some more beach time and cocktails. We dropped off the car before returning to the boat early evening. Dinner tonight will be Anegada lobster at “Potters by the Sea” an Anegada icon lobster restaurant run by “Capital S -- SAM the Man” . Excellent dinner followed by a wild fun Disco dancing and limbo pole evening. Sam sure knows how to throw a party.
Big Bamboo Beach
Cow Wreck Beach Bar flip flop tree
Potters by the Sea beach bar / restaurant
Should I try a Parrot Fish or maybe a Lion Fish for dinner? nah, Got to go with the lobster
Preparing tonight's Lobsters
Anegada, it's all about the Lobster
Wow! a 7.5 pound Caribbean Lobster
Capital "S" Sam the Man, the personality behind Potters by the Sea
Yummy!
Sam the Man rocks the house all night long
Key West's Conch Republic flag prominently displayed
Day 9-11: Anegada Island & Cooper Island
We left Anegada early for a long bouncy cruise south west (190’) for a couple of nights at Cooper Island one of our favorites. Our first night we spent in the south west corner of the bay and spun back and forth all night. We also had some yahoo boater anchor way too near us (not supposed to anchor in a mooring field) causing us to keep an eye on him. In the morning we moved to the north east corner of the bay and it was much more protected. Today we grabbed some beach chairs and lounged ashore all day. Excellent lunch and dinner at the newly renovated Cooper Island Beach Club. They even added a Rum Bar and ice cream shop.
Picking our spot at Cooper Island
Headed to shore at Cooper Island
Cooper Island beach Club
Our boat Rhona in the background
Cooper Island dingy dock
Shopping time
Cooper Island
Our boat Rhona in the background
Day 11-12 (6/20): Trellis Bay, Beef Island
Today our 3 guests; Erin & Greg Spivak and sister Tina arrive at Beef Island airport. So we cut loose early on Saturday to head across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Trellis Bay on Beef Island. By the time we tied off and got in the dingy our three amigos had dragged their luggage the 100 yards from the airport and were waiting on the dock all ready to be picked up.
Our new crew awaits us at Trellis Bay, Beef Island
Somebody doesn't have their sea legs yet
Change in Plans:
It’s been pretty windy all trip with steady 14-18 knot winds from the east and southeast making certain anchorages and crossing a bit uncomfortable. The forecast is for the winds to continue and to pick up later in the week as a “Tropical Wave” hits the BVIs from Africa. Our plan was to head up to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda to position ourselves for another Anegada crossing the next day. We we called in to Virgin Traders for a weather report they said we needed to head to Anegada asap or forget about it as the winds are picking up in a few days. So off we went to Anegada again for the next 2 nights. It was actually a pretty smooth ride. Upon arrival we had a lazy day exploring the shoreline, having a floattilla then dinner at a new place called “Wonky Dog” (excellent food with more expansive menu). Day 2 had us again renting a car for a ride out to the beaches. First stop “Flash of Beauty” for some snorkeling although it was a bit rough. The restaurant was closed and our car battery died stranding us there for an hour. The rental folks traded us an old pickup and off we went to Big Bamboo beach for lunch and the Cow Wreck beach for a late afternoon lounging, swimming and of course cocktailing. The group headed to Potters for the Greg's BDay dinner and late night festivities.
Greg taking the helm on the way back to Anegada
Anegada, notice the lobster pens in the foreground
Floating with a Carib beer
Lunch time at Anegada Reef Hotel
An appropriate place to spend Fathers' Day
Back in the water for some snorkeling
Diver Greg
Stingray foraging for food
Wrass & a Conch
Celebrating our 15 year wedding anniversary at Flash of Beauty beach
Our vehicle
Sea Grapes
Erin & Greg at Big Bamboo beach bar
Cow Wreck beach
Chilling at Cow Wreck Bar
Greg's Birthday lobster at Potters by the Sea
Linda in the middle of after dinner entertainment
Day 13: Anegada Island to North Sound Virgin Gorda
After a leisurely morning we set sail straight south for a rocky ride to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. One of our guests fed the fish while we made the crossing. About ½ way across the seas and winds picked up substantially as the skies got darker and darker. We were now in an 8 knots per hour race against the arrival of a big squall headed our way. We didn’t make it, a mile or so off Virgin Gorda we got hit hard. The boat rocking pretty dramatically as the cold rain poured down making visibility tough. We zigged and zagged and finally made it into the North Sound and headed straight for Leverick Bay to get a mooring. The rest of the day was overcast with periodic showers so it was a game day inside the boat. The weather cleared for a nice dinner on shore at Jumbies.
Entrance to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda during good weather, Richard Branson's new resort on Mosquito Island
Game day aboard Rhona
Tina taking us to shore at Leverick Bay Marina for supplies
Leverick Bay Resort & Marina
Dinner at Jumbies Beach Bar, Leverick Bay
Our route for Week #2
Tomorrow we head east for a long cruise to Jost van Dyke
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2015
Check out our online Photo Website at: www.WKimages.net , www.WildlifePhotos.me or my YouTube Channel at: www.videos.wkimages.net
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
*Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses or distribution of any kind including print, electronic or internet are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographers.
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This June we headed out the British Virgin Islands for a 3 week bare boat charter thru Virgin Traders Yacht Charters on Nanny Cay in Tortola, BVIs. We did a two week charter with them 2 years ago so we thought why not 3 this time. Our yacht was the Rhona a 44 foot trawler.
We begin our 21 day BVI Adventure on Day 1 lounging poolside on Nanny Cay while we waited for our boat to be ready. Had dinner at Peg Legs and we slept aboard dockside which was helpful to get organized and familiar with our boat.
Nanny Cay Marina, home of Virgin Traders our charter operator
Beach at Nanny Cay on Tortola, BVIs
Nanny Cay harbor entrance
Nothing like a tropical sun shower, while sipping a rum punch
Day 2.... BVI 2015 Great Adventure After our 3 hour check out, we took a short cruise across the Sir Francis Drake Channel and spent the day sunning and organizing the boat at the Bight on Norman Island. Beautiful sunny hot day. Got soaked in a night time shower while taking the dingy to dinner at Pirates restaurant.
Prepping the dingy
View from the bridge of our yacht Rhona
The Bight at Norman Island, The “Willy T” in the background
Still pretty busy for June, Norman Island
A welcome fresh water rinse
Day 3 we cruised north over to Little Harbor on Jost van Dyke for a lazy day on the boat. Thinking about having a 2.5 lb lobster for dinner at Harris's
Rhona, Our Boat
Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke
Got to love that water color
Day 3-4... BVI 2015 Great Adventure; Little Harbour & White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
Last night we had dinner at Harris’s in Little Habour with the owner the lovely talkative T(S)ynthia taking care of us. Lovely quiet peaceful bay and the best pinocoladas for sure, and our lobster and grouper entres were yummy. Inspite of the south easternlies our night was pretty calm except for the bleating of the goats on the hillside. We let loose of our mooring early for a short run west to White Bay the home of the Soggy Dollar bar on the southwestern end of Jost van Dyke. With very few moorings our hope was to catch one inside the reef when last night’s boaters moved on for their next adventure. We scored a nice spot and decided this would be our home for the evening. We never spent the night here and have usually dingied over from Little Harbour but the south easterlies would not make that a fun trip back. So with a dingy full of supplies for the day we headed to the white sand beach on White Bay. This ranks among the top ten beaches we have ever visited. Pull up your yacht, dingy in, swim in, grab a beach chair have some pain killers or a Carib Beer, have some lunch, mind the dingy in the waves and just lounge on the beautiful fine white sand beach, in gorgeous warm shallow aqua colored waters. While hanging in the shallows with our cocktails Linda jumped as she was startling by the little fish nipping at her feet trying to give her a natural pedicures as they pecked at our feet cleaning off the dead skin. Believe me you get used to it and then its fun.
Lobster Dinner at Harris's
White Bay, Jost van Dyke
Laughing Gull, White Bay
White Bay
Ghost Crab, White Bay
Got to watch out for the crabs
Day 5-6... BVI 2015 Great Adventure White Bay, Diamond Cay and Little Jost van Dyke
A long day in the sun made way for an early evening crash on-board, although we rocked and rolled most of the night there isn’t much to complain about. We awoke to another magical morning in a magical place. After a lazy morning in White Bay we headed east along Jost van Dyke to Little Jost and a new beach bar we heard about called B-Line Beach Bar. We grabbed a mooring at Diamond Cay near Foxy’s Taboo and dinged over to B-Lines for a few cocktails and lunch. Nice spot to stop for lunch, good view, beach & bar games and excellent food in a classic low key laid back Caribbean beach bar scene. After lunch we crossed the bay in the dingy to check out Taboos as a spot to stop for maybe next week.
B-Lines Beach Bar on Little Jost
Shooting for a free beer
I guess I didn’t make the 10 sec self timer
Take Two!, Now that’s much better
Pretty sophisticated beer shooting device
That says it all...
Little Jost Van Dyke at B-Lines Beach Bar
Poppy’s long lost boat
Foxy's Taboo on Diamond Cay
Like a bad addiction we need ice pretty much daily, Foxy’s Taboo
Day 6.... BVI 2015 Great Adventure After Taboos we headed past Sandy Cay onward east along the north shore of Tortola past Beef Island and across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Cooper Island one of our favorite anchorages. It was early afternoon when we left Diamond Cay and we knew we were taking a risk that there would be no room at Coopers. As we got closer there was a fast motor cat ahead of us and of course they grabbed the last mooring. So being sissies and not wanting to drop an anchor vs grab a mooring ball we decided to continue heading west. It was now 4pmish and we were now late to the mooring party. We remembered Great Bay a fairly sheltered quiet bay on the north side of Peter Island. Great Bay has about 2 dozen moorings here but less than half were taken. There is one bar / restaurant called Oceans 7 there. We opted for diner on board the Rhona with a plan to run east into the wind for the North Sound of Virgin Gorda tomorrow, to position us for a run to Anegada the next day.
Sandy Cay, not much but everything beautiful
Great Bay, Peter Island
Home for tonight, Great Bay, Peter Island
Day 6/7; Great Bay, Peter Island to Monkey Point Guana Island to Leverick Bay Virgin Gorda
We awoke on day 7 for an early start as we wanted to cruise over to Monkey Point a favorite snorkeling spot off Guana Island. Got there late morning with several day moorings to choose from. Spent a good hour plus in the water with some good fish viewings, then lunch aboard and before heading east to Leverick Bay in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda for the night. Leverick Bay is a nice spot with two restaurants, a pool, small grocery store and a Pusser shop. Had dinner on shore before retiring to the boat.
PS was National Nature Photography Day so I thought it fitting to post some nature shots for today’s blog.
Snorkeling at Monkey Point, Guana Island
Parrotfish
Brain Coral
Parrotfish
Tangs
Linda trying out her new extended length 5 foot free dive fins. Her first dive was just over 3 minutes and she made it to 160 feet, amazing.
Laughing Gulls "Putting on the Ritz"
Day 7... BVI 2015 Great Adventure As we pulled out of Leverick Bay we stopped at the gas dock or for our free ice and a water top off before our 2 hour run hopefully not too bouncy cruise north to Anegada.
Once we were settled in we headed to shore to check out a dinner spot and inquire about a rental car to explore the island tomorrow. Dinner tonite was conch at Neptunes Treasure.
Anegada anchorage
Anegada anchorage
I hope she doesn't let go!
Anegada like the Florida Keys and the Bahamas is a flat coral island surrounded by reefs and flats in contrast to the rest of the Virgin Islands which are mostly volcanic hilly mountainous islands surrounded by deep water. This is why most BVI charter companies require special permission before you can take one of their boats there.
This sailboat ran aground at the Anegada anchorage and struggled for hours to get free. Lucky it was a clean sandy bottom.
First they tried towing it, Then they tried pushing it, Then they tried pulling it over sideways with a line tied to the top of the mast. We then left for shore, sometime later they broke free.
First they tried towing it, Not!
Then they tried pushing it, Not!
Then they tried pulling it over sideways with a line tied to the top of the mast, Not!
Sunset over Anegada a nice ending to week 1. Tomorrow we rent a jeep to explore
the island and do some beach and snorkel time
Our route for Week #1
© Bill & Linda Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: www.WKimages.net , www.WildlifePhotos.me or my YouTube Channel at: www.videos.wkimages.net
All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
*Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses or distribution of any kind including print, electronic or internet are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographers.
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http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Lightening over Discovery Bay
Some much needed rain
Today’s little storm was a good setup for another beautiful delta sunset
Discovery Bay Yacht Club
Discovery Bay Marina
© Bill Klipp 2015
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.DiscoveryBay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
]]>There was an interesting piece in the Washington Post recently about the town of Hershey Cuba, a model town founded by U.S. chocolate tycoon Milton S. Hershey in 1916 about 30 miles east of Havana. Milton Hershey had already put his name on a model town in Pennsylvania built around his vision of scientific planning and corporate benevolence. With sugar prices peaking during World War I, he chose to build another all American town this time amid the oceanic sugar cane fields on the bluffs overlooking Cuba’s north coast. The looming sugar mill, once among the world’s most advanced, is now a gutted, ghostly hulk and the once vibrant town has long since fallen into a state of heartbreaking ruin. Hershey’s greatest technological achievement was a state-of-the-art electric railway running 57 miles from Havana to the port of Matanzas, with his town in the middle. The rail cars could gather raw cane for delivery to the mill and ship it out again through the ports in either city, with passenger service that linked dozens of rural towns and villages along the way. Surprisingly the one remaining thing in Hershey is the old electric railway that Hershey built.
Rusting hulk of old Hershey sugar mill. Now raided by locals for scrap metal
On several of our Cuba trips our small group had the good fortune to have a private rental of the train for a clicky clack, mojito fueled train ride with live music through the countryside. While the trains haven’t changed much since the early 1900s its amazing they still run. With our Cuban band playing "Guantanamera" in the background we banged back and forth down the tracks flying past small towns and villages as we took turns actually driving the train while being served mojitos by our bartender. Our only worry was slowing the train down as cattle crossed the tracks. It was an amazing experience that would never happen anywhere else.
Hershey housing built for the sugar mill workers
Hershey main train station
Here comes our private train
Hershey Cuba Train Station
Pulling into the Hershey Station our 2 car private train arrives
Let the party begin
Can you believe these things still carry people?
Our Cuban friend Eduardo Garcia at the controls
Eddie pick a track, any track
Linda takes control as the Conductor with refreshments on their way
Driving the train requires a classic Cuban Mojito
… and the band plays on
Oh! and of course it wouldn't be a good train ride without a dance?
The Hershey Train Adventure -- The Video...
Benjamin "Dink" Bruce in his private train car
Can you imagine this as a commuter train in the US?
Our faithful crew
Hello, Hello, How do you stop this thing?
Some things only happen in Cuba
Preview our new Cuban photo book "Cuba --- Beyond the Bars": http://www.cubaphotos.net/BeyondBars
Excerpts from WP article included above, Full article at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/in-cubas-hershey-where-an-american-experiment-ended-bitterly-hopes-stir/2015/05/05/87d40942-e84d-11e4-8581-633c536add4b_story.html
Visit our Cuba photo gallery: www.CubaPhotos.net & “Classic Cuba” slide show: www.wkimages.net/ClassicCuba
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
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Little Palm has more amenities than most mega resorts albeit on a small scale. With no telephones, televisions or alarm clocks, there are plenty of activities to fill the day, but lounging on the white sand beach seems to be the most popular choice. As you sit on the beach you can watch a virtual nature parade of wildlife as shore birds, crabs and other animals wander the shallows at low tide. The only real worry while relaxing on the beach is to protect your food and drink from the rare endemic tiny Key Deer which periodically wander by hoping to snag a handout. Beyond relaxing poolside or on the beach one can go kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, flats or deep sea fishing, snorkeling or diving at Looe Key Reef, exploring nearby nature preserves on mini motor boats or take in some spa treatments and fine dining.
Our visit to Little Palm this time was to partake in Sandbar Sessions for a step back in time to see Jefferson Starship in a tropical intimate setting. With a stage set up on a small spit of sand the outdoor sandy dining area was transformed into a living room like setting with couches and comfortable arm chairs. What could be better than lounging in an overstuffed chair with your feet in the sand as you sip fine wine while listening to some awesome music. With only 90ish guests it was like a private concert in your living room. I suspect we will try this again next season.
Jefferson Starship playing at Sandbar Sessions
On the way to little Palm Island, cocktail in hand
Main ferry dock
The endemic miniature endangered Key Deer
Great Egret with catch of the day
Ghost crabs scurrying along the beach
"Ghost Crab Ballet" As the tide recedes along one of the many remote islands of the Florida Keys the emerging sands become a stage for countless numbers of Ghost Crabs in a seeming dance. As they pick through the sand, scurry about and salute each other they are always aware of the dangers that lurk about...
Great White Heron, just missed catch of the day
Cormorant
No fear of humans
Pre-show champagne on our porch
Setting up Sandbar Sessions
Concert on the beach
Linda with Key West friends Jack & Melissa
This looks like a good place to watch the show
Dinner before the show
Dining with a view
One of several dining distractions
Let the show begin
Awesome venue
David Freiberg & Cathy Richardson
Cathy Richardson on guitar with lead vocals & Donny Baldwin on drums
"Somebody to Love" video with Cathy Richardson, Check out the original(1967) with
Jefferson Airplane and Grace Slick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myVzaR8cmDA
Founding member David Freiberg (77 years old) on guitar
Donny Baldwin on drums
See Bill & Linda Klipp's online Photo Website at:
http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me http://www.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
“With a Salute to Sir Peter Anderson” a ten day celebration of our Independence supporting many local charities. Photos from: The Raising of the Colors, Cuba de Cuda breakfast, Military Muster, Sir peter Anderson memorial, Conch Republic Parade, Schooner Wharf Parade Party, the Great Sea Battle.
Check out more images from Conch Republic Independence Days at: http://www.wkimages.net/ConchRepublic __________________________________________________________________________________________
April 17, 2015: Conch Republic Independence Celebration Days "The Raising of the Colors"
Today our little Republic kicked off the 33rd annual Conch Republic Independence days celebration with the Flag Raising Ceremony at historic Fort Taylor. More Raising of the colors photos at: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/4/conch-republic-independence-i
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April 19, 2015: Cuba de Cuda Island breakfast at Smokin Tuna for a meet and greet with the Conch Republic newly appointed Envoy to Cuba with Ambassador to the Conch Republic Renier Rodriquez and Ambassador to Cuba Carolann Sharkey.
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April 20, 2015: The CIA hosted the Conch Republic’s Military Muster at The Garden’s Hotel for the 33rd Anniversary of the secession. This annual ceremony of inductees and promotion honors all Military Forces. Proceeds will benefit the Conch Republic Foster Children’s Fund run by Wesley House.
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April 22, 2015: Unveiling of the larger than life Conch Shell memorial sculpture for Sir Peter Anderson at the Key West Cemetery. Artist Chris Berube-Gray, materials donated by the Toppino family. Sunset celebration follows at Salute on the Beach.
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April 23, 2015: Conch Republic Independence Parade
Starting with a pre-parade CIA party the World's Longest Parade rolls from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Gulf of Mexico down Duval Street ending at Schooner Wharf for the Parade Party
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April 24, 2015: The Conch Republic Great Sea Battle
The Conch Republic Navy, Air Force and Army battle the "evil forces" in Key West Harbor. Armed with heavy artillery, water canons, boxes of stale Cuban bread and rolls of toilet paper the Conch Republic armed forces bring the US Coast Guard to its knees.
See the Great Sea Battle Time Lapse video at: http://youtu.be/3jbh4RpRRhk
The US Coast Guard surrenders after an intense battle
Photos by Linda & Bill Klipp
Check out more images from Conch Republic Independence Days 2015 at: http://www.wkimages.net/ConchRepublic
See Bill & Linda Klipp's online Photo Website at: http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me http://www.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
Well we made it, our first big race, "The Cow Key Channel – Zero K Bridge Run". With temperatures in the mid-80s and almost no breeze we sure were glad when we hit the mid-course hydration station. While the first half of the race was all up hill (an elevation gain of well over 2 meters) we were relieved to find out the second half of the bridge was all downhill, right to Hurricane Hole for free beer and more crazy festivities. Long Live The Conch Republic.
Check out Our Cow Key Channel VIDEO: https://youtu.be/A2AMWUNaDhM
Check out more images from today’s event at: http://www.wkimages.net/ConchRepublic
Headed to the starting line
The runners are assembling
All the way from Spain, Running with the bulls
Eat More Egwana????
Stop Choking me
Step Back, QUICK!
Space Cows
I got the space thing but where is the cow?
I know that fabric!
The runners take off (heat #4)
Headed to Stock Island
Close to the finish!
The Finish....
Did he swim across?
Ah! The hydration station
Golden Calf Awards
We sure felt like winners
Check out Our Cow Key Channel VIDEO: https://youtu.be/A2AMWUNaDhM
Check out some more images of Conch Republic Independence Days at: http://www.wkimages.net/ConchRepublic , http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me
Photos and Video by Bill & Linda Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2015 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp / www.wkimages.net
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
Today our little Republic kicked off the 33rd annual Conch Republic Independence days celebration with the Flag Raising Ceremony at historic Fort Taylor.
This week Key West celebrates the 33rd Anniversary of the Conch Republic Independence, back in 1982 the US Border Patrol set up a blockage for all vehicles leaving the Florida Keys. This heinous act effectively isolated Keys Citizens from the U.S. mainland. The entire community protested, seeking a court injunction to stop the federal blockade, but to no avail. On the Court house steps then Mayor Wardlow announced to the world, by way of the assembled TV crews and reporters, that ; "Tomorrow at noon the Florida Keys will secede from the Union!"
At noon, on the day of secession, at Mallory Square in Key West Florida, Mayor Wardlow read the proclamation of secession and proclaimed that the Conch Republic was an independent nation separate from the U.S. and then symbolically began the Conch Republic's Civil Rebellion by breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of a man dressed in a U.S. Navy uniform. After one minute of rebellion, the now, Prime Minister Wardlow turned to the Admiral in charge of the Navy Base at Key West, and surrendered to the Union Forces, and demanded 1 billion dollars in foreign aid and War Relief to rebuild our nation after the long Federal siege!
Each year Key West Celebrates with the motto “ We Seceded Where Others Failed”
The annual celebration includes activities like: Conch Cruiser Car Show, Rum Festival, Music Festival, Conch Republic Military Reception & Muster, Pet stroll down Duval, Bed race down Duval street, Drag Queen Races, Conch Republic Naval Parade and re-enactment of the Great Bloody Sea Battle, Craft fair, Duval Crawl, Victory Party and of course a Grand Parade,
Only in Key West, a place that where I can live my life’s motto: “ You are only young once but can be immature forever”
Check out some more images from today’s event at: http://www.wkimages.net/ConchRepublic
CIA Shhh! -- "Cuties in Action"
Opening Ceremony for the Raising of the Colors
Raising of the Flag
Conch Republic official colors
Conch Republic Ambassador Carolann Sharkey with Cuban Ambassador Renier Rodriguez
Cuban Ambassador Renier Rodriguez
Admiral Finbar leads the Conch Republic National Anthem
The Conch Republic National Anthem
Cuban Ambassador Renier Rodriguez & CIA Agent Linda Klipp
Mikaela Anderson with her dad the late Sir Peter Anderson
Speeches, speeches speeches
Mayor Cates with First Lady, Cuban Ambassador Renier Rodriguez & CIA Agent Linda Klipp
Blowing of the Conch
Isn't that the Truth!
Check out some more images of Conch Republic Independence Days at: http://www.wkimages.net/ConchRepublic , http://www.KeyWestPhotos.me
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
After paying 10 Cuban pesos (about 35 cents USD) no one seemed to notice us three Gringos as we passed under the arched entryway to Havana’s Rancho Boyeros fairgrounds. It’s was a blazing hot sunny day in mid-March and time for the week long FIAGROP 2015 18th International Agricultural Fair and Rodeo. Our goal was to see firsthand and photograph an authentic Cuban rodeo. Armed with lots of memory cards our good friend Eduardo Garcia an internationally recognized Cuban street photographer led us down the festive crowded main walkway into the Fair. It didn’t take long to see that we tres amigos were the only Gringos to be found among the many Cuban cowboys and local Boyeros families gathered for the annual FIAGROP festivities.
Like many things in Cuba the scene was like stepping back in time, this time though we found ourselves in the Cuban equivalent of a good old fashioned mid-western state fair and rodeo. Located about 20 kilometers from Old Havana the Rancho Boyeros Fairgrounds with it’s outdoor rodeo and grandstands is a sprawling complex filled with hundreds of cattle, horse and pig stalls. Scattered about were food vendors as well as people selling hats, saddles, ropes and other equestrian equipment. Throughout were families leading their balloon carrying kids often stopping to look at the birds, mice, gerbils, hamsters, chicks, rabbits and other small creatures available for sale. As with all things Cuban there was of course plenty of beer and rum vendors and several live music venues. In addition to the rodeo and family events such as cow milking contests there is an industrial element to the Fair as nearly 100 domestic and foreign companies exhibited products and technologies needed by the Cuban agricultural food industry.
The highlight of course is the International Rodeo and horse riding competitions. Reminiscent of simpler times in the past we were surprised at the unencumbered access we had to nearly all areas of the rodeo as we wandered thru the animal stalls and weaved our way between the cowboys on horseback as they corralled the calves, steers and bulls into the chutes. At one point Eduardo was even able to sneak into the arena during a roping event to get some up close shots. The afternoon rodeo events began with a ceremonial flag carrying parade, followed by the National Anthem. Next up was some good old barrel racing followed by a pair of young brothers doing some crazy trick horseback riding. In addition there was team roping, tie down roping, steer wrestling and good old fashion bull riding complete with rodeo clowns. The wildest event though was the “steer-tailing” or coleadero where two cowboys on horseback would chase a steer out of the chute into the arena. The goal was for one of them to grab the steer’s tail as he hung sideways off the saddle yanking the tail hard enough to cause the steer to tumble, slamming onto the ground. I suspect the folks at PETA wouldn’t like this one.
All in all what was especially nice was how organized and efficient the whole rodeo was with one event starting almost immediately after the other. Noticeably absent were the commercials between events and the hundreds of advertising signs we see littering every wall of a US sporting arenas.
More Cuban Rodeo photos at: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/cubanrodeo
Visit our Cuba photo gallery: www.CubaPhotos.net & “Classic Cuba” slide show: www.wkimages.net/ClassicCuba
As seen in the Havana Times, Key West Weekly and Key West Blue Paper
Bull Riding Video by Linda Klipp
More Cuban Rodeo photos at: http://www.pbase.com/wkimages/cubanrodeo
Visit our Cuba photo gallery: www.CubaPhotos.net & “Classic Cuba” slide show: www.wkimages.net/ClassicCuba
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill & Linda Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill or Linda Klipp the photographers, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Linda and I have 2 pieces each being displayed at the Studios of Key West "Re-Birth of Cool" members show. The exhibit's Opening Reception is March 5th from 6-8pm and will run from March 5 -26. The show will be at TSKW's new location 533 Eaton St. Key West ( https://www.tskw.org ).Stop by and take a look.
Visit my Key West website at: www.KeyWestPhotos.me
Iceberg Beach, Jokulsarlon Iceland
"Bringing Home the Bacon" ("Trayendo a Casa el Bacon") , Trinidad Cuba SOLD
"Behind Shadows"
"Red-Footed Booby" , Galapagos Islands SOLD
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Visit my Key West website at: www.KeyWestPhotos.me
Morning Fog at Higgs Beach
Higgs Beach Pier
Underwater Dolphin Video
Bottlenose Dolphin
Headed our way
Baby Bottlenose Dolphin checking us out
Baby with Mom
Marvin Key
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Paper wasps gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems, which they mix with saliva, and use to construct water-resistant nests made of gray or brown papery material. They are sometimes called umbrella wasps, due to the distinctive shape of their nests. Their nests include numerous compartments within which wasps lay their eggs and rear their young. Paper wasps are semi-social insects and live in colonies. The nests typically do not have an outer shell with the cells of the nest visible. The queen establishes a nest in order to lay her eggs. When the eggs hatch, the cells are home for the larvae until they reach adulthood. When the first batch of eggs develops into adults, they assume all of the nest-building, food-gathering and larva-tending responsibilities. The queen continues to lay eggs and the colony grows. These nests are frequently found in sheltered areas, such as door frames, windowsill and the eaves of houses. Paper wasps are considered beneficial because they assist in pollination by feeding on nectar, and they control pest insect populations by feeding them to their larvae. Unlike yellow jackets and hornets, which can be very aggressive, paper wasps will generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened.
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Now Available for purchase my "2015 KEY WEST POWERBOAT RACE CALENDAR"
Visit my Key West Powerboat website at: http://KeyWestPowerboats.me
Video of Powerboat Finals
Bill's Key West World Championship Powerboat Race website: http://www.KeyWestPowerboats.me
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Now available for purchase my: "2015 KEY WEST POWERBOAT RACE CALENDAR"
Visit my Key West Powerboat website at: http://KeyWestPowerboats.me
Linda's Powerboat Race Video
Bill's Key West World Championship Powerboat Race website: http://www.KeyWestPowerboats.me
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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Now available for purchase my: "2015 KEY WEST POWERBOAT RACE CALENDAR"
Visit my Key West Powerboat website at: http://KeyWestPowerboats.me
Bill's Key West World Championship Powerboat Race website: http://www.KeyWestPowerboats.me
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer.
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While my http://www.fantasyfest.me photo website has many photos of costumed and body painted revelers, it’s best known for my face and head shots. “Fantasy Fest Face Time” is a real up close and personal look at some of the more creative Faces and looks of Fantasy Fest and will be the subject of a new Fantasy Fest photo book I’m working on.
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
© Bill Klipp 2014 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2014 "Animeted Dreams & Adventures"
Fantasy Fest online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Zombie Ride Video: http://youtu.be/OGg_qj_JQLw
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
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By far our most favorite event of Fantasy Fest. Starting at the cemetery near our house several thousand costumed Fantasy Fest revelers take to the street for the annual Friday “Masquerade March”. The parade splits in two, each arm headed down a different route to Duval street where the parade rejoins itself in the middle of a Street Fair. Creativity in Costumes along with group costumes makes this a not to miss event. Some other parties around town include; Fat Tuesday’s Pink party, Pajama & Lingerie party, Fogarty’s Red Party, Redneck party, Dantes Halos & Horns Pool Party, Sloppy Joes’ Toga Party, 80’s Party, Pirate Bash, Pimp & Ho Party, Beach Party, to name a few. Fantasy Fest comes to a close Saturday with the big Captain Morgan Parade.
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
© Bill Klipp 2014 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2014 "Animeted Dreams & Adventures"
Fantasy Fest online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Zombie Ride Video: http://youtu.be/OGg_qj_JQLw
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
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Rain or shine the party must go on, it was an on / off rainy day but the skies held out for a fun packed evening Tutu party at Mangos while Captain Tony’s attracted all things plaid or not. Other Tuesday festivities included the amazing 32nd Annual Headdress Ball (“Animelistic Head Trip”), Tighty Whitey Party, Pink Bras & Claws party and a Midnight’s Dream – Pints & Pixies party to name a few. While the weather may have dampened the crowd’s numbers it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm or costume creativity.
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
Zombie Ride Video: http://youtu.be/OGg_qj_JQLw
© Bill Klipp 2014 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2014 "Animeted Dreams & Adventures"
Fantasy Fest online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer
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Once a year the dead rise up and migrate by bicycle across Key West in search of food and drink. This year’s Bike Ride brought thousands of Zombies to our little island in Paradise.
Zombie Ride Video: http://youtu.be/OGg_qj_JQLw
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
Zombie Ride Video: http://youtu.be/OGg_qj_JQLw
© Bill Klipp 2014 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2014 "Animeted Dreams & Adventures"
Fantasy Fest online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer..
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Bill's "Delta Wanderings" heads to Key West for "Fantasy Fest Wanderings". As Halloween approaches Key West, our little island in Paradise takes on a scary vibe. http://www.FantasyFest.me
(Note this is not for shy or prudish as Fantasy Fest is clearly an Adult only event. Must be over 18 to enter)
I warned you it's a scary event
© Bill Klipp 2014 Key West's Fantasy Fest 2014 "Animeted Dreams & Adventures"
Fantasy Fest online Photo Gallery: http://www.FantasyFest.me , Note: This photo gallery contains nudity, must be over 18 to enter
Check out my online Photo Website at: or http://www.wkimages.net , http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer..
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(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
Lunar Eclipse Time Lapse video
© Bill Klipp 2014
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.discoverybay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer..
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(A periodic photo blog of our Discovery Bay and Delta Wanderings)
© Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.discoverybay.me or http://www.wkimages.net
http://www.videos.wkimages.net / All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp
* Any use of these images requires the prior written permission of Bill Klipp the photographer, no other uses of any kind including print or electronic are permitted without the prior written permission of the photographer..
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Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2014 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp /
www.wkimages.net
Then as we headed down Indian Slough the familiar sound of our favorite Paraglider was heard overhead. After some sunset acrobatics he dropped down within a few meters of our boat and signaled us to follow him over to the Lighthouse for another perspective. http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2014 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp /
www.wkimages.net
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It was a nice calm day as we “Wandered” over to Orwood encountering paddle boarders, jet skis and fisherman along the way. The sunset was Delta gorgeous as boaters headed into Orwood for Steak & Lobster night. While Delta Wanderings IV focused on the dreaded Delta Weed, Egeria Densa, now the Water Hyacinth are blooming and are on the move creating mini floating islands suffocating docks and clogging water ways. http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2014 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp /
www.wkimages.net
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Net Net though the weeds keep marching on. Get used to it as it is not expected that Water Hyacinth and Egeria Densa will ever be eradicated from the Delta area at best maybe it can be controlled and will require annual maintenance.
What we really need is a real cold winter so Mother Nature can step in and wipe out this invasive Brazilian menace…
http://www.DeltaWanderings.com
Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2014 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp /
www.wkimages.net
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BTW I just have to say how lucky are we to wander out into our backyard and see this stuff every night!
Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2014 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp /
www.wkimages.net
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Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
© 2014 All Contents All Rights Reserved Bill Klipp /
www.wkimages.net
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Bill Klipp
Check out my online Photo Website at:
http://www.wkimages.net / http://www.WildlifePhotos.me / http://www.videos.wkimages.net/
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www.wkimages.net
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