Rainbow over Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay, Ca. Photos by Bill KlippRainbow over Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay, Ca. Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
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)
Discovery Bay Drone Aerial Photos by Bill KlippDiscovery Bay Drone Aerial Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
One of the cool things about living on the water is that our backyard view is always changing.
Key West New Years, Photos by Bill KlippKey West New Years, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
Sometimes the early mornings or late afternoons bring us dead calm, flat waters with lots of gorgeous reflections
Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay, Ca. Photos by Bill KlippBeaver Bay, Discovery Bay, Ca. Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
...and if the water is really flat sometimes it's hard to tell which way is up
Up or Down?? Fishing in Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippUp or Down?? Fishing in Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Submitted to BoatUS Magazine Photo Contest 2019
Art Photography Category
Up or Down? Bass boat reflection in Discovery Bay
As I looked out over the back deck I noticed a fishing boat cruising by. It was a cloudless, sunny day with deep blue skies. The water was flat as glass making for some clean, crisp reflections. I ran inside grabbed my camera and got off a couple of shots. The photo of the fishing boat and its reflection was only cropped and presented upside down creating a curious illusion.
Can you tell which way is up?
Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippDiscovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
On windless days the water can take on the colors of the skies
Sunset, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay, Dec 2017, Photos by Bill KlipSunset, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay, Dec 2017, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippAll photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
Got to love those reflections
Thanksgiving, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippKlipp Family Gathering, Thanksgiving, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
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
Key West World Championship Powerboat photos by Bill KlippThanksgiving Time Lapse photos by Bill Klipp
You know its late Fall or Winter when you wake up to a Tule Fog clouded morning
Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippDiscovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
Great Blue Heron in the Tule Fog
Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippBeaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Christmas Lights Disco Bay Photos by Bill KlippChristmas Lights Disco Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
But in the fall and winter we can also get some pretty dramatic stormy skies
Christmas Lights Disco Bay Photos by Bill KlippChristmas Lights Disco Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
Although not common when we do get thunder and lightening it can be some show (composite image)
Beaver Bay Scenics, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippBeaver Bay Scenics, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
...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
Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDiscovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Of course one of Discovery Bay's best backyard views is of our awesome sunsets
Delta Sunset Photos by Bill KlippDelta Sunset Photos by Bill Klipp
Delta Sunset Photos by Bill KlippDelta Sunset Photos by Bill Klipp
Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippSunset, Beaver Bay Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
Sunset_Disco_Bay_Beaver_Bay_BKlipp_July_2018_17_.NEF
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
... and every sunset is very different, and you don't need a fancy camera to capture them
Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippSunset, Beaver Bay Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
Sunset_Disco_Bay_Beaver_Bay_BKlipp_July_2018_12_.NEF
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Sometimes it's best to look behind you to see how the sunset lights up the eastern sky
Super Moon, Discovery Bay, Dec 2017, Photos by Bill KlippSuper Moon, Discovery Bay, Dec 2017, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Then when night falls we can get some awesome views of the Moon
Geminid meteor shower photos by Bill KlippGeminid meteor shower photos by Bill Klipp
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
Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippPile Driver, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Sometimes the view is interrupted by the passing of strange water vehicles
Discovery Bay photos by Bill KlippDiscovery Bay photos by Bill Klipp
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
Disco Bay Photos by Bill KlippDisco Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
Not all the vehicles on the water are boats
Labor day Weekend, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippLabor day Weekend, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
....and sometimes docks aren't stationary
Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippSnowy Egret, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
As a Wildlife Photographer I love the diversity of creatures who visit our backyard (Snowy Egret)
Garter Snake, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippGarter Snake, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
I often find common Garter Snakes nesting in the levee rip-rap
Great Blue Heron, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippGreat Blue Heron, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Great Blue Herons and other seabirds use our docks as fishing platforms
Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippAll photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
River Otters Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
Then there are the cute River Otters who play and poop on our docks
Sea Lion, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippSea Lion with King Salmon, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Seal Lion & Gull with King Salmon Non-Cooperative Sharing
I looked out my kitchen window and saw gulls and terns circling around in a frenzy just over the water in the bay behind our house, so I knew something was up. Then I saw the California Sea Lion flipping a big King Salmon back and forth, tossing it into the air. I grabbed my Nikon D5 and a 150-600mm lens and quietly snuck down onto our dock to get closer and at water level to capture the action. As I was shooting the Sea Lion and his antics a Gull swooped in for a bite just as I was pressing the shutter release capturing what I call ñMeal Timeî . This was in Discovery Bay on the California Delta about 60 miles inland from the bay and Ocean.
Periodically an adventurous California Sea Lion will make the 60+mile journey from San Francisco Bay to fish in our backyard
Sea Lion, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippSea Lion with King Salmon, Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Seal Lion & Gull with King Salmon Non-Cooperative Sharing
I looked out my kitchen window and saw gulls and terns circling around in a frenzy just over the water in the bay behind our house, so I knew something was up. Then I saw the California Sea Lion flipping a big King Salmon back and forth, tossing it into the air. I grabbed my Nikon D5 and a 150-600mm lens and quietly snuck down onto our dock to get closer and at water level to capture the action. As I was shooting the Sea Lion and his antics a Gull swooped in for a bite just as I was pressing the shutter release capturing what I call ÒMeal TimeÓ . This was in Discovery Bay on the California Delta about 60 miles inland from the bay and Ocean.
California Sea Lion, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippCalifornia Sea Lion, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written pemission.
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
California Sea Lion, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippCalifornia Sea Lion, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written pemission.
California Sea Lion, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippCalifornia Sea Lion, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written pemission.
***********************************************************************************************************
PART II 2018 Holiday Lighted Boat Parades
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Each December we are treated to two Lighted Boat Parades
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
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.
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade is guaranteed to have some elaborately lighted yachts
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Video ---- Click above photo to see video
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill KlippWillow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
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,
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill KlippWillow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
... and while the boats are mostly pontoon boats vs yachts, the decorations and festive atmosphere is top notch
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill KlippWillow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
Hundreds gather at the dozens of house parties that surround Willow Lake to watch the festivities
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill KlippWillow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
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
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill KlippWillow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
To see the Parade though you need to know someone living on the Lake
DBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill KlippDBYC Boat Lighted Boat Parade, Discovery Bay, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission.
Linda, Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
....or you can do what we do, find an empty lake side lot and set up a few chairs
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill KlippWillow Lake Lighted Boat Parade, Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only with written permission of the photographer.
Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade --- Click above photo to see video
Beaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill KlippBeaver Bay, Discovery Bay Photos by Bill Klipp
All photos © Bill Klipp, not for Commercial Use of any type, for personal use only.
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.