Solitary Sandpipers

Several Summers past, I ventured to the Eastern Shores of Maryland in search of saltwater marshes and beaches that stretch as far as the eye could see. A stop at Assateague National Seashore to photograph the wild ponies that make the island their home was on my itinerary. Rest assured I snapped my fair share of wild pony images, however, I also captured countless images of birds. There were birds everywhere from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. These I believe are Solitary Sandpipers resting on the water's edge on Assateague late in the day. As I stood to capture this image, I was surrounded by salt marshes and water as far as the eye could see. It was heaven. ENJOY!

Beautiful Point Betsie Lighthouse

Lighthouses, in general, are very popular landmarks. On a beautiful sunny day a few weeks ago, with the most gorgeous blue sky, and just the slightest breeze in the air, I decided to drive down to Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfurt, Michigan.

I had just finished hiking Empire Bluffs Trail and wanted to see the lighthouse as I knew I would be heading home the next day. The lighthouse sits just south of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a mere twenty minute drive. Only a handful of people were at the lighthouse as I drove into the parking lot as it had already closed for the day.

I was actually glad it was closed. That meant I could have this place virtually to myself. A wide path led down to the beach and as I walked along the shore farther away from the lighthouse, I turned and looked back. I knew this would be the best perspective to capture a few images of this old lighthouse and I was right.

I also snapped a few images closer to the lighthouse as I walked up the hillside from the beach.

I read that Point Betsie is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. The lighthouse dates back to 1858. You should know that if you take a hankering, you can rent the two bedroom keepers quarters for a weekly rental fee. Considering where the lighthouse is situated along the lakeshore with Sleeping Bear Dunes close by, not to mention the beautiful lakes and quaint artist's towns right down the road, and add to that Lake Michigan's beaches, it seems the perfect spot to spend a week. ENJOY!

Beautiful Assateague Island National Seashore

Traveling to the Eastern Shore of Maryland last week, I pulled onto Assateague Island National Seashore, with a goal in mind to photograph the Wild Ponies. Needless to say, I was excited about the prospects of seeing them grazing on this barrier island. Wondering if they would even be close enough to photograph, yet reading exerts and seeing images online, I could only hope. Before I could even make my way past the entrance gate, there stood a Wild Pony grazing on the grasses. That just added to my enthusiasm. The motor route on Assateague takes you past miles of marshland and dense brush until you reach the farthest most point, South Ocean Beach. This area is perfect for visitors eager to spend the day sunbathing, beach combing or, need I say it, surfing. Unfortunately, further south the rangers had quarantined off the area due to nesting birds. Not to worry. All around the parking areas next to the beach stood the Wild Ponies grazing. Their long manes blowing with the ocean breezes was just an amazing sight.

After spending a few minutes at South Ocean Beach, I drove back out the same route I had taken in and about half a mile on the left I turned west onto the road leading to Old Ferry Landing. Basically this area has a parking lot, a short boardwalk and a small clapboard boathouse. But there, far off in the distance, out among the saltwater marshes, stood this small band of Wild Ponies. Knowing the horses were too far away for a decent image, I parked my car and pulled off my shoes. On went the muck boots and off I went trekking out into the marsh about 300 yards. Just enough to close the distance between me and those elusive horses. Mostly I trekked across mud and, well, more mud just to snap this next image. Later that evening I downloaded my images from the day. I opened them and stopped when I saw this one in particular. Boy was I happy I had gone to all that trouble. The beautiful azure greens of the saltwater marshes coupled with the tans and browns and cream colored coats of those Ponies just captivates you.

Before I left Old Ferry Landing, I walked out on the boardwalk for a short distance just in time to see I had scared up a Little Blue Heron that had been perched low next to the edge of the marsh out of my sight line. This is a Life List bird. Never before seen by me, but after seeing his blue bill I knew this wasn't your customary Great Blue Heron. I read later that the Little Blue Heron juveniles are born solid white and dramatically turn blue as they age into adults.

Leaving Assateague Island late that day after the best light of the day had finally faded away I drove south making my way to Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Yet, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, Assateague will stay with me forever. How could it not with its azure green saltwater marshes blowing in the ocean breezes. ENJOY!

Cape Cod Trip 2010

DAY TRIP TO CHATHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

While visiting Cape Cod last week, I took a day trip to visit the town and harbors around Chatham, Massachusetts which is on the southeast tip of Cape Cod. Such a beautiful, quaint little village with a very busy Main Street, lined with shops, boutiques and restaurants, along with the usual tourist attractions. I drove through town southeast to Morris Island, which is part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. At the tip of Chatham, I drove past the Chatham Lighthouse. There you'll find a narrow road leading back to the refuge. On the right is Chatham Harbor filled with boats. On the left is the refuge which is basically flatlands with various water inlets weaving throughout.

Pulling up to the refuge office, I parked, got out and took the wooden plank walkway and steps leading down to the beach.





It was a really windy day with the wind blowing 25 mph. Walking along the shore, I encountered plovers and dead horseshoe crabs aplenty. Looking back at the refuge there was a large osprey nest almost dead center, with Mom and Pop flying to and from the nest, feeding their young. I have a few photos of the nest I'll post later, but wanted to post these images of the coastline and the harbor.

As you drive down the narrow road leading to the wildlife refuge, looking to the right, you'll see this beautiful little harbor lined with boats. It was late afternoon and the light was almost perfect.



The Chatham Lighthouse is in the background in this image below. As I walked from the refuge along the beach towards Chatham I noticed kayakers paddling back into the harbor.





These beach cottages were sitting out past the town, its harbors and the refuge. How do they manage not to get blown away in a storm, I'll never know.



My favorite image of Chatham has to be this lone boat floating in the water actually in the refuge itself.



I'll be posting quite a few photos of my trip in the next few days or weeks. Hope everyone had a great week. ENJOY!