Category Archives: Photographs

Gorgeous Views of Alaska (but not what you might expect)

Yes, of course we saw amazing mountains and glaciers in Alaska. But some of the real treasures were found underwater in Tutka Bay. Take a look at some of these anemones, feather worms, sea stars, and other assorted beauties! These were all found under the dock of the lodge where we were staying. Although I also took some underwater photos, these were all taken above water, focusing through the cracks of the dock segments.

Click to embiggen the images.

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Baby Robins 2013: Day 5

Day 5. Still mostly quiet and sleeping. Skin is darkening. Feathers visible under the skin.

Day 5. Still mostly quiet and sleeping. Skin is darkening. Feathers visible under the skin.

Closeup #1 of those developing wings/feathers.

Closeup #1 of those developing wings/feathers.

Closeup #2 of the wing/feather development.

Closeup #2 of the wing/feather development.

Those downy tufts on the top of their heads makes them look like old men!

Those downy tufts on the top of their heads makes them look like old men!

No, it's not a buttonhole. It's the eye slit widening. A few more days until they open.

No, it’s not a buttonhole. It’s the eye slit widening. A few more days until they open.

All lined up, waiting for food.

All lined up, waiting for food.

Baby Robins 2013: Day 1

We have baby robins again this year! Last year I documented the 12 days of their development from hatching to leaving the nest. You can look through the archive here (reverse order of date, so scroll down to see the earlier images).

Four robin eggs in nest. The nest is built in our honeysuckle vines on our front porch.

Four robin eggs in nest. The nest is built in our honeysuckle vines on our front porch.

Baby robins Day 1! Hatched on Sunday, April 28th. So far 3 of the 4 eggs have hatched. Last year they hatched on April 27th!

Baby robins Day 1! Hatched on Sunday, April 28th. So far 3 of the 4 eggs have hatched. Last year they hatched on April 27th!

Snow Crystals captured by my iPhone

Earlier this month I had another chance to try my hand at photographing snow crystals with my iPhone and a macro lens. I’ve tried several iPhone macro lens attachments, but I have to say I’ve had the best success with the very simple Easy-Macro Lens. It’s basically a special rubber band with a lens embedded in it. This means the lens can be used with any smartphone… and even my iPad. So, on to the results!

These are the snow crystals from my visit to Ithaca, NY at the end of December (2012). I used a black scarf to collect the falling crystals, then I moved into an open bay of the garage (cold, but no more snow falling on me). I identified snow crystals that seemed like good candidates, then got my iPhone and lens REAL close. I had forgotten my tripod, so I steadied the phone with a box.

Pretty cool, huh?

(Next time it snows, I’m set. I’ve got my lens, my tripod ready, and some pretty amazing crystal micro-mounts from my brother-in-law Rob)

Baby Robin Update: Days 5 & 6

Day 6: Early morning

The robins continue to develop and grow. It is remarkable to observe the rate at which they change.

Day 5, Morning


Day 5: Eye slits getting bigger, heads darkening.


Day 5: Feed me!


Day 6: Feathers developing


Day 6: Eye slits widening


Day 6: Lunchtime


Day 6: notice the eye slit starting to open! Gotta love the tufts of fluff on the top of the head.