Monthly Archives

February 2009

CaliforniaSan Diego

Tijuana River Pollution, San Diego

The Tijuana River Valley, which skirts the U.S. - Mexico border, has a huge pollution problem. The Tijuana River, which passes through Tijuana before crossing into the United States, collects huge amounts of trash and debris with each winter's storms. The plastic bottles, cans, tires, garbage bags, clothes, and sewage…
February 27, 2009
Galapagos Diaries

Galapagos Sea Lion, Cousins Rock

The last time I dove Cousins Rock, one of the finer dive sites in the Galapagos Islands, I was set up to photograph sea horses. I rarely shoot macro, but on this trip I was burned out from two weeks of diving and swimming long distances (the currents are strong…
February 25, 2009
Galapagos Diaries

Galapagos Sea Lion Pup

Of all marine animals -- I have seen many different kinds, large and small -- the most appealing to me are pinnipeds (sea lions, fur seals, seals). Here is one, a cute little Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebacki) pup photographed on North Seymour Island just a few yards away…
February 24, 2009
Galapagos Diaries

Photo of a Magnificent Frigatebird, Galapagos

One of the great surprises I had the first time I visited the Galapagos Islands was how much I enjoyed the bird life there. Seabirds seabirds everywhere! The most enjoyable to watch are the frigatebirds (Fregata sp.). Pirates of the air and sea, frigatebirds don't catch their own food, rather…
February 23, 2009
California

Geothermal Power Generation Plant, Imperial County

If one is along the southern or eastern sides of the Salton Sea, one simply cannot miss the plumes of steam that are released from the several geothermal power generation plants that are there. These facilities tap the heat that resides deep in the Earth's crust to produce electricity. A…
February 22, 2009
California

Burrowing Owl, Salton Sea

My friend Jim Campbell told me about a nest of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) he found near the Salton Sea. So while I was driving around out there, I went by to see if I could find them. I honestly didn't think I would find any. Yet there they were,…
February 21, 2009
California

Bombay Beach, Salton Sea

Bombay Beach is a small community on the edge of the Salton Sea. When I say "on the edge", I mean literally, to the point that the community is in danger of being flooded if the water level in the Salton Sea rises even just a few feet. In spite…
February 20, 2009
CaliforniaThe American Southwest

Salvation Mountain

I recently made a trip out to Anza Borrego Desert State Park to take a look at how the wildflowers are developing there. I arrived at sunrise and took a look at a few of the spots I go to for flowers to see what was blooming and what is…
February 19, 2009
Blue Whale

Blue Whale Photo in National Geographic Magazine

I am very fortunate to have one of my blue whale photos (Balaenoptera musculus) appear in the March 2009 issue of National Geographic Magazine. It is an image of a whale's dorsal ridge and fluke, taken underwater, in the "Inside Geographic" section near the end of the magazine which describes…
February 18, 2009
California

Atascadero Hills

The rolling hills of Atascadero, decorated with power transmission lines and signal towers, sunrise. Hills between Morro Bay and Atascadero, early morning light, power transmission lines and signal attenae.Image ID: 22222Location: Morro Bay, California, USA
February 17, 2009
Beautiful Views of San DiegoCaliforniaSan Diego

Coast Highway 101

The Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101 or Coast Blvd, is one of the gems of San Diego County. It takes on somewhat different names as it passes through the beachside communities of La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas and Carlsbad. It passes spectacular ocean views, funky cafes…
February 13, 2009
Aerial PhotographyCaliforniaSan Diego

Crystal Pier, San Diego

Crystal Pier, a combination hotel and pier in the Pacific Beach community of San Diego, extends 872 feet out into the Pacific Ocean. A few dozen cottages sit on the pier near its base. It was built in 1925. Seen beyond Crystal Pier in this aerial photo are Mission Bay…
February 5, 2009
Pelicans of La JollaSeabird

Open Wide

When I first viewed the shots from the day this was taken, I nearly tossed this one. "Sick and ugly" I thought. However, Skip said he thought it was the best shot of that day. I still think it is rather hard on the eyes, but I'll hold on to…
February 4, 2009
CanadaPanoramas

Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is covered with trees (at least those parts that have not been logged out yet). One particularly notable grove is Cathedral Grove, part of MacMillan Provincial Park. In Cathedral Grove enormous Douglas fir and Western hemlock trees are found, not yet taken by the logging industry and recently…
February 2, 2009