Most windows bring the outside in, but these are meant to project the sanctuary of the civilized world out into a storm-wracked sea. Built in 1796, the beacon in the 110-foot-tall tower of Montauk Point Light can be seen 17 nautical miles out to sea, helping ships find their way. Here, the view is northwest,…Read more Windows
National Parks Fee-Free This Saturday
A quick public service announcement for all you fellow outdoors- or history-minded folks. September 30 (Saturday) is a fee-free day for all US National Parks, in honor of National Public Lands Day. So if you haven't made plans for the weekend, and this is the sort of enticement you need to check out a park…Read more National Parks Fee-Free This Saturday
Beyond the Equinox, Beyond the Sea (Astronomy: Week of 9/24/17)
Well, we did it. We successfully had another Autumnal Equinox, changed seasons and entered fall. And at least as of sunset on the 23rd, the world hasn't ended, despite predictions to the contrary! It's still above 80 deg-F outside, and I'm still mowing my lawn - but astronomically, the nights are now longer than the…Read more Beyond the Equinox, Beyond the Sea (Astronomy: Week of 9/24/17)
Constant Change on a Tranquil Sea
I'm making up for some lost time with a rare double post! I wanted to share a quick video featuring a quick look at the southern barrier islands of North Carolina. I've never been one for lounging on a beach, but I do enjoy watching the constant movement - not just the waves rolling in, or…Read more Constant Change on a Tranquil Sea
Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
In Acadia National Park, Maine, the tides change as much as 12 vertical feet. Life here adapts to the timing and the twice-daily overhaul of the local environment. Mussels and sea stars stay deep, close to the permanent tide pools. Barnacles and seaweed cling to rocks, sealing in moisture when the water recedes. Snails graze…Read more Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
Dawn Planetary Lineup (Astronomy: Week of 9/17/17)
A quick (and early) post this week, because Mercury, in particular, is moving fast, and the effect will soon be ruined. This week, try and get up early. For some of you I know this is pretty typical, but even those of you that are normally kicking and screaming at 5:30am might have reason to see…Read more Dawn Planetary Lineup (Astronomy: Week of 9/17/17)
Can I Get Help From Animal Control?
I have to start by admitting my ignorance. I've never had occasion to, or really even considered, calling a civic Animal Control organization. I've relocated snakes, mice, and bats - even owls and squirrels (chimney) - out of my own various houses, on my own, or with family members. When I was young, my grandfather…Read more Can I Get Help From Animal Control?
Sunspot, Baby!
For months, it was "Eclipse! Eclipse!" Then, that abruptly ended. Well, the sun is apparently jealous of the sudden lack of attention, as this week it reached out and smacked the Earth with a large coronal mass ejection (CME) as if to say, "Hey! Still here!" So let's pay attention - fortunately, all those eclipse-viewing…Read more Sunspot, Baby!
Sleeping In On A Rainy Day
We've all been there. Lying in bed, knowing it's time to get up - but outside it's raining. You can hear it on the roof, on the windows. So you pull your covers over your head and doze off for another half-hour (if you're lucky). Scientists link rainy-day drowsiness to a lack of sunlight. Light…Read more Sleeping In On A Rainy Day
Great Horned Owl – Territorial Call
A short post to share some audio! During the weekend camping and sailing last week, we had an early wakeup call at 4am, when a Great Horned Owl set up shop in a tree directly over my tent, and started making territorial declarations in a duet with another owl about 200 yards away across an…Read more Great Horned Owl – Territorial Call
The Asteroid Florence, and Rethinking Moons
If you've been watching space news lately (and why wouldn't you be?), you may have seen mention of an asteroid named Florence. Florence is a big asteroid - about 3 miles across - and it's passing pretty close to Earth at the moment. A safe 7 million km, but that's pretty darned close. Close enough…Read more The Asteroid Florence, and Rethinking Moons
August Photo Summary
For those not following along on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ (and starting this month, YouTube) here's a recap of the featured photos that have been posted during August. Enjoy the look back!
Paddling With Dolphins!
Yesterday, we had a tropical depression ("TD Number Ten" - it never got a name) go over. Today, the ocean was relatively calm, and the clouds were breaking up. I made the attempt to get the kayak out through the surf and see what I could see. (It only took me two tries....) Once I…Read more Paddling With Dolphins!
What The Heck Is Capricornus? (Astronomy: Week of 8/27/17)
With apologies to those who identify as "Capricorns", the zodiac constellation that is approaching the evening meridian these days is an awfully strange one. Whereas most of our zodiac symbols are animals (Lion, Ram, Scorpion, Fish) or people (Virgin, Water Bearer), and even one inanimate object (Scales) - Capricornus is a... Sea-Goat? Which is...??? The…Read more What The Heck Is Capricornus? (Astronomy: Week of 8/27/17)
I’m Almost Done Talking About the Eclipse – I Swear!
Just one more memento to share - I don't have fancy solar filters and didn't spend a lot of time capturing images (just a few of the corona that I've already shared). Likewise, there's probably nothing particularly unique about this. BUT, what I wanted to capture was the personal reactions, the building excitement, and the…Read more I’m Almost Done Talking About the Eclipse – I Swear!
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 