The Billog

Octopus Mother Take 1

2012-01-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is footage from a couple of night SCUBA dives at Seacrest Cove 2, West Seattle, Washington. In this video we see a mother Pacific Giant Octopus, in her den with her egg clutch. Octopus mothers dedicate their whole life to their young, and die right after they hatch. The octopus stick their eggs to the roof of a cave, and then protect the eggs for six months while the young develop. The mothers never leave their side, and protect them from predators and diseases. Eventually, the mother assists the 50,000 or so young in their hatch, and then dies soon after.
In this video I also see harbor seals, a ratfish that goes head first into my GoPro, and more. This is filmed on a GoPro Hero2 camera in an Eye of Mine housing, lighting from a Light and Motion Sola 1200.

Great Blue Heron at Cove 1, Seattle SCUBA Site

2012-01-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

I took this photo last night after finishing a scuba dive in Cove 1, Seacrest Park here in Seattle. I was filming storm water rushing into Elliot Bay, so was ready to get home and shower. But the light was too nice to pass up, so I went onto a pier and took a handful of long exposures at the dive site. As I was getting set up, a beautiful great blue heron swooped just over me, then landed on one of the pilings. It then stayed still enough for this 30 second exposure.

Incredible Seattle Travel Photography

2012-01-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

A few new photos from my soggy home of Seattle. See the whole gallery at williamdrumm.com.

Space Needle

The Seattle Monorail

Lake Union at Night

Kerry Park Seattle, Dusk on the 14th and Dawn on the 15th

2012-01-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

Dusk

Dawn

What has 1000 Legs and Eats Fish Heads?

2012-01-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

The answer my friend is the Pacific Sunstar. These starfish are kind of the Great White of starfish kind. They feed with the amazing ability of expunging their stomaches, which then digest food outside of its body. This is very useful for eating clams, kind of making a clam chowder in within the clam itself. The animals are also scavengers, and use sensory organs on the tips of their arms to smell for carrier on the ocean floor.
This sunstar found a red Irish Lord (a fish) to eat for lunch. I came up just as he was getting the meal in order. A very cool find, and good GoPro juice.

Into the Octopus's Den - Scuba Diving in Puget Sound with Giant Ocotopus

2011-12-10T10:32:00.001-08:00

The Pacific Giant Octopus is arguably the coolest thing about diving in Puget Sound. At Cove 2 in Seacrest Park, West Seattle, the beasts are encountered nearly every dive, sometimes two or three of them. Octopus lairs are easy to find because of octo's sloppy eating habits. They feed primarily on dungeness crab, but do not eat the shell. So dozens of pieces of crab carapace form an "Octopus's Garden" infront of the den.
The octopus in this den was a huge one, measuring at least eight feet across, from tentacle-tip to tentacle-tip. You can try and guess his size by looking at the car tire in his den as a comparison. I came up after another group of divers, and as soon I looked into the den I could tell he wasn't very happy. He was making himself large and moving his tentacles around like eight slippery eels. His color was changing from pale to dark, and his texture was morphing like Mystique. I knew he was coming out, so I set my GoPro Hero2 camera down at the entrance and retreated thirty feet behind an outcropping. The octopus crept on top of my GoPro, tasted it for a few moments, then crept further out of its den. It looked around, and walked back and forth on two of its tentacles, looking for me. Soon it decided the threat was gone and went back into its lair.
As the Giant Pacific Octopus swam back it kicked up a cloud of debris, making visibilty nil as when I went to grab my camera. I could feel my heart thumping in my chest as I reached into the dark cave after the GoPro, knowing that the irritated octopus was just out of sight.
Thankfully I grabbed the camera with no problem, and got this amazing shot of the octopus. This is what billions of dungeness crabs have seen in their last seconds of life. If you have any octopus stories, or like this video, please comment below.

Harbor Seals Hunting at Night in West Seattle

2011-11-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Each winter, harbor seals teach their young to hunt fish in the waters of Elliot Bay, Seattle. This was my first time filming the amazing animals, who use scuba diver's lights to find fish in the dark waters. I am working on a project involving the harbor seals, and will be spending much more time with the animals this winter. This was the first video I have taken with the flat port housing for my GoPro Hero2 camera. The housing is from Eye of Mine, and focuses much better underwater than the standard case.

National Wildlife Federation Hike and Seek - Seattle

2011-11-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

I recently photographed the Hike and Seek event in Seattle, Washington, and had a wonderful time capturing the event! All of the kids were awesome, and were loving life as they explored the different stations that NWF had set up. Basically the kids and their parents walk a two mile hike along a lake, and stop at different interpretation stations where they learn about nature. Some of the stations were birds, amphibians, trees, and bugs. There are other Hike and Seek events in Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and lots of other cities. The event is yearly, so if you missed it in 2011 bring your kids in 2012! Check out the links below for information on Hike and Seek and National Wildlife Federation.

Still images by William Drumm, video by Scott Hoffman

Hike and Seek

National Wildlife Federation

Halloween Scuba Dive Video with Pacific Giant Octopus

2011-10-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Spooky dive video I filmed with my my new GoPro Hero 2 camera. I had an awesome scuba dive, where we watched a large giant Pacific octopus forage and crawl along the bottom for what seemed a very long time. The octopus even walked high on two tentatles across the seafloor. Near the end of the encounter he suddenly had a few of his tentacles wrapped on both of my arms. I quickly peeled it off and swam away before he got any more attached! This footage was from a 50 minute dive, but the majority of the video was unusable, too dark or blown out. The GoPro is lots of fun, but certainly has it's limitations. I am going to make a series of adjustments to the camera, and will share blogs about my experience here. Anyway enjoy the spooky dive video, I had a bit of fun with it in the spirit of Halloween...

Why Alki is Seattle's Best Beach

2011-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Water Sports - Kayak, scuba dive, paddle board, canoe, skim board, snorkel, swim...

The Wildlife - Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, river otters, harbor seals, sea lions, tidal creatures...

Relaxing With the Waves - Stroll, walk, meditate, listen to the water, do yoga, tai chi, run your feet through the sand...

The View of Seattle - Space Needle, skyline, West Seattle Bridge, Elliot Bay, Shipping Yard...

Fishing Along Orca Whales on Puget Sound

2011-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Acrisp air nips on the tips of my ears as my boat creeps slowly through PugetSound. It is still dark. I can only just make out the bluffs onWhidbey Island, and the Olympic Mountains beyond, purple in the morning glow. Ilook up from the wheel. Ten feetin front of the bow two porpoises spring from the flat pink sea, then do itagain, and one final time. Suddenly my fishing buddy hollers out “FISH ON!” I realize the porpoisesare salmon fishing too, and are telling us, “this is the spot.”

Istep back from the wheel to my buddy’s calls, and watch as he fights arespectable coho salmon, maybe eight or ten pounds, finally bringing him intothe boat. My rod pops off thedownrigger, and brings in a pinky (another species of salmon, there are five total),and just like that, we are in the fish. I say a quiet “thank you” to the dolphins breaching at sun break, anddrop my line again.

SeeingSeattle from the Sound is an entirely different thing, somehow it takes youback to a much older Pacific Northwest. The skyscrapers and Space Needle are mere dots on the horizon, dwarfedby Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. There are no I-5 traffic jams outhere on the water. Go any way yourheart chooses. It’s easy to seewhy sailors say the ocean is the last free place on earth.

Thenext fish we hook is a wild Chinook salmon. These fish are untouchable, protected due to their lownumbers. We see the small fin onits back near the tail—if it were a hatchery fish this would be clippedoff. We set him free withoutbringing him into the boat.

Kingsalmon, also know as chinook, are the largest and most sought after salmonspecies. They grow up to 100 lbs in some places. Coho, or silvers, are another respected salmon, and are thefastest salmon around. There isalso sockeye, which are crimson red when spawning, and dog salmon, which havefrightful teeth. Pink salmon are the final species. Every two years they spawnby the millions, flooding Seattleite’s freezers with smoked fish.

Wefish until noon and already have our limit, both coho for the grill, andpinkies for the smoker. But wearen’t headed back to Shilshole Marina yet. I see on Orca Network’s Facebook page that orcas have beenspotted near Bremerton, half an hour south from here. We turn our hats around and head into the wind, in search ofkiller whales.

Infront of a massive battleship in the Bremerton Naval Yard, a seven-foot tallblack fin cuts through the water. We followed our source. Now here we are, the only boat around watching afree Shamu show. The male is withtwo females. They surface every thirty seconds for a loud breath, and diveagain. These are transient killerwhales from California, traveling up the coast. Different ‘cultures’ of orca eat different things, and theseare the mammal eaters. They dineonly on red meat, mostly from seals and sea lions.

We hang out withthese giants for 30 minutes or so, watching as they patrol up and down the shipyard. Sealions hauled out on buoys watch anxiously as they pass. The orcas surface again, and then sounda final time. We grin and chuckle at our luck, and start heading home.

Doyou want to go fishing on Puget Sound? Try out these great charters!
http://www.allstarfishing.com/
http://www.possessionpointfishing.com/
http://www.salmonguide.com/
http://www.seattlesalmoncharters.com/

Additional Washington Fishing Links
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/
http://www.wafish.com/

On the Edge of World, Looking Up

2011-09-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Live Aboard Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef and the SS Yongala Wreck

I’m standing five feet above a smooth dark sea, the moon glistens off dimple waves, and all I hear are whispers of the Pacific against our boat’s hull. I put my regulator in my mouth, wink at the dive master, and stride into the black water, my eyes fixed on the giant moon the whole time. Glowing needlefish dart away as I strike the surface, and return timidly to have a look. A quick chill goes up my spine as I float in the darkness; my third dive since sunset feels the coldest. I signal to my buddy to jump in, he does and we drop to the sandy bottom at 50 feet, using the moon to orient towards Wheeler Reef. As we sit on the bottom and look around, five or six small white tip sharks start circling us, building up their confidence and getting closer, then skirting away when we give them a quick jab. Once they go back to the shadows we continue toward the reef, adrenaline pumping in our veins, waiting for bigger animals to appear. And they do.

Here is where the South Pacific Sea crashes against thousands of miles of corals, an untouched habitat few visitors to the Great Barrier Reef actually see. I am on a five-day live aboard adventure 100 miles off the coast of Queensland, near the edge of the world’s largest barrier reef. The shallow waters of the reef basin drop off hundreds of feet into another realm, where large pelagic fish, mammals and other creatures lurk. This is the sea of giants. Great hammer heads, bull sharks, nine-foot groupers, humpbacks and minke whales— all kinds of giants.

After a stormy steam out to the reef the night before, I awoke and looked out of the small oval window in my cabin, over a smooth, stunning sea. The angry ocean that had claimed so many partially digested dinners the night before must have been appeased by the vomitous offerings.

Tasseled wobbegong

I grin as I think over the trip, and the regulator in my mouth bubbles over my face. Suddenly, only feet in front of me, a seven-foot-long guitarfish swims slowly by, not giving me any notice. Big grey reef sharks come next, staying barely beyond the range of my torch, swimming slowly and seeming to shoot us a sinister stare. My buddy Condo and I exchange freighted glances at each other as the sharks drift away, staying just beyond the range of our flashlights.

I mentally make another tally on my list of awesome things experienced on this live-aboard escape—swim with big reef sharks at night. Check. Other tallies include; night dive, wreck dive, drift dive, deep dive, wall dive, cave dive. Whew.

The bar for the trip started off ridiculously high, with the wreck of the S.S. Yongala being the first stop. The wreck claimed 122 lives when it sunk in a typhoon in 1911. Fifty years later the wreck was found by fishermen, and now is regarded as one of the best dives in Australia. Twenty years ago human bones and skulls could be seen in the wreck. An eerie and surreal aura still hangs over this fallen vessel.

On the Yongala you feel like you are Mario and you just went down a green tube into Jumbo Fish World—everything is massive. Common reef fish like coral trout and Maori wrasses are transformed, twice as large as I have seen them elsewhere. But the best example of the Mario Bros syndrome is seen in VW. VW is a Queensland grouper the size of a VW Bus. Literally. The fish hulks along the bow of the ship, his eyes bigger than my head.

After the Yongala we were sold. Wherever Captain Stewy wanted to go, we were there. We saw cuttlefish at Unnamed Reef #18103 (which we later named The Big Top, based on its shape). We tore quickly along Marty’s Magic Mile, a drift dive where their was no use fighting the current to check out a napping sea turtle. So you just have to go with it. It was always a challenge to top the previous day’s diving, yet somehow Stewy always did. The days rushed by, spent diving, diving, diving, then food, beer, and talk of diving.

Earlier, before jumping in the water for my final dive of the trip, Stewy barbequed fresh coral trout, small mouth nanagai, and gold trevelli. Most people were done diving for the trip, fully satisfied by the voyage. But a few of us wanted one last dive, so we waited on drinking beer, and mentally prepared for our last dive, which ended up starting close to midnight.

Now here I am at Wheeler Reef, shining my torch at yet another species of shark. This one is a tasseled wobbegong, and it thinks it’s invisible in its disguise. The fish looks somewhat like a welcome mat, just more colorful. We get close and snap some photos, and it never flinches.

As we swim further into the structures of the reef, the moonlight makes the seafloor glow silver, in between black hunks of slumbering reef. An octopus creeps slowly out of a crevice, colors dashing across his skin like a scene from Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’. I flash my torch over at my buddy, frustratingly trying to get his attention. The octopus gives me one more burst of color, then slinks back into its crevice, and disappears. My buddy finally looks back a second too late, I shrug my shoulders and we continue.

When we are deep into the labyrinth of corridors and that form the reef, my buddy and I decide to turn out the lights we each hold.

At first we are overwhelmed by a bleak and all encompassing darkness. Seconds later our eyes adjust and a silver beauty comes into focus. The light is ample to see each other’s grinning faces. We leave the lights out and sit on the silvery sand. This is what it is about. It is for moments like this that we should live, moments that will last forever in our mind. But this one is different. There is no adrenaline accompanying it like after seeing a big shark. No, all I feel is calm. I breathe on my regulator and listen to the sound it makes. I listen to the sound of the reef, the clicks and ticks and taps it plays. I feel the pressure on my chest. I think about my last five days on the Coral Sea, and Captain Stewy, and how he has shown me the reef he had spent his life exploring.

After sitting in the dark for a few minutes and watching bioluminescent organisms have a micro space fight, we turn our lights back on and begin back toward the boat.

Check out http://www.kalinda.com.au/ for information on Captain Stewy's incredible charter service!

Seattle Photo Slideshow

2011-09-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Seattle - Images by William Drumm

A Photo Tour of Yellowstone National Park

2011-07-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone National Park - Images by William Drumm

High quality photo prints and canvases available on www.williamdrumm.com

Beating the Crowds in Yellowstone National Park

2011-07-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

I’ll admit it. Yellowstone National Park lost a bit of its mystique for me while sitting in standstill traffic on a highway in West Yellowstone. Was this what old Teddy Roosevelt envisioned? Miles of cars spitting exhaust, overweight children taking photos behind tinted glass from the back of maroon minivans? Somehow I doubt it. But alas, the Yellowstone I have seen in documentaries and in my dreams does exist, it just takes a bit more work to find it. Here is how.

Timing is everything

Do not go during the peak tourism times of the year, which is typically late June to early September. Although the weather is good, the 1200+ campsites are filled, mostly with RVs (camping while remaining indoors) and those mansion style tents that can sleep 12, but usually only sleep one snoring man, his wife, and their two slack-jawed children.

Better, go in early June or late September. The weather is slightly more unpredictable, but the crowds are thinner, and chances are you wont be getting passed in your car by slowly ambling buffalo.

Better still, if you’re a bit of a brute yourself, go during the winter. Winter is a great time to see wolves, bison, elk, and many other of Yellowstone famous animals. Plus the park is empty. You will need to snowmobile or snowshoes/skis to get most places, but many swear this is the most beautiful and peaceful time of the year in Yellowstone.

Head for the hills

Go to the backcountry immediately. Don’t stop at Old Faithful, don’t go to Mud Volcano, just grab your pack and hit the backcountry. Even in peak tourism times, the backcountry allows you to escape the crowds. You will see wildlife while driving around the park, but trust me, the experience is 1000x better while in the backcountry, absent the dozens of paparazzi harassing the wildlife. Many people may be scared of being eaten my bears or trampled by moose in the backcountry, but as long as you have an iq over 90, and better luck than Christopher McCandless, you will be fine. Follow the rules, let the rangers know where your going, and enjoy the peace and solitude afforded by the part of the park less than 1% of the 3,000,000 visitors per year actually see.

Adapt

Just like the migrating bison and hibernating grizzlies, you must adapt to find the slice of the park you seek. Make your reservations ahead of time, but be prepared to change your plans on arrival. Talk to the rangers and the locals to see which campgrounds are full, what backcountry sites are closed, and where the wildlife has been spotted. Things like runoff, bear activity, and other natural events make some of the areas off-limits. So plan ahead, but be prepared to strike your plans and draw up new ones when circumstance demands. Follow these plans and find your own double-rainbow in YNP!

Where is your favorite place to get away from the crowds in YNP? Comment below!

How to Not Get Killed by a Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone National Park

2011-07-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Just a week or so after my trip to the Yellowstone backcountry, a 57-year-old hiker was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear. The hiker was with his wife near Canyon Village in the center of the park, when the two came upon a mother grizzly and her cub. The woman was able to escape, but her husband was mauled to death by the enraged bruin. This sad story makes one reflect on the dangers of the wilderness, but their are many ways to minimize the danger of wild animals. Here are some tips to help you from ever being devoured by a hungry grizzly, or any other wild beast for that matter.

1. Everything smells like cupcakes.

If you are a bear your nose is thousands of times more powerful than a humans. That, coupled with the fact that you are 600 lbs of hungry omnivore, means that you can smell everything - and everything smells good. Every spilled drop of bear, or toothpaste in your fire pit, smell like a lovely treat to an insatiable bear. Pay attention to toiletries and other things you normally think of as safe. Always hang toothpaste, deodorant, lubricating jelly (that's why you came to the backcountry?!), first aid ointments, and gas camp canisters, which leak out a small amount of delicious butane. One of the most important thing to do in bear country is not make any smells. Always hang your food at least 20 feet up a tree, to help the scent drift harmlessly away. Also camp at least 100 yards from your campfire and your hanging food, just encase the smells still reach the bear, hopefully you'll be far enough away not become human jerky.

2. Shout. Let it All Out.

When you are traversing bear country the worst thing you can do is startle a bear, just ask 9 out of 10 bear attack victims, oh wait, you can't. So sing out for the love of life. Rap, yodel, beatbox, shout out to Ja, call, holler, sing, make noise. Clap your hands and play your harmonica. Let those bears know your coming, so they get out of your way before it's too late. Pay special attention to any blind corners, never go through an area before your voice has already echoed through.

3. Bear spray. Never leave camp without it.

Not only should you always carry bear spray when in the Yellowstone backcountry, but you should be prepared to use it. Many people get the spray, then secure it beneath a few bungies on the back of their back. What the hell are you going to do when the bear charges! Take your pack off and undo the cords? No. Your going to get eaten. You paid $40 for the stuff, and you carried it all the way from Hodonk Mississippi, so you might as well use it. Always secure your bearspray where you can pull it faster than Billy the Kid did his six shooter. Right near your chest, on an easily detachable or maneuverable connecting piece. Also make sure you know how to use the bear spray, don't think you will have time to read the instructions while a pissed off grizzly is about to shoulder check you.

4. Don't be an idiot.

The final, and perhaps most important rule to staying safe in bear country is to not be an idiot. Hard for some to accomplish I know, but this single rule will protect you more than all the others combined. Bears typically attack under one of four circumstances; they are startled at close range, they are defending their cubs or a kill, or they are harassed. Don't do those things and you're golden. Pay attention to where you're at in the backcountry. If you step in a big steaming mess of poo with a elk jaw in it, you had better be careful. Do not approach a bear for any reason. If you see a bear, hope it doesn't see you, and get out of the area. So what if you have to walk off the trail and add an hour to your hike? Better than getting Timothy Treadwelled because you're lazy and careless.

What advice do you have for staying safe in bear country?

This is a great source for info on bear safety, check it out!

http://www.bearsmart.com/

Info on the recent bear attack...

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=14015725

Fourth of July on Lake Union

2011-07-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Family 4th on Lake Union

There is no better place to see bright things go BOOM than on Lake Union in Seattle on July 4th. Tens of thousands swell the waterfront areas all around the lake, especially in Gasworks Park, where the National Anthem is sung and Seattleites sing and cheer as the fireworks pop. These photos are taken from West Lake Ave. North. If you can manage to find a parking place this is a great spot to see the fireworks. Walk along Westlake and look for parking lots or businesses that offer a place to setup shop and watch the pyrotechnics, which are shot off from a barge a couple hundred meters south of Gasworks.

Where is your favorite fireworks show? Comment below!

Seattle - Images by William Drumm

5 of Yellowstone's Most Amazing Geysers

2011-07-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Despite the crowds and traffic, the sheer natural beauty of Yellowstone’s geothermal hotspots is a serious must-do in the park. I recommend dedicating one day of your Yellowstone National Park trip to inhaling all the sulfur possible. One day is all you really need, unless you are some kind of geology freak who just can’t get enough bubbly fluids (not that kind). Here are my favorite geysers and thermal pools in the park.

Which one is your favorite?

Opal Pool, Midway Geyser Basin

Black Pool, West Thumb Geyser Basin

Fountain Geyser, Lower Geyser Basin

Seismograph Spring, West Thumb Geyser Basin

Old Faithful

See more images of Yellowstone's geysers on my photography page here

Stumbling on a Bear in the Yellowstone Backcountry

2011-07-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

I’m walking through a meadow dotted with brilliant violet wildflowers in the Yellowstone backcountry. My camera and tripod are slung over my shoulder as I creep quietly in the fading light of a Wyoming evening. To my right the Slough Creek rips through the terrain, brown with runoff and breaking its banks. I stop for a moment to look around, my campsite is a mile behind me, and I can see smoke drifting off into the horizon.

I stop in my tracks. A creature, more dinosaur than bird, just walked in my path. The bird stands at least four feet tall, and calls loudly as its slender legs carry it across the meadow. What is that? It looks like an emu and a heron made a love child, only it has a red crown and brilliant gold eyes. After a moment of confusion, I realize it is a sandhill crane. I have never seen one before, and I stand in awe of its sheer size and subtle grace.

I snap a few photos, creep closer, and try not to disturb the velociraptor looking bird. It cuts into the woods, then around the other side of a rocky outcropping. I climb the hill, and try and cut it off on the other side of the outcropping. The bird’s calls echo over the valley, and I use the sound to guide me.

There it is! I catch a photo or two before losing it again.

Once more, I try and cut if off further around the hill. I get to the top, and in front of me, on the other side of a meadow, is a large brown colored bear. Both the crane and the bear are now right in front of me! I settle into a position behind a Boulder, and begin shooting.

This is my first time seeing both of these animals in the wild. The bear eats grass, scratches itself, and walks slowly along the tree line, towards my camp. The crane flies off squawking. I stay for 10 minutes, shooting the bear from a distance, then decide to head back and secure my camp before the bear gets any closer.

Have you had any experiences with bears? Tell me about them!

Thoughts Before my Trip to Yellowstone

2011-06-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

As I sit here going over my final preparations before hitting the sack a couple hours and making the drive to Yellowstone, I think of what inspired this journey East.

It all started just over a year ago now, when I left my beloved Denver to follow my dreams and heart to the West Coast. I had my life in my gold Chevy Impala, and was driving over the plains in route to Seattle. The last of my boxes rode shotgun as the miles stretched out in front of me, until at last I arrived in Gardener, Montana on the border of Yellowstone National Park. It was April 1, and snow sprinkled in the starlight as I pulled into a cheap motel.

The next day I woke before light and drove into the park. Bighorn sheep crossing the snowy road and elk in the purple morning were the first creatures to greet me.

With 90% of the park still under snow, I had to follow a plow truck slowly into the Lamar Valley, which was the only place open. I was in awe of the massive herds of bison I saw along the road, gathered together for warmth. Two coyotes darted out from behind one of the bison and off into the white forest. Despite the freezing temperatures I saw incredible things, just driving back and forth on that one open road.

I only stayed until around noon, then got back on the road to meet my baby in Seattle. But I vowed as I pulled slowly through Mammoth Hot Springs that I would be back. So I am making good on that, only a year later, and giving America's Great Park the time it deserves.

Here are the photos from the last time I was in Yellowstone

http://www.thebillog.com/2010/04/yellowstone-national-park-part-1.html

3 Best Wildlife Viewing Spots on San Juan Island

2011-06-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with the San Juan Islands years ago, on a trip to Washington while still living in Denver. I now go often, but find something incredible about the island every time. But the wildlife on San Juan is by far its greatest draw for me. I have sat upon a cliff, overlooking Haro Straight and British Columbia, while killer whales, river otters, and a harbor seals all go about their business in front of me simultaneously. Here are my favorite spots for wildlife encounters, but go check them out for yourself!

3) Lime Kiln and Dead Man's Cove
The lighthouse and overlook at Lime Kiln is a popular tourist spot to search for killer whales. The view of the lighthouse and the Puget Sound behind it is beautiful, but there is more to Lime Kiln than the light house. Nesting birds including green sparrows can be found in the cliffs just south of the lighthouse. A short hike away from there takes you to Dead Mans Cove, where river otters, harbor seals, and sea lions (Californian and Stellar) can be found, especially in the early morning. Of course, also keep an eye on the horizon for Orca and porpoise.

2) American Camp and Cattle Point

A pleasant ten minute drive south from Friday Harbor takes you to American Camp, an area of bluffs, rocky beaches, and grassy meadows. The meadows are home to many red fox, which have lost most of their fear of humans. The foxes will approach, stay calm and of course never ever feed any wildlife. I had a bright red fox, a black fox, and gold fox all approach in one day. Also watch for birds on the waters and the nearby island off the tip of Cattle Point. Look for pigeon guillemot, black oystercatchers, and if your lucky a tufted puffin. This is also a good place to se seals and sea lions.

1) San Juan County Park
The best spot for viewing wildlife on San Juan Island is San Juan County Park, a small and picturesque park North of Lime Kiln. I have heard stories of orca and humpbacks coming within 30 feet of shore here, and to me this is one of the most special places on our planet. Despite the small size, I have seen more wildlife here than the rest of San Juan combined. Smallpox Bay near the entrance is a great place to see harbor seals, do not be surprised to see one splashing around creating a ruckus. Belted kingfishers hunt in the bay as well, splashing down after their prey. Put your food away or foxes and raccoons are likely to get some. Also watch for deer, river otter, and shore birds. Bald eagles are also common. It is best to camp here, as the park is tiny and best for relaxing and waiting for wildlife to come to you.

Have you ever been to these places? What did you see while on San Juan Island?

San Juan Island, Washington

2011-06-13T22:06:00.001-07:00

San Juan Island - Images by William Drumm

Welcome to Drumm Photography 2.0...The BilLog

2011-06-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

This is the story of a man of many names - Barnacle Bill, The BillDozer, Mr. 100$Bill, The Billionaire, BillBo, BillyGoat, Bill DoTreef - but mostly, just a man named Bill.

In the BilLog (say it five times fast, do it) I will share with you the photos and tales from my traveling life. I'm living in the foggy city of Seattle now, where I spend my time hunting out killer hikes in the Olympics, searching for wildlife at Alki Beach, and following the L-Pod of Orca from British Columbia down to San Juan Island. In the rainy winter I maintain my sanity with trips South of the Border, and have favorite beaches in nearly every Central American country.

See something you like? Say it! Want advice on chicken busses in Guatemala or dive spots in Washington? Just ask! Subscribe! Comment! Also use the share buttons (thats what they are there for) to spread the word of Bill.

Make sure you check out my photography website too, all purchases go into helping me explore and document our incredible Earth.

-Bill

Whales and Lobster on Thanksgiving - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2011-01-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Dawn breaks over Puerto Vallarta on Thanksgiving Day, 2010.

Just imagine for a moment the smell of eucalyptus, the feel of a Pacific breeze, and the taste of a piña colada on your tongue. All of this while sitting on the patio in your robe, overlooking a red sun dip over the side of the world. Welcome to Villa Premier, an intimately small resort where luxury is personal and relaxation is guaranteed.

The eucalyptus scent wafts out from the cracked door to my ocean-view room (all the rooms have an ocean view). Eucalyptus is supposedly good for health and longevity; it was one of several choices of herbal additions to the room. I breathe in deeply. I chose wisely.

Today is Thanksgiving and I’m here in 80 degree weather, south of the border in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I’m use to to a big meal with lots of family and friends and turkey on this holiday. Instead I just got back from a day of scuba diving, watching humpback whales, drinking fruity drinks, and Electric Sliding on a boat, so I’m not going to complain.

The previous night, after spending a hard day lounging poolside with my girlfriend, we realized we had no plans for Thanksgiving. We dropped by and chatted with the concierge, and she set us up in minutes. Scuba in the morning with Vallarta Adventures, and reservations for a lobster dinner. Easy.

The steam out to Las Marietas was intermittently stalled by calls of “BALLENA!”(Spanish for whale) from excited passengers. The whales usually do not show up in Banderas Bay until the middle of December, so something made them come early. We gathered along the rails of the boat, scanning the horizon for the animals. Then one would surface, and everyone, myself included, would gasp in awe of the beautiful creatures.

The diving wasn't what I was hoping for, visibility was bad, and the other divers in my group had issues. One lost his weight belt and I had to put it back on him, and another got tangled in a line and started freaking out. When not dealing with the other divers, I saw some beautiful things. A seahorse greeted us near the start of our dive, clinging to a branch convinced it was invisible. Lots of banded eels swam freely, looking more like snakes than fish. The dive master spotted several nudibranchs, or sea slugs, in all sorts of colors.

On the boat ride back the staff kicked it up a notch, dancing, singing, and getting people to party. With the open bar at full tilt, the 50 or so people onboard were really getting into it. From the Macarena to the YMCA, it was done on the bow of that boat. The music stopped only for one more ballena sighting, and we all partied until they kicked us off back in Puerto Vallarta.

Now I’m back in the room, and thoughts of my first whale watching experience bring an even bigger smile to my eucalyptus-loving face. I head into my room, and leave the door open to hear the waves as I drift off on an early evening Thanksgiving nap.

I awake and enjoy the bed, and my specially chosen pillow, which is medium-soft. Slowly, my girlfriend and I arise, take a dip in the pool, and get dressed for dinner.

The restaurant, El Palomar de los Gonzales, turned out to be high up the hillside, overlooking Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta. We drank a bottle of cabernet, ate New York strip and lobster, and were Thankful for vacation—and this place.

Villa Premier - http://www.premiereonline.com.mx/

Vallarta Adventures - http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/

Skagit River Bald Eagles

2011-01-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Wayne’s drift-boat has been described as the Cadillac of the Skagit River tour boat industry. Complete with propane heat and room for eight fat tourists toting sandwiches and cameras, it's no surprise.

Wayne mans the two large oars of the ship, spinning and steering the boat as it slides downstream, missing obstructions and guiding us down the massive Skagit River. Snow had fallen the night before, and the air is crisp and clear with cotton-topped peaks surrounding the river valley. Breathtaking views are even more so with two or three bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) souring on the horizon.

I’m here on a Skagit River Eagle Tour, enjoying the propane heat and the endless eagles perched on the mossy limbs of trees overhead. Nowhere else in the lower 48 does our national symbol gather in such numbers. The birds are after the huge salmon runs in the Skagit, which brings food and nutrients inland from the Pacific. Eagles can live thirty years in the wild and have a wingspan of up to eight feet, seeing one eagle is cool, seeing hundreds is ridiculous.

As we pass the first mile of the eight-mile float tour, we all are in awe of a tree with four eagles in it. Wayne Ackerlund, owner and guide of Skagit River Guides, laughs and tells us that he has seen groups of over 60 birds, flying in a Jurassic cloud of feathers and talons. The eagles are everywhere.

After three miles Wayne takes us down some fast moving water and out into a long flat stretch in a valley. He secures the oars and reaches under his seat for a silver jug of boiling water. This made for the best hot chocolate I have ever had. I’m not sure if it was the packets of powdered coco that were so good, or just that I was floating down a crystal river surrounded by raptors while drinking it.

We continue another couple of miles down river, and the eagles are more abundant and closer at every turn. Two of them grapple in midair high above. Seven white heads stare from one tree. Three immature eagles-brown in color- also look out from this tree, but blend in with the Northwest flora. Bald eagles are brown or molded until they reach three years of age, then mature and go bald—that is the feathers on their head turn white. Both male and female bald eagles have the bright white heads, but females are much larger than males.

By 1970 bald eagles were almost non-existent in the lower 48, partly due to downstream affects of DDT and other pesticides in the eagles environment. But efforts to revive their numbers were a huge success, and now the birds are found throughout the US and as far south as Mexico. But nowhere else can you see eagles like this…Salmon are found in rivers all along the Pacific, and in greater numbers. There is something else about this river valley, something that makes the eagles prefer this stretch of water more than any other.

Near the end of the tour, Wayne maneuvers the boat into a small lagoon off the river. Around the still dark water of this inlet perch dozens of eagles, staring from just overhead. A huge female on a moss-covered branch locks her big yellow orbs on my own eyes. She stares at me, tilts her head sideways and studies my glare. Then she rocks back, lifts her tail feathers, and squirts a projectile white and black slick in the water. SPLAT. No wonder the eagles choose the Skagit as their winter get away, they can stair at the fiercest predators on the planet, and take a crap.

Across the inlet a trumpeter swan takes off after a running start, splashing its feet clumsily while lifting off. We push out back into the river, fully satisfied.

I must have seen 300 eagles on that eight-mile stretch of Skagit. Wayne steered us true, and that ark of a boat took us into a prehistoric America, hard to find. An incredible wildlife experience, and what the Pacific Northwest is all about.

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)

Video by Joshy Washington

Check out the Skagit River Eagle Tour website! - http://skagiteagles.com/

Bald eagle info- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_Eagle

View Larger Map

Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-21T00:52:00.000-08:00

Puerto Vallarta Dining

2010-12-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Mexico is a land with as many flavors as it has beaches. But nowhere better can one experience the culinary traditions of Mexico than in the tourist hot spot of Puerto Vallarta. A walk along the Malecon and up through the cobble stoned streets lies hidden treats of world-class proportions. Try a crab stuffed rellano at Si Senor, or take a trip up the hill to El Palomar de los Gonzales, where you can lookout on Puerto Vallarta while eating scrumptious lobster and drinking great, yet affordable, wine. Do yourself a favor and visit these places while in Puerto Vallarta, you wont regret it!

Si Señor http://www.sisenor.mx/index.php

With trees growing through the floor and a massive wall of statues, this place offers more than gourmet Mexican food. Margaritas come out with a pyramid of ice cubes in the center of the glass, and the server pours copious amounts of good tequila over the ice mountain. The blended fruit margaritas are some of the best around, and have chunks of fresh strawberries or mangos—also topped with mas tequila. For an appetizer, the calamari is unique and delicious. The squid is sautéed in garlic butter and chopped into cubes. Its flavor is a bit similar to escargot, rich and tender. The mole sauces are incredible, and the kitchen offers two, a spicy and a sweet, both great. Ask your server to describe them for you. Or try the crab rellanos, stuffed with cheese and crab meat and fried in a large pablano chili. Desert lovers will appreciate the flan, and the homemade ice cream. The great food, combined with the professional and funny staff, make Si Señor a must in Puerto Vallarta.

El Palomar de los Gonzales www.virtualtourist.com/

A short cab ride up the hill and though town will take you to El Palomar de los Gonzalez, a relaxed fine-dining restaurant with the best lobster in Puerto Vallarta. The seating area consists of two balconies on the face of a steep hill, giving every table an immaculate view, day and night. Cooks wheel out a cart and prepare a fresh salad at your table. While here it’s worth spending the extra pesos and getting the surf and turf. The lobster is grilled perfectly, and the butter sauce is deep in chunks of garlic and slightly acidic with lemon juice, fantastic. The steak is a juicy NY Strip, and with red potatoes and fresh steamed veggies, its worth the extra coin.

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack www.joejacks-fishshack.com/

Opened by San Francisco chef Joe Jack in 2005, the Shack is a favorite among visitors and expats. It a fun, fast paced seafood joint where they have perfected grilling whole fish. The seating is mainly upstairs, and you pass through the incredibly small kitchen on your way to the table. The kitchen is like grandma’s house during Thanksgiving, with the chefs bumping elbows and working hard to get your fish out. The Fish Shack is also known for its drinks—the ginger mojito is a great twist on this classic Cuban drink. Don’t miss out on the bucket of shrimp; although I usually am not too impressed by shrimp cocktail, the prawns are fresh and big and drenched in lime. While here, get the fish. The whole snapper is beyond delicious, the meat is flavorful and juicy and easy to eat. If you’re interested in trying something different, the pulpo a la plancha is tasty. It’s octopus cooked with chorizo, potatoes, and black olives, and is tender and flakey and wonderful.

Le Kliff www.lekliff.com/eng/

Perched on towering cliffs south of Puerto Vallarta, Le Kliff is perhaps the most famous restaurant in the region. The vistas here are beautiful, and Le Kliff specializes in both fine dining and events. The restaurant is on a series of levels going down a cliff toward the sea, with hidden trails connecting small lookouts. Make sure to get there before sunset, so you can explore and take photos while the sun dips behind the jungle across the bay. The seafood enchiladas are a smorgasbord of flavor, with octopus, shrimp, and scallops, as well as chipotle, pineapple, and manchego cheese, fantastic. Try the seafood platter for two, with lobster, catch-of-the-day, prawns, and steak. The steak is juicy and cooked well, and the prawns are giant. The chipotle prawns in a creamy sauce are also incredible. For desert, get a flaming coffee—it’s a nightcap with some excitement. The server brings out several bottles of booze, and mixes a cocktail of fire that he pours from a silver vase to your cup, melting sugar around the rim and flaming on your table. After the flames go out, take a sip of the sweet coffee drink and your belly is instantly warm, not all that alcohol burns off!

Photo and text by William Byrne Drumm

Fall Abstract Photos

2010-11-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

University of Washington Arboretum

2010-10-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Hawks and Falcons

2010-10-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

A peregrine falcon chops on lunch, a quail that took only minutes to finish off, at the Woodland Park Zoo on Oct. 6, 2010. Peregrines are the fastest animal alive, period. They cruz at around 55 mph, but when diving on a helpless quail or your tiny chihuahua Micky, they can reach 240 mph! Check out his awesome video about them diving here.

A Harris's hawk disappears in shadows of a sunny day in Seattle. These hawks are the only raptors that live and hunt socially, using teamwork to spook prey out of undergrowth while their amigos pounce! Check out a National Geographic video here.

My favorite and the most often seen hawk, a red-tailed hawk raises its feathers at the zoo. Check out this video of a red-tailed hawk killing and eating a rattle snake!

The peregrine falcon screams from its razor sharp beak mid-snack.

Flamingo Love and Parenting

2010-10-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

A young flamingo beckons its mother from snug under the her wing. At this age the chick is hidden in its mother's feathers most of the day.

Both the mother and father flamingo care for their young, feeding and protecting them until the chick is ready to fend for its self. The parents secrete a 'crop milk' from glands in the digestive track, which is then fed orally to the chick.

Two flamingos embrace in the mating act at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. The male flamingo walks up behind the receptive female, then climbs and stands on the back of the female while copulating.

Seal Pup at Alki, West Seattle

2010-09-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Before seeing the fisherman I could smell the candied smoke from his Swisher Sweet. It smelled good, but I didn't have long to dwell on the scent, because suddenly in front of me was the precious baby harbor seal I had come to Alki to find. The silvery animal was lying on the beach like a tired puppy, looking up at my girlfriend and I from big black eyes. We dropped and took cover, then made our way around some rocks to a place where we could see the seal but not disturb it. Seals that come here to rest are often exhausted, and lying on the beach undisturbed can be vital for them surviving at all. Now we were above and behind him, shooting photos down at him without him seeming to care. He was beautiful, and was using the quiet day to sleep and recover, hopefully while his mother hunted fish in Elliot Bay.

Slowly the smell from the cheap cigar grew in strength, as the fisherman marched slowly up the beach toward the baby seal. He wasn't going for the seal, just up the beach, and the seal was in his way. We tried to silently tell the fisherman to stop, by holding up our hands palm forward. When it was clear he didn't care to stop, I told him, "Please leave it alone."

He just just kept the same slow march, until the tired seal finally scurried back into the ocean, feet in front of the man. Luckily the little seal returned minutes later, but the apathy of the fisherman was striking. After the little seal ran from the man, my girlfriend asked him, "Why did you do that?" He looked up at us, as though he was thinking of an answer, but then just waved us off, dropped his head, and kept on going.

Walt Bailey Trail, Washington

2010-09-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

A great day hike if your wiling to drive awhile is to Walt Bailey Trail near Granite Falls. About two hours from Seattle, the place is just far enough to stay secluded, I saw three other people while there. The forests here get 100-180 in. of rain annually, so are wet and soggy and covered in mushrooms. Endless bushes of blueberries line the trail, and the alpine meadows are windy and beautiful. Please see complete information on the trail at www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/walt-bailey-to-bald-mountain/

Another Trip to the Cabin, Lake Cavanaugh, Washington

2010-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

My first panoramic photo.

How we spend the afternoon on Lake Cavanaugh.

And how I spend the early morning.

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Green Lake Sunset, Seattle

2010-08-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

The sun sets over Green Lake, Seattle on August 5th, 2010. Forest fires burning in British Columbia may have been responsible for the bright-red sunset.

Sand Point or Warren G. Magnuson Park, Seattle

2010-08-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

Seattle's second largest park, Magnuson or Sand Point Park sits along Lake Washington in Northeast Seattle. The heavily-used park has lake access, acres of sports fields, and my favorite, a trail through restored wetlands. The trail follows through a string of small ponds, where hunting birds swoop bugs off the calm surface, and red-tailed hawks screech from their lookout above. For much of the year the trail is muddy and sometimes covered in water, but in the summer the area is dry and fully accessible. Many species of duck overwinter in the ponds, and barn owls, hawks, and osprey hunt from the sky above, especially at dawn and dusk. Also watch for nesting killdeers in the summer, and keep an eye out for the Washington State Bird, the flourescent-yellow willow goldfinch.

Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

A view from the picturesque trails through restored wetlands in Magnuson Park.

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Dragonfly mid-flight.

A bird feeding on the surface of a pond in Magnuson Park in Seattle.

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus). These birds nest on open ground in the park during the summer and spring. Males will aggressively defend their nests against any predator, regardless of size.

The Washington State Bird, the Willow Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis).

Landscape Photos Near Lake Cavanaugh

2010-07-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

I found this field of wildflowers off an old logging road near Lake Cavanaugh. Although the field was only 50 ft or so off the trail, that 50 ft was treacherous and took forever. The field was logged decades ago, and the branches covering the ground are decomposing, creating lots of pits and holes to fall into. Out of the cracks in the timber mean throned plants are everywhere. At one time I was stuck for at least five minutes, stoping down the raspberries and other grabbing plants as I crept forward inch by inch. Still, watching the sun creep over the valley was incredible, and the hummingbirds buzzing around made the scene perfect.

San Juan County Park, San Juan Islands

2010-07-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in my lawn chair on the precipice of a small cliff overlooking Haro Straight, drinking a Sessions and leisurely taking photos when it hit me how special San Juan County Park really is. The sun was gleaming on my face off the blue water and orcas were blowing clouds of mist on the horizon, the sound of their huge respirations reaching me on the wind. Just below the cliff a river otter was chasing and eating fish, chomping on them while clutching a massive stalk of kelp. At the same moment a white-splotched harbor seal was splashing on the surface in the small cove below, whipping around and making lots of noise, every 10 minutes or so. It was like this for over an hour, with the orcas appearing and moving off, the otter taking hunting breaks, and the seal just splashing away. I will always remember sitting in that lawn chair with a smile burned on my face, taking in so much of the Northwest with each breath, noise, and sight.

River Otter

Bald Eagle at Alki Beach

2010-07-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Whidbey Island - Penn Cove

2010-07-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

South of Deception Pass and on the East side of Whidbey Island is Penn Cove, know for the shellfish that come from this bay. Oysters, clams, and mussels are farmed here, on dozens of docks spread through the far side of the bay. Big and slow boats move sluggishly from dock to dock, unloading men to attend to the shellfish farming. On the opposite side of the cove is a long stretch of Northwest beach, where in some areas fields of felled logs help maintain the landscape.

The cove also contains Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, created to help protect the farmers and culture on Whidbey Island.

Whidbey Island - Deception Pass State Park

2010-07-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Deception Pass State Park is a giant recreation area with 77,000 ft of of fresh and saltwater shoreline, great hikes in old growth forests, and lots of camping. Many people come for only an hour or so to see and walk across the two bridges gapping the pass. Nearly 200 ft below the bridges the Puget Sound tears through the cliffs in a mess of whirlpools and eddies. Captain George Vancouver named the area Deception Pass after realizing that Whidbey Island was in fact an island, not a peninsula as he had previously thought. Each day the low and high tides force a huge amount of water through a small span of water, creating the whipping currents.

The best way to see Deception Pass and the rest of Whidbey Island is by driving in a semi-circle, coming south through Deception Pass from Anacortes, driving down the length of the island (about 70 miles), and taking a ferry back from Clinton to Mukilteo. The ferry is only ~$9 and is easy and quick. Bowman Bay and the Northwest Inlet have some great hikes along cliffs or on the beach, and when the tide is low some good tide pooling or clamming. East of the park are two small islands with camp grounds, accessible only by kayak. See more about the park at the official website below...

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Deception%20Pass&subject=all

Looking out on Bowman Bay.

Deforestation near Lake Cavanaugh, Washington

2010-07-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

I awoke around 5:30am to a thick blanket of fog covering Lake Cavanaugh and the valley in which it sits. The fog was think as cotton balls, and after sitting on the water for awhile, it rose up off the lake quickly and from one corner, then pulled back off the rest of the water. After the fog had lifted, I hoped in the Impala and drove off toward the west, dreaming of spotting a bear or a cougar to photograph. Instead I ended up photographing a field that had been logged, not nearly as exciting. Logging here is heavy this summer and the whine of chain saws or the drone of logging trucks is common during the week. I wondered onto an area of felled trees with signs on them saying 'Leave Tree Area,' put on the trees by the Department of Natural Resources. The trees were marked not to be touched, but by clearing out the rest of the area, the trees were left unprotected and dozens were knocked down by high winds over the winter.

Hiram M. Chittenden or Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder

2010-05-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, or more commonly know as the Ballard Locks, are in a ecological convergence zone, making them a hotspot for Northwest wildlife. The locks, located in Salmon Bay, are a crossroads from the saline waters of the Puget Sound to the massive freshwater body of Lake Washington. Estuaries, zones where freshwater and saltwater meet, are exceptionally active systems, especially in the Northwest where salmon and steelhead trout must run the gauntlet from the sea up into their natal birthing streams to breed. Aside from being a dam and boat entry to Lake Washington, it is also built with a fish ladder, which migrating salmon use to cross the dam. Because the salmon congregate at the base of the dam, so do sea lions and harbor seals. During the fall when salmon begin migrating upstream, the powerful California and Stellar sea lions hunt fully grown salmon at the locks. During the spring months, harbor seals chase small smolt (newly born salmon) as they enter the ocean for the first time, coming down spill tubes from Lake Washington.

Lots of birds also take advantage of this productive system, and can be seen hunting fish near the dam and down Salmon Bay. Just west of the locks on Salmon Bay Bridge a pair of osprey have made a nest, look on the top of the southern tower on the bridge. Also on the Magnolia side of the locks is a great blue heron rookery, where dozens of herons roost. Park in the lot on 34th and W Commodore Way, and walk up 33rd Ave W, where you will find a bridge crossing some train tracks, just past the bridge on the right is a forested area, the heron nests are hidden among these trees. Also seen at the locks are bald eagles, belted kingfishers, and plenty of hunting/scavenging seagulls.

When you visit be patient and look closely—and enjoy!

Official Website
http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=mainpage

Directions

Young salmon enter saltwater for the first time as they tumble down the spill way at the Ballard Locks. A small percentage of these young fish have been surgically implanted with a wire transmitter that will stay imbedded in their heads their whole life. A scanner reads these wire tags as they come through the spill way, giving scientists data concerning salmon numbers.

A great blue heron (Ardea herodias) waits patiently for fish under the Salmon Bay Bridge downstream from the locks. Great blue herons are the Washington state bird, and are common year round.

A small fish is swallowed by a great blue heron at the locks.

A pair of resident osprey (Pandion haliaetus) play together near their nest on the Salmon Bay Bridge.

One of the osprey return home to its nest with a fish gripped tightly.

A male California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) hunts for massive king salmon last fall at the locks, shot on Aug. 17, 2009.

The sea lion tears a fish into pieces before swallowing it in a couple bites.

A belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) glides over the water at the locks, looking for fish to dive bomb.

Amgen Helix Bridge

2010-05-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Alki Beach

2010-05-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

With spring in full swing, people are up and out all over Seattle, all they needed was a bit of warm weather. I went to Alki after work on an especially-nice day, immediately following a streak of not-so-nice days. Girls were out jogging, people were sleeping in the grass, and college kids were grilling on their patios. Meanwhile I was sneaking up on a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) in my black slacks and white-button-up shirt! As I slowly approached the heron, an osprey (Pandion haliaetus) dive bombed in front of me, going under the waves after a fish. After the osprey flew off as fast as it had come, I was able to get close to the beautiful heron, and then sat there on a small rock jetty photographing him. After ten minutes of so he flew off, and I made my way back to my car with salty slacks.

Green Washington Wildlife

2010-05-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Golden Gardens

Alki

Alki

Discovery

Lake Cavanaugh

Lake Cavanaugh

Light on Water in Seattle Parks

2010-05-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

Carkeek Park

Alki

Golden Gardens

Skagit Tulip Festival, Washington

2010-04-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Every April is the Skagit Tulip Festival, where flower farmers showcase their years crop to crowds of admirers. Wander among the acres and acres of brilliant red, yellow, and purple petals, and stop at the fresh produce markets on the Tulip Route, a highway that goes in a loop around the flower farms. See the official website of the Tulip Festival below.

http://www.tulipfestival.org/

Injured Sea Lion at Golden Gardens Beach, Seattle

2010-04-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

Update* The sea lion did not make it through the night, his life ended at the Point Defiance Zoo where he was brought. Details of his death and the necropsy are below.

http://www.blubberblog.org/files/4f476b158adeb4a052f3f0fd4bfa7fea-87.html

An injured California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) was removed today from the beach at Golden Gardens Park. The lethargic animal could hardily keep his eyes open, even with NOAA researchers a few feet away. He was herded into a cage and transported to the Tacoma Zoo where he will be evaluated by veterinarians. Please see the articles below.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011649139_sealion20m.html
http://www.myballard.com/2010/04/19/seal-sitters-respond-to-sea-lion-at-golden-gardens/
http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Wounded-sea-lion-stranded-on-Seattle-beach-91525284.html
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/87292387.html

Dead Gray Whale on Arroyo Beach, West Seattle

2010-04-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

Update* The whale was found to have a large amount of trash in his stomach, indicating that he was feeding in the polluted Puget Sound waters. Among other things in his belly was a pair of sweat pants, 20 plastic bags, and a golf ball. Photos and a full description of the necropsy findings are here.

http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/WSeattle-ER.htm

Yesterday I stumbled across a facebook posting about whales being found dead around Seattle, a short Google search later I was next to a 36-ft-long gray whale! I knew that I would be able to see standings in Seattle, but I couldn't have hoped to find one so soon. It is not uncommon for five to seven gray whales to be found dead each year in route from their southern breeding grounds to their Alaskan feeding grounds. After whale watchers observed orcas attacking a gray whale in the area, it is not hard to imagine all the gashes in the whale’s thick skin being caused by orca teeth. Please see the link below for more information on the story.

West Seattle Blog
http://westseattleblog.com/2010/04/update-new-information-about-gray-whale-that-died-at-arroyo-beach

The carcass of an immature gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), sits on Arroyo Beach in West Seattle, Washington after perishing the previous day. It is unknown why the whale washed ashore, although starvation may have been a factor. This is the fourth grey whale to be found dead in the Puget Sound in recent weeks.

Bystanders check out a 36-ft-long gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) that washed up on a beach in West Seattle, Washington.

Amphipods and barnacles linger on the dead whale. The immense mass of whales provide a mobile ecosystem to thousands of creatures, both when alive, and after their bodies reach the sea floor

amphipods_barnacles src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4524908339_c632e03958.jpg" width=500 height=332>

Remi Vincentini, 6, gives flowers to the dead gray whale that washed up on Arroyo Beach.

Researchers from NOAA secure the carcass of a 36-ft-long gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) offshore at Arroyo Beach, West Seattle on Wednesday. The female whale will be towed to a nearby beach soon where a necropsy will be performed.

Discovery Park, Seattle

2010-04-14T21:44:00.001-07:00

Discovery very well could be Seattle's best park. It has dense forests with secret trails, high cliffs over looking the sound, and miles of beaches to stroll. I found one such secret path, and although it was steep and muddy, it led me down to the water below the cliffs. I was following the sound of a barking sea lion, hoping it was down shore. Unfortunalty the sea lion was far offshore, but I did find a secluded stretch of beach where I walked for a couple hours without seeing a soul. I will be back soon.

Mee-Kwa-Mooks Park, West Seattle

2010-04-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

This park is a bit small compared to Discovery or Golden Gardens, but it does have a beautiful beach and nice sand flats, with sand dollars and anemones. It is just south of Alki beach, so if Alki is too crowded this is a nice back up. I found a cool clam shell here that looked like a face with a bulbous head, check it out.

Sea anemones

Golden Gardens, Seattle

2010-04-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Nearly every day since I arrived in Seattle two weeks ago, I have been exploring Seattle's parks. Compared to Denver the parks here are unreal, and there are so many within a 5 mile radius to my house in Fremont. Most of them have a combination of grassy areas, lush mosey forests, and beaches. One of my favorites is Golden Gardens, just up the street from the Ballard Locks. Sea lions hang out on a large boue off shore, but they are too far to photograph. At low tide all kinds of birds come out to search the tide pools for crabs and snails. The snails and other shellfish are too strong for them to eat, so they fly up 30 or so feet with the shellfish in their beaks, and drop them onto the rocks below, cracking their shells. Bald eagles live in the forest above the sea, and can be seen gliding on the high thermals above. I have also seen a great blue hereon here a couple of years ago, that photo is below as well. The only problem with Golden Gardens is the people, on weekends it gets a little crowded with beachcombers, joggers, and families. But for how close and accessible it is, its a great place for a day trip, or just a quick walk on the beach.

A seagull flies off with its prize, a sculpin it just pulled out of a tide pool at Golden Gardens.

A gull retrieves a young sunstar from the shallow waters off Golden Gardens, before quickly eating the creature on a nearby rock.

Great Blue Hereon

Yellowstone National Park - part 2

2010-04-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Devil's Tongue

Researchers spot for two wolves seen moments before in the Lamar Valley

Yellowstone National Park - part 1

2010-04-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

These are from a mad six hour photo dash through Yellowstone National Park, on my way up to my new home in Seattle, Washington. I spent Monday on the road, and stayed in a Motel 8 in Gardener, Montana right on the edge of the park. After destroying the continental breakfast at the 8, I was in Yellowstone well before dawn, and followed the first snow plow out of Mammoth Hot Springs up the pass. Only one road was open in the park, and it was cold, snowy, and windy, plus the light was terrible. Yet it turned out to be a lot of fun, driving my Impala slowly through the park, listening to Anothony B and Augustus Pablo dub music, pulling off for any bison or elk or sheep or coyotes or other wildlife near the road. The valleys and meadows of Yellowstone are unsurpassed, with huge herds of animals lurching across them, like a scene from America before it was sterilized and domesticated.
I drove the 50 mile stretch from the north entrance to the northeast entrance, and turned around the way I had come. After running through Mammoth Hot Springs and taking some final shots, I hoped back in the Impala and began the 12 hour drive from Yellowstone to Seattle. Somehow the 18 or so hours in my car went by easily, and I will be returning to Yellowstone again this summer, when the park is actually open.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Big Horn

Yellowstone River

Blue Jays Feeding near Chatfield, Colorado

2010-04-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Mule Deer at Red Rocks, Colorado

2010-04-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Reptile Convention, Denver

2010-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Red-eye Tree Frog

Veiled Chamelion

Bearded dragon transfixed on a laptop with photos of his kin.

Buena Vista, Colorado

2010-04-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

Free Day at the Denver Zoo

2009-11-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen a more diverse group of people crammed into one place than a free day at the Denver Zoo. Tattoos and lots of children seemed to be the only requirement for admission! That being said, I was able to escape from the throngs of people and get a few images in the short time I was there. Hope you like them!

Abyssinian Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus)

A Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in front of a door bearing scratches from repetitive pacing and rubbing behavior of the animal.

Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)

Brown Lemur

A Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) plays with his reflection in the water surrounding his exhibit.

Lookout Mountain and Genesee Park

2009-11-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been stopping along I-70 on my drive up the mountains to look for wildlife. These shots are from a few different days at the Chief Hosa exit near Genesee, and on a road near Lookout Mountain. The deer in the photo from Lookout Mountain was really excited, but the females weren't giving him the time of day. Maybe thats why he decided to charge me through the trees, causing me to scamper off like a deer myself!

Sunrise from Lookout Mountain

Elk herd just off the Chief Hosa Exit of I-70

Waterton Canyon

2009-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Colorado Bighorns in Waterton Canyon

The best place to view bighorn sheep close to Denver is Waterton Canyon, just southwest of Chatfield Reservoir. Nestled between Arrowhead Golf Course and Lockheed Martin, the park is somehow still a gem, with abundant wildlife, good fly fishing, and a great hiking or bike riding trail. In the fall aspen leaves dance in the crisp morning air, and male sheep perch on bluffs waiting the coming dawn. The park does tend to get a little crowded on weekends, so come early to miss the crowds, and hopefully see a bighorn!
See the park's website below.

http://www.denverwater.org/Recreation/WatertonCanyon/

Eastern Plains, Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)

2009-10-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Went looking for and found some burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), east of Denver between DIA and Barr Lake. The colony where I found the owls living was just full of activity. I saw two owls at the site, and two hawks, one on each side, watching and waiting for a prairy dog to make a mistake. The place is literally just a corner on a country road, but their is tons of wildlife in the area and great for finding birds.

Genesee Buffalo Herd

2009-10-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

American Bison (Bison bison) herd in Genesee Park off I-70

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Directions

Rocky Mountain National Park, East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake

2009-10-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is a really beautiful trail that goes through a wetland meadow, into glowing aspen groves, and up to several pristine alpine lakes. Your chances of seeing moose are better here than anywhere in the park, especially in the first couple miles of the hike. The trail is steep almost the whole way, and is difficult, especially with packs. Lone Pine Lake is about 5.2 miles from the trail head, and further is Lake Verna at 7 miles and Spirit Lake at 7.5 miles. Lone Pine was far enough for us, and we found a nice back country campsite on the lake.
The first couple of miles of the hike are pretty flat and easy, and the trail follows a river through a marshy meadow. From the meadow you can see a large aspen grove on the mountains ahead, which you will soon walk through. At the end of the meadow you climb up through the aspens and around the corner; from here on the hike gets difficult. Pine Lake was far enough for us, and we found a nice place on the East end of the lake to camp.
The hike is very beautiful, especially during fall when the aspens are changing. Although you need a backcountry permit to camp, you do not need a RMNP pass to enter the area, so it’s great for free day trips to the park. The lakes are crystal clear with lots of cut-thought trout, which you can see swimming in the shallow waters. Leave early if you want to go the full 7 miles to Lake Verna.

Moose (Alces alces shirasi)

Ducks on Lone Pine Lake in the early morning.

For detailed trail information see below
http://www.mountaindrama.com/Hikes/TopoMaps/SpiritLake.html

RMNP Backcountry website
http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

2009-10-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Somehow Unspoiled Island of Women

Only a half an hour ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres has somehow stayed very special and has mostly avoided the resort takeover and craziness of Cancun.

A man selling cotton candy on Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres.

Caribbean colors

Tranquilo.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico - Turtle Farm

2009-09-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Tortugranja, or turtle farm on the Southern end of Isla Mujeres. The farm cares for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) of all ages, from incubating eggs to exhibits for the adult turtles.

Playa del Carmen, Yucatan, Mexico

2009-09-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

The sprawling beachfront in Playa del Carmen.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis).

A boy looks out over the Caribbean from a balcony in Playa del Carmen.

Federal police officers stand duty against a wall in Play del Carmen. Mexico's tourism industry has been hit hard by both the internal drug war and the swine flu scare.

A street artist in makes paintings with spray paint and tape in front of spectators.

People watch the street artist work.

Tulum, Yucatan, Mexico - Dos Ojos Cenote

2009-09-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving in Dos Ojos cenote, Yucatan, Mexico.

Tulum Ruins, Yucatan, Mexico

2009-09-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

A sailboat in the waters off of Tulum, Mexico. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the unbelievable beaches and beauty of the Yucatan are worth the crowds.

The beach in the Tulum archeological site.

Tourists hide from the blistering sun in the Tulum ruins.

Once a powerful trading hub in the Mayan world, Tulum was enclosed with tall stone walls on three sides and massive cliffs on the fourth.

A woman is taken out of the ruins after suffering from heat stroke.

Spiny-tailed or Black Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) in Tulum archeological site.

Two boys lookout into the Caribbean from the beach of Tulum ruins.

Cay Caulker, Belize - Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye

2009-09-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Blue Hole of Belize, as seen after a great 140 ft. deep dive in the hole. Dozens of reef sharks hover in the shallow water, and incredible stalagmites and geological formations are found past 100 ft. The hole is over 400 ft. at its deepest point.

Half Moon Caye National Monument, Belize. The protected island has a huge seabird population including boobies and frigates. Day trips to the Blue Hole often stop over here for lunch.

A red-footed boobie (Sula sula) on Half Moon Caye National Monument, which has a population of roughly 4,000 of the rare boobies.

The boobies battle for space among magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens), like these young frigates on Half Moon Caye, Belize.

Cay Caulker, Belize

2009-09-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

A canoe on the beach in Caye Caulker, Belize. The sandy roads and Caribbean feel make it easy to follow the island's motto, "Go Slow."

A water taxi driver driver on the way from Belize City to Cay Caulker.

Peace and Quiet.

A boy looks out over the Caribbean next to a restaurant on Cay Caulker.

Come on in, the water's perfect!

Tikal, Guatemala

2009-09-24T13:04:00.001-07:00

The City the Jungle Reclaimed

Temples I, II, and III

Tikal, an urban center of pre-Columbian Mayan culture, flourished under a vast Mayan empire from 200 - 900 AD. As many as 120,000 people once lived here and in the surrounding area. Tikal, Guatemala.

A Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) with a baby on her back climbs a tree eye level to the sun pyramid in Tikal.

The Lost City.

Tikal National Park is a huge area of protected Rain Forest, attracting animals hunted elsewhere.

Fiery-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus frantzii), in Tikal. Part of the mystique of the ruins is the huge amount of wildlife in the area.

People relaxe under the Temple of Ah Cacao or Temple of the Great Jaguar in Tikal. The famous structure was built as a funerary pyramid dedicated to ruler Hasaw Chan K'awil, who was entombed here in AD 734.

Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) in Tikal, Guatemala. The turkeys are closely related to North American wild turkeys, and have nodes on their heads that become more colorful and larger during breeding season.

Temple III or Temple of the Jaguar Princess.

Pyramid I, or the Great Jaguar Pyramid of Tikal is reflected in a ceremonial alter that stands in front of the structure.

Semuc Champey, Guatemala- Lanquin Bat Caves

2009-09-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Grutas de Lanquin, or Lanquin Caves, famous for the hordes of bats that make daily migrations in and out of the cave system. The system is not completely mapped out, and underground rivers and crevices make getting a guide a good idea.

Secmuc Champey, Guatemala - Lanquin River

2009-09-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Children play in the Lanquin River, which has its source in the Grutas de Lanquin, or Lanquin Caves. It is possible to float in a tube from the caves down river, getting out here, at El Retiro hostel.

Semuc Champey, Guatemala

2009-09-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

The freshwater pools of Semuc Champey, where turquoise waters seep up from an underground water system and form an oasis of sorts in the jungle. Unfortunately a rain storm swept up as I climbed to this vista of the pools.

A raging river is funneled into a cave just before the first pools of Semuc Champey.

A lifeguard and ranger, armed with a stretch of rope, wanders around the freshwater pools of Semuc Champey.

Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala - San Marcos

2009-09-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

A fisherman in front of San Pedro Volcano, seen from across the lake in San Marcos la Laguna.

A girl wades in Lago de Atitlan.

Thirteen cities line the shores of Lago de Atitlan, connected mainly by water taxis.

Man sleeping on the water taxi to San Marcos.

Boys going for a swim after school in San Marcos la Laguna.

A man and his boy paddle a home made canoe in Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala. Cliffs with steep faces and beautiful outcropings drop into the green waters of the lake.

A fisherman uses nets to catch small fish in Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala. The lake is surrounded by volcanos on all sides, and fishing and farming are ways of life hear.

Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala - San Pedro

2009-09-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

A man paddles his small canoe as the sun sets in Lago de Atitla, Guatemala. This massive lake is the deepest in Central America, at over 1000 feet. Set in the Mayan highlands, a mystical feeling comes from the beautiful lake and misty hills.

Children walk in front of a mural in San Pedro la Laguna. The volcanic soils of the surrounding hills are used to farm coffee, corn, bamboo, squash, beans, and more.

The cities around Lago de Atitlan are carved into the dense forests and steep hills of the lake basin.

A family sells textiles in the market of San Pedro. The differen Mayan groups around the lake and elswhere dress in distinct outfits and designs.

Men and women wear distinct garb in each area around the lake, San Pedro la Laguna.

A boy walks in front of a restaurant in San Pedro la Laguna. The city has a strong expat community and amazing restaurants from around the world. Not to mention a party atmosphere where anything goes.

The people of Lago de Atitlan still use ancient Mayan techniques for farming. In some areas they plant corn, then plant beans to grow up the corn, and squash to grow on the ground beneath.

Hummingbird.

Butterfly.

A carnival in San Pedro set up along the cities steep streets. Poeple from all the neighborring cities come in on water taxis for the festivities.