photography
It’s been a while since I’ve had an opportunity to research and write a full length piece. It felt great. Even if it was centered on septic science - there is some really interesting chemistry involved!
Even better: I did it in a StoryMap, including my own images and 360 video. Three cheers for the “septic detectives”!
A new grant related to my work with Delaware Sea Grant has provided an opportunity to delve into 360 imagery, virtual reality, and the use of Google Cardboard for education, which is exciting in many ways! Much more to come, but here are a couple of immersive examples from early tests with our new equipment to explore!
While setting up the 360 camera on a beach in South Africa, an unexpected guest came down the stairs to investigate the equipment!
And here is a "behind the scenes" capture of a recent filming we did with Maryland Sea Grant along the waterfront in Baltimore's Inner Harbor!
Behind the scenes: Talking microbes and water quality with Maryland Sea Grant along the waterfront in downtown Baltimore - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
We are spending our first spring in our new (to us) old house in the heart of Berlin, Md., and with all the demolition and construction we've being doing on the interior, it's been a treat to see the garden come to life outside! Here are a few of our discoveries so far...
See this Instagram photo by @ltossey * 20 likes
See this Instagram photo by @ltossey * 20 likes
See this Instagram photo by @ltossey * 29 likes
See this Instagram photo by @ltossey * 17 likes
Snowswept dunes in Delaware Seashore State Park this winter
Or at least that's the hope! Although this winter brought some beautiful views like these wind sculpted dunes topped with snow, a few sunny and somewhat warm days have been enough motivation to plant some pansies in the flower boxes and look for ospreys in the bays...
A few frigid days in Delaware leads to some unusual sights - from ice floes in the Delaware Bay at Cape Henlopen State Park to a sunset reflecting off a frozen Rehoboth Bay in Delaware Seashore State Park. It's a time when piers are becoming encased in ice, wildlife are moving further afield for food, and snow is blowing and blending with the sand.
Only 27 days to go until Spring...
Just a few of the birds spotted at Bombay Hook this week
Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge is always a wonderful place to go looking for birds - especially during the shoulder season when so many are taking flight to move to different climes. A wide variety of feathered friends were out and about during quick trip to the refuge this week, from snowy egrets to lesser yellowlegs to terns to a northern harrier, as well as the first snow geese of the season, signaling that winter isn't too far away...
It was a brisk morning for a walk along Assateague, but the Sun was shining and the sky was free of snow, so we braved it to cure our beach withdrawal. Spotted a few hardier folks out paddling, SUP style.
Little orphans from the latest round of storms ... with a wildlife rehabilitator at our environmental education workshop today.
Too cute!
With the Susquehanna Super Hike just a month away, vivid race reports and related forum posts have scared me into doing some prep work. Which mostly involves walking EVERYWHERE.
Tonight I hit some trails in Fair Hill after work, to both train on some rocky inclines, and see how I fared pace-wise on them. A significant thunderstorm hit while I was out (and at the furthest point from my car, natch), which added to the fun.
I always love a good summer storm, and tonight was no exception. I was deep in the woods for the worst of it, and the towering old trees provided a safe haven. The arching full rainbow and filtered golden light in the aftermath made the temporary dampness worthwhile. Gorgeous.
The hike: http://runkeeper.com/user/Tossey/activity/47020744
But sometimes necessity forces a morning jaunt, and when I do get out there I am usually pleasantly surprised - by a glimpse of the sunrise, or critters I don't usually see - and vow to get out early more often.
Yesterday was one of those mornings. After finding that White Clay Creek State Park's gates don't open until 8 a.m.(!), I hit the random trails off Creek Road just north of Newark. The blend of urban graffiti and wildlife, gravel access roads and lush, dense trails that reminded me of the Pacific Northwest was an unexpected mix. Great fun :)
Last weekend was the first time I've experienced their fountains & fireworks show, and I can think of no better way to celebrate the 4th of July. Magical.
It is a perfect spot for wildlife watching as well. On our wanderings last night we spotted a bald eagle carrying away a struggling fish, a sleepy fawn curled up at water's edge, a not-so-busy beaver who slid into the water right next to us, a brightly-hued prothonotary warbler, and many ducks, frogs, and great blue herons.
After a crazy spring of sickness and injuries, it felt great to return to my two-wheeled commute today. It's hard to beat as far as scenery - from the farm in Landenberg, I pass through open farmland, down to the White Clay Creek Preserve, and follow a trail along the creek all the way into campus in Newark.
It's a great way to wake up in the morn, and unwind in the afternoon.
