2024-09-18 Photo of the Week–Fall Scene at Lake Dauterive
Discover the beauty of Lake Dauterive through this stunning photograph featuring golden-hour light on maple leaves, cypress needles, and Spanish moss."
Fall Scene at Lake Dauterive
While many of my best photographs from Lake Dauterive feature backlighting, mist, or fog, I also appreciate images taken with traditional lighting. One of my favorite shots was captured on November 19, 2013, during a cold day spent exploring the lake. The photograph showcases warm, golden light hitting the trees late in the day, illuminating the vibrant maple leaves, cypress needles, and the ethereal Spanish moss. The confluence of these natural elements creates a serene and enchanting scene that truly embodies the magic of Lake Dauterive.
Tagging a Monarch Butterfly–Tracking the Migration
I photographed this on September 11th. In addition to the horrible events of the day,c
Butterfly tagging on September 11, 2001
About the photograph
I photographed this on September 11th. In addition to the horrible events of the day, I remember spending the day with a Biologist friend in New Hampshire tagging Monarch Butterflies. He had been tagging them for many years and had several reported from Mexico.
Why Tag Monarch Butterflies?
Tagging helps scientists track monarch migration, understand survival rates, and identify important stopover sites. Data collected from tagged butterflies contribute to conservation efforts.
How to Tag a Monarch Butterfly
Tags are available from organizations like Monarch Watch (www.monarchwatch.org), which provides small, lightweight stickers with unique identification numbers.
Handle the Butterfly Properly
Gently grasp the monarch by the wings, keeping them closed.
Hold the butterfly at the thorax to avoid damaging its wings.
Place the Tag
The tag should be applied to the discal cell on the hindwing, which is the large, central cell near the body.
Press gently but firmly so it adheres properly.
Record Data
Note the following information:
Tag ID number
Date of tagging
Location (city, state, GPS coordinates if possible)
Sex of the butterfly (males have two black spots on their hindwings; females do not)
Condition of the butterfly (fresh, worn, damaged)
Release the Butterfly
Let the butterfly rest on your hand or a flower until it flies off naturally.
Best Time and Place to Tag
Timing:
In the U.S., tagging typically occurs late summer to early fall (August–October) as monarchs migrate south to Mexico.
Location:
Ideal tagging sites include fields with milkweed and nectar flowers, where monarchs feed before migration.
How Data is Used
If a tagged butterfly is recovered (often in Mexico), the finder reports the tag number to Monarch Watch.
Researchers use this data to study monarch survival rates, migration speed, and environmental influences on their journey.
Citizen Science Participation
Many organizations encourage public involvement in monarch tagging. Schools, nature centers, and individuals can participate by ordering a tagging kit and reporting data.
The Old Man of the Mountain: A Timeless Capture
Captured in 1996, my photograph of the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire holds significant historical and personal value. Using a Nikon N-90 film camera and a 300mm F2.8 lens, I photographed the iconic rock formation before its collapse in 2003. Despite initial challenges in achieving my visualized result, modern digital tools allowed me to refine the image years later. This blog post highlights the importance of visualization, the timelessness of moments, and the potential of revisiting old work with advanced technology.
The Image
In 1996, I captured a photograph of the Old Man of the Mountain, a natural rock formation in New Hampshire that tragically collapsed in 2003. This image remains one of my most memorable shots, not just because of the subject but also due to the process and lessons it taught me.
The Capture
That morning, I awoke early with a clear vision in my mind. I wanted to capture the Old Man's face illuminated by the rising sun, set against a dark backdrop. With determination, I drove an hour and a half to the overlook, carrying my trusty 300mm F2.8 AF-D lens and a Nikon N-90 film camera. I arrived an hour before sunrise and was joined by a truck driver. We shared coffee as we waited for the sun to rise.
As the sun ascended, it hit the exact spot I had visualized, and I captured the moment. However, when I viewed the film, the image fell short of my expectations. It lacked the dramatic contrast I had envisioned.
Unprocessed image of The Old Man in the Mountain
Post Processing
Years later, in 2005, I scanned the photograph using my Imacon photo film scanner. It remained untouched in my Lightroom catalog until recently when I revisited my original vision. With today's advanced image processing tools, I knew I could bring that vision to life. I used Nic Silver Efex Pro, applying the High Contrast Smooth preset, along with a few adjustments and Control Points to fine-tune the luminance values. The result was exactly what I had imagined all those years ago.
Lessons Learned:
- Visualize Your Intended Results: Trust your vision and take action to achieve it.
- Equipment Isn't Everything: The gear I used is considered primitive by today's standards, but it still allowed me to capture something meaningful.
- Capture Moments Now: What exists today may be gone tomorrow. Don't miss the chance to document it.
- Revisit Your Work: As your skills and technology evolve, you might be able to realize visions that were previously out of reach.