An Owl Was Waiting for Me

I worked one night this week until around 11:30 PM. Coming home tired and disheartened I found this mysterious creature waiting patiently for me by our front door. Seeing him, and having my camera on me, made me consider my day in a completely different light. I had to be almost grateful for working late, because if I hadn't I never would have spent 20 minutes staring down an owl.

Hello Turtles

Whenever I post a series of photos I took at a Zoo of aquarium, I always worry that I am copping out. After all, someone else has gone out and found the animals for me, all I need to do is show up and take their pictures. The sense of adventure is greatly minimized.

To make up for this I redouble my efforts to take truly world-class portraits of my animal subjects. This turtle picture, for example, represents one of the finest turtle pics I have yet taken. The creatures in the picture were so pleased they asked for a print to hang in their den.

Enter THE DEEP

Our adventure began on the wharf at Provincetown. Three Seagulls (or "shitbirds," as Mike G called them) greeted us as we approached the boat....

NOTE: I would like to take this opportunity to discuss how CREATURES FROM THE DEEP: CAPE COD diverges from previous series on this web log. The narrative of our voyage off mighty Cape Cod necessitates that certain stylistic conventions, previously adhered to, be broken. For example, because our trip was not strictly research oriented (but more focused on the killing and consumption of certain animals) you may see more "interaction" between man and animal in these photos.

Likewise you may see a larger amount of dead creatures than is normal. This is because 1) it is easier to eat something that is dead, and 2) many shellfish look very similar dead or alive.

Lastly, because our methods involved high technology and a great degree of skill and daring on the part of certain crew members, a little more attention may be paid to the humans whose efforts lead to the capture of our new, delicious, animal friends. To put it simply, we will not only learn about and consume sea creatures, we will also absorb much about the trade of fishing off the Cape. With all this in mind I welc0me you TO THE DEEP!

Ninja Skillz and Patience

An incredible amount of stealthiness is necessary if you want to really get up-close and personal with creatures of the wild. I have spent years learning how to think and move like an animal. I can be as quiet as a mouse and as considerate as a mountain lion sizing up its prey. My ninja skills and patience are two reasons I can hang around with other creatures so effectively.

Pretty Boy Floyd

Since I've begun this project I like to think I've learned quiet a bit.
I've had some friends send me links to other "animal sites." I know there are lots of sites where you can find awesome animal pictures. And -according to some- these sites are very "kewl.*"
There's only one site, however, that brings you a new picture every day (except Sunday) from ONE SINGLE INTREPID PHOTOJOURNALIST.

You know Jeany Choi once commented that there was an element of danger to these pictures. Of course, she has attacked -and been attacked by- many of the creatures I have photographed. But just because she always seems to be getting herself into violent situations with animals doesn't mean shes not right.

This is much more than a "photo blog." It is the continuation of the spirit of Perkins, Cousteau, Irwin, Treadwell, and Dundee.

It is my sole ambition to bring you pictures of animals that I have known and/or loved and to get better and better at taking their pictures while I love and/or hate them.

Notice, for example, the Pretty Boy Yellow Crowned Night Heron I snapped today. Last time I took a picture of such a Fancy Pants Bird it was of greatly inferior quality. But now I know how to make birds understand that I am here not simply to eat them, but also to capture their soul through photography. Thus, they really open up and let me get much closer to them.

Thanks for tuning in, here's hoping this site gets better and better.....

* The only other truly kick-ass animal web log I know of is Man Vs. Animal .

Animals Are Delicious

In the short life of this blog we have seen some good looking animals. We have also seen some less-than-edible creatures. I'm posting this picture of some of Tom's famous BBQ to remind my viewers that many animals taste awesome. These are two beer-butt chickens, slow smoked, and some pork ribs. Getting Hungry?