At 81 years young, Louis Cantler is one of the Chesapeake Bay’s iconic watermen. He’s pulling crab pots this morning; by afternoon, you can eat them at his eponymous restaurant near Annapolis. “Morning Duty” by Kim Kelly
Chesapeake Lens: Southbound by Tupper Hyde
Dazzling colors surround two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, members of a large pod, heading south at sunrise near Reedville, Virginia. Dolphins have been present in the lower Bay since the late 1800s, but this year, many have been sighted in the upper Bay as warming water temperatures have pushed their food sources farther north. “Southbound” by Tupper Hyde.
Chesapeake Lens: Tri-colored Heron by Susan Hale
At the Chesapeake Bay Education Center in Grasonville, MD, the seasonal movement (not full migration) of a variety of wading birds coincided with large areas of shallow water and extensive mudflats around Lake Knapp– ideal feeding conditions for this beautiful tri-colored heron. “Tri-colored Heron” by Susan Hale.
Chesapeake Lens: Early Morning Visitor by David Sites
Marine construction: sleek, powerful, fast, or feathered. Loud or quiet. Man-made or natural. Something for everyone! “Early Morning Visitor” by David Sites.
Chesapeake Lens: Still Pond by Carolyn Spencer Brown
Nature paints a beautiful picture on a Still Pond evening canvas.”Still Pond” by Carolyn Spencer Brown
Chesapeake Lens: The Story Teller by Jarvin Hernandez
Alex Haley, author of “Roots” and a preeminent scholar of African-American genealogy, was born 100 years ago this week. This memorial statue in Annapolis honors him and all our ancestors who came to these shores in chains. “The Story Teller” by Jarvin Hernandez, Annapolis, MD.
Chesapeake Lens: Bottlenose Dolphins by Susan Hale
Although there have been reports of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay since the early 1800s, they have remained an elusive species in our waters. But this year, sightings have significantly increased generating excitement and curiosity from residents, environmentalists, and scientists alike. This pair was photographed in East Bay at the mouth of the Miles River.
“Bottlenose Dolphins” by Susan Hale
Chesapeake Lens: Chasing the Storm by David Sites
Ice has always been a threat to screwpile lights on the Chesapeake. In 1877, the original lens of the Thomas Point lighthouse was destroyed when it toppled by shaking from ice floes. The lens was replaced and additional piles and riprap were placed around the foundation in order to protect it. By 1964, it was the last manned light in the Chesapeake Bay; it finally became automated in 1986. It is currently the last unaltered screwpile cottage-type lighthouse on its original foundation in the Chesapeake Bay. It will be honored on a new stamp to be issued by the US Postal Service on August 7. “Chasing the Storm” by David Sites.
Chesapeake Lens: Water Play by Susan Hale
It’s been hot and steamy this week so we thought we would cool you off with this image of a Great Blue Heron enjoying a refreshing shower. “Water Play” by Susan Hale
Chesapeake Lens: Bird River Bridge by Jennifer Welch
Perspective matters. Maybe you commute across the Bird River Bridge every day, but when you see it from below—and if the sun is at exactly the right angle—you might find yourself being drawn down into an alternate universe. “Bird River Bridge” by Jennifer Welch