I spent a few hours this morning with some wonderful people doing some great work. About 80 volunteers with 'Friends of North Creek Forest', 'Whale Scout', and local residents joined together to help the only only urban forest in Bothell. We cleared away brush, removed ivy, repaired paths, planted trees and much more.

This and other forests are vital to filter runoff and remove toxins before the water in the streams, creeks and rivers reach our Puget Sound. This is very good for the Salmon and the Orcas. 

At about 11:00 AM the entire group gathered in front of the Giant Orca. With a few Seahawks shout outs, we were able to get the whole group cheering and smiling. Then I got the shot to the left. A great BBQ cookout was also provided. It was a fabulous event.

If you'd like to get involved contact either of these groups. Every little bit of help can go a very long way.

After weeks of observation, shooting Macro and Super Macro still photography, and HD video, I'm posting my final update to my project on Kelp Greenling Eggs (Hexagrammos decagrammus). I began observing up to eight separate egg masses on November 19, 2014. My final dive was on the evening of Monday, December 29, 2014. Early winter is the height of egg laying season for Kelp Greenlings because the water temp is cold enough - around 46 °F.  Each dive was about 15 to 20 minutes of observation time at an average depth of 80 FSW, The 14" male Kelp Greenling that was guarding the eggs was very protective and not happy that I was invading his space. He guarded his eggs with vigor.

I was shooting with my Canon 5D Mark III dSLR. For the Macro stills I used my Canon 100 mm f2.8L IS USM Macro lens. Early on I also utilized my Nauticam Super Macro Converter. Soon after I began attempting to shoot HD video with my SMC. This was very challenging since the focal length is incredibly short. Much of the early video was completely useless until I learned how to hold, focus and shoot with no movement at 80 feet under the water, sometimes in the dark. Finally I began to 'dial in' the process and was getting amazing footage of the larvae. In much of the video I was not only able to view the eyes, spine and tail, but was able to see the heart beating. Enjoy my most recent video. Pass on the link to friends. Like on FB and Twitter if you so desire.