Nesting Ospreys

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Nesting Ospreys

Ospreys nesting on a power line (two adults and one chick), photographed just outside Burney, California.

The photograph titled "Nesting Ospreys" captures a unique and striking image of a pair of ospreys perched atop a large nest intricately woven into the metal framework of a transmission tower. Against an expansive blue sky, the nest is a tapestry of twigs and branches, providing a paradoxical touch of nature amidst the stark, industrial lines of the structure. The ospreys, majestic and watchful, are set prominently at the top, their plumage blending perfectly with the earthy tones of their nest. The angle of the photograph emphasizes the height and precariousness of their nesting choice, inviting the viewer into a world where nature and industry coexist and adapt to one another.

The composition of the photograph is noteworthy for its clear juxtaposition of natural and man-made elements. The leading lines of the transmission tower guide the viewer's gaze directly to the nest, creating a strong focal point. The minimalist background lets the subjects stand out without distraction. This choice accentuates the contrast between the organic shapes of the nest and birds with the rigid geometry of the tower. The use of natural light gives the photograph an authentic and raw feeling, but some might find the image a bit stark due to the harsh light and lack of additional visual elements that might add warmth or texture. Nevertheless, the composition is effective in showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the ospreys, provoking admiration for their harmonious reimagining of an industrial perch.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Nesting Ospreys #photo #osprey Photo of two adult ospreys and one chick nesting on a power line near Burney, California. )

Devils Kitchen

Devils Kitchen

Devils Kitchen

Four and a half mile out and back hike from the Warner Valley area of Lassen Volcanic National Park to the Devils Kitchen.

Hike starts at: 40.442054, -121.393882. View in Google Earth.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Devils Kitchen #hike #lassen #map 4.5 mile hike to Devils Kitchen in the Warner Valley area of Lassen Volcanic National Park. )

McArthur-Burney Falls

McArthur-Burney Falls

McArthur-Burney Falls

Short hike taking in the spectacular McArthur-Burney Falls.

Hike starts at: 41.01255, -121.650831. View in Google Earth.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: McArthur-Burney Falls #hike #waterfall #map A short walk to take in McArthur-Burney Falls near Burney, California. )

Lake Helen

Lake Helen

It's three quarters of a mile round Lake Helen, not really worth doing unless you're waiting for someone to finish paddling...

Hike starts at: 40.467433, -121.508604. View in Google Earth.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Lake Helen #hike #lassen #map Less than one mile hike around Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. )

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Thursday, July 22, 2021.

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

A four mile out and back hike taking in three waterfalls along the McCloud River near Mt Shasta.

Hike starts at: 41.240749, -122.024747. View in Google Earth.

Updated 2021-07-22 12:45:

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls)

Did the same hike again this year - it's worth repeating. Here are some long exposure shots of the three waterfalls.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: McCloud River Trail (Three Waterfalls) #hike #map #waterfall #shasta 4 mile out and back hike taking in three waterfalls on the McCloud River Trail near Mount Shasta in California. )

Bumpass Hell

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, July 31, 2020.

Bumpass Hell

Bumpass Hell

Third time lucky - Bumpass Hell was open for my third trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's a three mile out and back with great views and of course a whole bunch of geothermal features at the end. The trail winds gently up to Bumpass Hell where there is a steep and surprisingly slippery descent (and an alternate route back up for a very small loop at the end of the trail). Very glad to have finally hiked it.

(Previously: Lassen Star Trails)

Hike starts at: 40.465403, -121.514653. View in Google Earth.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Bumpass Hell #hike #lassen #map Bumpas Hell )

Comet NEOWISE

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Comet NEOWISE

Comet NEOWISE

Comet NEOWISE shot on July 26, 2020 from Burney, California.

Comet NEOWISE

In this celestial photograph titled "Comet NEOWISE," the universe opens up a small window into its mysterious and vast expanse. Dominating the scene, the comet streaks across the sky with a glowing nucleus and a diaphanous tail that fans out gracefully, leaving behind a trail of cosmic dust. The backdrop is a deep, inky blue-black canvas scattered with twinkling stars, each a distant sun offering a subtle twinkle that suggests infinite space beyond. The comet’s brilliance pierces this tranquil darkness, capturing the viewer’s eye and imagination as it propels silently and majestically through the heavens.

This photograph embraces a minimalistic style, utilizing wide-open space to emphasize the comet against the starry backdrop—a bold yet elegantly simple composition choice. The rule of thirds plays a crucial role here, placing the comet slightly off-center, which adds dynamic tension and interest to the image. The tail’s diagonal trajectory also guides the viewer’s gaze across the frame, providing a pathway through the night sky. The photograph’s strength lies in its clarity and the compelling contrast between the comet's luminescence and the surrounding void. However, one might critique the image for needing slightly more visual elements to achieve balance across the frame, as the vast dark space could feel overwhelming or underutilized to some viewers. Overall, this photograph successfully captures a fleeting moment of cosmic wonder with a sense of both intimacy and grandeur.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Comet NEOWISE #photo #comet #neowise Photos of Comet NEOWISE over Burney, California. )

Storm builds over Lassen Peak (Timelapse)

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

Storm builds over Lassen Peak (Timelapse)

A storm builds over Lassen Peak. Filmed from Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Storm builds over Lassen Peak (Timelapse) #timelapse #lassen #storm #video Time lapse of a storm building around Lassen Peak, shot from Lake Helen. )

Did anyone tell Material Design about Gesture Navigation?

Did anyone tell Material Design about Gesture Navigation?

The screen shot above is from Google Fit. Which icon is active? I can't tell any more. Is it the blue one or the underlined one which is a much stronger cue?

Of course none of the icons are underlined. This is a bottom navigation bar on top of the Android navigation bar on Android 10 with gesture navigation enabled. My brain knows this but my finger still tries to click on Home. Journal just looks so much more active I can't help it. This friction is also in Google Photos and Google Maps and presumably Google everything before too long.

Maybe the Google app developers don't have access to recent Pixels, or maybe the Material Design team all have iPhones?

(Previously: Material Design 3)

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Did anyone tell Material Design about Gesture Navigation? #etc #google #design I can no longer tell which tab of most Google Android apps is active due to confusion between gesture navigation and the bottom navigation bars. )

Humpback Whale at Fort Funston

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Humpback Whale at Fort Funston

Humpback Whale at Fort Funston

Humpback Whale at Fort Funston

Photos of a Humpback Whale off the California coast at Fort Funston in San Francisco.

The ocean stretches endlessly in a serene expanse of deep blue, punctuated by flecks of light glinting off the gentle waves. In the foreground, the majestic back of a humpback whale breaches the surface, its form a dark silhouette against the sparkling sea. Nearby, a small boat bobs gently, its white hull stark against the ocean's hues, as if floating in a realm of dreams. Seabirds pepper the sky, their wings spread wide as they glide effortlessly, adding a touch of life to the expansive scene. The ambience is one of peaceful coexistence, where nature and humankind share a tranquil moment in the vastness of the ocean.

The photograph employs a loose composition, relying on the rule of thirds with the whale and the boat positioned on opposite sides, creating a balance across the image. The use of natural lighting is effective, as the sunlight delicately highlights the sea's texture, casting a shimmer that enhances the scene's peacefulness. However, the image could benefit from a crisper focus on the whale to draw the viewer’s attention more sharply to the intended subject. The distant perspective adds a sense of scale, but the lack of sharpness detracts slightly from the immediacy of the moment. Overall, the image effectively captures a serene nautical tableau, though a stronger emphasis on the whale might heighten its impact.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Humpback Whale at Fort Funston #photo #whales #humpback #fortfunston Humpback Whale photos at Fort Funston (Golden Gate National Recreation Area) in San Francisco, California. )