Vernal Equinox and Vernal Pools

Ah, spring! Renewal, a fresh start! Leaving dirty ol' winter behind - I love it!

Not that we had much of a winter, but signs of spring are about a month ahead of schedule. This past week temperatures reached into the seventies each day and the forecast for today and tomorrow are in the eighties - no way this could be global warming.

So I decided to take advantage of these summer-like temps with a ride to Tobico Marsh. Pedaling along the 3.5-mile trail that crosses and skirts numerous vernal pools, I'd occasionally catch an earful of croaks and peeps - the mating call of Wood Frogs and Northern Spring Peepers.


Who knew frogs could make such a racket?

In the video you can see ripples made from the frogs croaking and searching for a mate. I wasn't able to get close for video so I used a long lens to capture a solitary Wood Frog.

South End Rail Trail

A friendly reminder and not too subtle warning to hooligans using the rail trail.

Oh, The Times They are A-Changin'

Got the word today that my employer will follow the Detroit Free Press and News' business model publishing only three days a week starting in June. This was not a surprise, as rumors filled the newsroom a week or so ago. Today those "rumors" were confirmed.

In addition, it was also announced today that 30-percent of the remaining staff would be cut, myself included.

So, come the end of May, when I finish my career as a newspaper photographer, I will wish my fellow co-workers who stay on the best of luck, because frankly, they've got a steep hill to climb. We had some great times together and I'm gonna miss some of those folks...

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Over the past few months, with the possibility of job loss looming, I created my own website. Assembling a collection of galleries really helped to clarify what I want to achieve as photographer. And what I realized, is, I'll always be a photographer. Regardless if someone pays me or not. The great thing now is that I can concentrate on what I want to photograph. For the first time in many years I am optimistic and excited about my photographic future.

Truth be told, I'll be happy to wash my hands from all the newspaper industry doom and gloom.

Image © 2009, Daniel Staudacher || Bay City, Michigan.

Lush

Image © 2008, Daniel Staudacher || Sensitive ferns.