We received this email from Mickey Raine last night:

We have been enjoying the nice weather recently, and for photography, the balance between sun and slight overcast has been ideal, even if not the special Magic Hour periods of early morning or late afternoon.

The fist sunset shot was captured during about a 30 second stretch when the sky was on fire when seen from Mill Creek Marsh on Saturday. The second photo was taken during a stop over on our way to visit our buddy, Angelo, yesterday. The Mute Swans were at their graceful best by the reeds across the way from the raised gazebo in DeKorte Park.

The most interesting find, however, was today, as we were returning from some shopping in Edgewater.  We drove over to River Barge Park and stepped out of the vehicle. The first thing Elaine noticed was the Harbor Seal (female).  Our friend, Richie Romano, had told us about some sightings of it when we ran into him yesterday.  So, although hearing such reports, we knew that the chances of actually seeing it ourselves was slim, and accordingly, no expectations  . . .

Well, what a pleasant surprise to see this pretty creature basking in the sun.  One of the gentlemen who was also there had stated that it was unusual to see the seal this early, for most of the fish it catches for its diet had not migrated north, yet.