Family Outing

First up, recent casual astrophotography. What else to do at 5AM other than brisk calisthenics followed by a few pre-dawn snapshots?

Half moon, morning of 15 August 2025
Jupiter and its moons, pre-dawn

Next up, Thompson Bay (@ Presque Isle State Park), the “nature gift that keeps on giving,” like this recent, rather amazing sighting of a family of beautiful Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor), + special guests:

Spotted Sandpiper in flight (SSIF)
Poorly exposed SSIF w/ interesting reflection
Nicely done!
“I heard raccoons taste like fish”
SSIF IV

[Editor’s note: Ha! An obligate piscivore joke!]