June 2014 Tennessee Snorkeling Photos
#1
Posted 26 December 2014 - 02:11 PM
Duck Darter. It posed nicely for me.
Northern Studfish. A large group was preoccupied with spawning activity in a shallow, sandy area. This was the dominant male of the group.
Caney Fork Darter. I was really impressed with these. It was my first time to see any in the spotted darter group. Their coloration was variable. I thought this one with red spots on green background was especially nice, and I followed it around for a while trying to get a good photo.
Caney Fork Darter. Others, especially the large ones, had a dark brown background instead.
Cherry Darters. Breeding pair.
Tricolor Shiners. Sparring males.
Loggerhead Musk Turtle. We saw several of these at the Conasauga snorkel hole.
Freshwater Drum. It was neat to see these. Though they are in Arkansas, I had never seen them before while snorkeling.
Coosa Crayfish. A very nicely-colored crayfish.
Coosa Crayfish. Closeup.
#2
Posted 26 December 2014 - 02:12 PM
Redbreast Sunfish. I think this TN form is nicer looking than the ones I'm used to in the FL springs. I like the orange tips on the caudal fin.
Bronze Darter. I found the prize!
Coosa Bass. Nicely colored for a bass.
Mobile Logperch. The common logperch species at the snorkel hole. Though we looked, we didn't see any of the rare Conasauga Logperch.
Spiny Softshell Turtle. This guy was buried in the gravel with only his head showing.
Alabama Shiner. Casper and I watched a group of these that had gathered downstream of us. Males sparred in the late afternoon light. This was the most impressive male I saw all day.
Clinch Dace. Undescribed species similar to the Laurel Dace.
Spotfin Chub. I went to a spot looking for Tangerine Darters and was instead dazzled by these. I was not really aware of this species beforehand. For some reason, I had never heard much about them. I have never seen a fish quite like them. They really seem to be glowing. Mesmerizing.
Snail Darter. It was neat to see this famous species. You can't really tell from this small photo, but it's pectoral fins are resting on a snail.
Tangerine Darter. I ended up finding my high-color tangerines at another site, the Hiwassee, with Casper. A very impressive fish. Large, colorful, and very friendly. Easy to observe and photograph, they regularly allowed me to within a foot or so. I was able to get very close with a wide angle lens for this photo.
#3
Posted 26 December 2014 - 04:17 PM
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
#4
Posted 26 December 2014 - 05:37 PM
There are sharks in every ocean...except Billy Ocean.
#5
Posted 26 December 2014 - 05:40 PM
I enjoyed your captions too. Dazzled Connie and the girls.
I will send a link to the Snorkel Boss, Mr. Ed and Jeremy.
Wonderful bliss on a dull day.
Chattanooga, near the TN Divide on BlueFishRidge overlooking South Chickamauga Creek.
#6
Posted 26 December 2014 - 05:47 PM
#7
Posted 27 December 2014 - 08:24 AM
Sent from my Nexus 5
Josh Blaylock - Central KY
NANFA on Facebook
KYCREEKS - KRWW - KWA
I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky.
- Abraham Lincoln, 1861
#8
Posted 27 December 2014 - 11:29 PM
#9
Posted 28 December 2014 - 03:27 AM
#10
Posted 29 December 2014 - 01:35 PM
#11
Posted 29 December 2014 - 02:06 PM
#12
Posted 29 December 2014 - 02:59 PM
Derek Wheaton
On a mountain overlooking the North Fork Roanoke River on one side, the New River Valley on the other, and a few minutes away from the James River watershed...the good life...
Enchanting Ectotherms
My Personal Facebook (mostly fish related, if you'd like to add me)
#13
Posted 30 December 2014 - 01:34 AM
I got lucky with the studfish. I have always found the big males to be pretty wary and difficult to approach close enough for good photos. The only two times I've been able to get good photos is when they were too busy chasing females to care much about me being there.
#14
Posted 30 December 2014 - 09:00 PM
Yes Sir!
I got lucky with the studfish. I have always found the big males to be pretty wary and difficult to approach close enough for good photos. The only two times I've been able to get good photos is when they were too busy chasing females to care much about me being there.
My experience as well. I once saw 2 males all puffed up and circling one another displaying and sparring, oblivious to my presense. No images as they were my pre camera days! Snorkeling offers so much more than capture and every state i have been in i have been able to find clear water. Look for protected watersheds, dams and springs.
Fantastic images, i have been sharing them with my friends including all my non fishy ones. All are dazzled.
I am looking forward to taking you to some of my special sites! 2015 is coming soon.
Chattanooga, near the TN Divide on BlueFishRidge overlooking South Chickamauga Creek.
#15
Posted 31 December 2014 - 02:34 PM
#16
Posted 28 January 2015 - 05:44 PM
I've been staring at these for a few days now and still can't think of anything to say other than "WOW" "AMAZING!" and a large variety of synonyms. That's really all that can be said about these. Spectacular work.
I couldn't say it better, only to add that I'm constantly browsing this site, and every day I find something fascinating. Your photos blow me away!
Kevin Wilson
#17
Posted 28 January 2015 - 08:41 PM
#18
Posted 29 January 2015 - 04:18 PM
The member formerly known as Skipjack
#19
Posted 15 February 2015 - 04:22 PM
Excellent work Isaac, great composition and coloring on all of the above shots! A treat to see in frozen winter!
#20
Posted 15 February 2015 - 09:45 PM
Thanks Eric! Spring is only a couple of (long) months away. Stay warm!
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