Kickstarter

I am grateful to Kickstarter for featuring North Knife: A Radio Expedition to Hudson Bay  under their "journalism" selection today, However, there is an error in their description. 

While I am in fact an independent producer and writer for the Living on Earth I am not its creator nor its executive producer. That credit - and honor - belongs to Steve Curwood, who originated and directs Living On Earth and has long been one of the most significant voices in environmental journalism in the United States.  

That said, my project description of North Knife, and my biographical material including my relationship to Living on Earth as given by me within the project text, are wholly accurate. 

If you have comments, or would like further clarification, I'd like to hear from you. 

In fact if you just want to get in touch?  I'd like that too.  

Here's my email:  MSL@MarkSethLender.com

Finally, I have a wonderful project on Living on Earth this week (www.LOE.org).  It's called "Loon Crosses the Lake" and is the product of fieldwork conducted over a 4 year period, on the Connecticut coast, in northern Maine, and in British Columbia.  The loon recordings included are nothing short of stunning. I still can't believe I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.   

Regards,

Mark

Let’s face it.  It’s been Slug City around here for at least 6 weeks. Between preparing for North Knife, work for Living on Earth, my writing, and my recent field work, I haven’t burned a calorie. Plus, it’s been raining continuously for I don’t know how long and  -  NO MORE EXCUSES!  OK one more excuse. I’m in the studio in Boston all day today working on a sound essay on loons [more on the loons soon].  But starting tomorrow, rain or shine, it’s boot camp. Errrr – Bear Camp.

My house sits on a glacial moraine, 5.6 miles from one end to the other and back to the house again.  I’d been doing that walk at least 4 times a week all winter, plus once a week with a pack on.

I’ve asked both Jesse Ventura and the Governator for advice.  Jesse says I have to jump from a plane, dive 220 feet to the bottom of the ocean and defy death.  None of which especially appeals to me especially the jump from a plane part.  I’m afraid of heights. The Governator says when I’ve trained hard enough to acquire an Austrian accent, and only then, he may have a few words for me. So let me put it this way:

“Ah’ll be beck.” 

To be continued….

[Photo in this iupdate is a Great Blue Heron, and is one of the images on which a story in my book, Salt Marsh Diary is based]

As a result of the reduction in cost, I can increase the premiums.  Everyone who contributes at the $25 level and above will receive in addition to the premiums noted, a signed copy of one of my photographs. This will be a photo that specifically relates to my book, Salt Marsh Diary. As the video at the head of this proposal explains, I use photography as a notebook for my writing, and I will be sharing with contributors some of the very photos that actually led to the pieces in my book. I have a lot of editing to do this week for Living on Earth but as soon as I see some daylight, I'll post the photos.  Contributors will be able to choose whichever one they like.  Regards, Mark

Pleased to report that I'e been able to lower the cost of this expedition by just shy of $2400. I've found a way to photograph Beluga Whale at and just below the surface.  Thus, a much less expensive underwater housing and lens combination can be employed. I've also saved some money on Flashcards, which are used in my digital cameras like film (prices have dropped on the 32 GB cards I use).  Thus, the new total to be raised is down to $6335.  That should make reaching the goal in the remaining 44 days more likely.  

Please help me spread the word!  

Meanwhile, here are a few of the close-ups I just took of alligators. I was in most instances less than 3 feet away. You absolutely have to pay attention and know what to watch for to maintain that kind of proximity. Also, these gators are accustomed to humans.  Please don't try this on your own.  

Regards,

Mark Seth Lender

I've been in St. Augustine, Florida all week working on several radio pieces on nesting birds, alligators - and birds and alligators.  The place is called the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, and the name is misleading.  A good part is really a recreation of what things looked like pre-European contact.  Birds touching close, and densely nested, and all the behavior and interaction that goes with close contact.  Here are a couple of photos and a raw sound clip.  There is some background noise - sorry, no time to process - running back out to shoot.  The clip begins with a gator bellowing.