This Crab Saw His Shadow

Punxatawney Phil’s got nothing on a Chesapeake Blue Crab

There was a time the Groundhog was as accurate as most weathermen – but that time ended decades ago. Now February 2nd is more a reason for day drinking in Punxatawney, Pennsylvania than for anything truly scientific.

chesapeake blue crab predicting the weather
A Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab can predict the weather with as much accuracy as Punxatawney Phil.

Whether the Pennsylvania rodent sees his shadow or not there are still six and a half weeks until Spring. Here in the Mid-Atlantic region those six weeks of weather can be warmer than average, colder than average or a mixture of random temperatures and precipitation events. Rather random, right?

crab weather meme data sample
Here is a data sample for the “Crab Weather Meme” as posted on social media – one of a few groups less than 24 hours after posting.

The weather throughout the Mid-Atlantic does reflect all four seasons. Sometimes we see them all in the same week – well, not really all four seasons but possibly anything from snow to sunny and 70s within a couple of days. Rather random.

Surprising Engagement on Social Media

What’s cool about the above image is that it was a “meme” I created as a funny post on social media. It was posted to Twitter and a couple of Facebook pages and groups. People must have liked it because I was totally shocked at the engagement it created. On FB it received over 800 “Like-Love-Laugh” emoji clicks, over 200 “shares” and over 100 “comments.” Maybe people are tired of the same ol’ same ol’ news reporting from some field in western Pennsylvania. Besides, who enjoys steamed groundhogs every summer? Right?

Link to the original image: Maryland Crab Lurking in an Assateague Marsh

Oh, by the way. It doesn’t matter if the Blue Crab sees his (her?) shadow or not. The weather outlook will always be the same. Randon, right?


Catching the Sun in Her Arms

A solitary driftwood tree embraces the rising sun in her outstretched “limbs.”

The eastern coast of Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. One such beach, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a stunning coastal paradise that will take your breath away. This secluded beach is surrounded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss and the salty air gives way to a unique landscape. Driftwood Beach, itself, features sun-bleached driftwood strewn along the shoreline, giving visitors an otherworldly experience like no other.

Catching the sun in her arms on driftwood beach.
Catching the Sun in Her Arms on Driftwood Beach

Welcome to Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA! Whether you’re a resident of the area, or visiting from afar, this spot is not one to miss. With its stunning views and unique landscape, Driftwood Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. The shallow coast and tidal flats are an ideal location for wading and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy the beautifully weathered driftwood that lines the beach, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA is a little-known gem. The beach is covered with light brown, smooth driftwood that looks like large, intricate pieces of broken shells. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia
Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach is located on the northeastern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. To get to this secluded paradise you must first drive through the main recreation area of the island. The beach does not have any access from the main road but there are a few parking areas along the road and paths leading to the beach.

The iconind lone tree on Driftwood Beach at dawn
The Iconic Lone Tree on Driftwood Beach in the Pre-Sunrise Light of Dawn

The beach on this island is now covered with driftwood in all shapes, sizes, and shades of brown and gray – creating an ethereal atmosphere for any visitor. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature as one strolls along Driftwood Beach and encounters amazing examples of driftwood – from small pieces to entire trees.

With its unique landscape, this beach serves as an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or exploration.

driftwood beach rowboat
The hull of an old boat that has turned to driftwood is silhouetted in the morning sunrise.

To browse wall art and home decor items with Driftwood Beach photographs, you can click the images above or the links below.

Link to: Catching the Sun in Her Arms

Link to: Iconic Lone Tree of Driftwood Beach

Link to: Driftwood Boat

Link to: Bill’s Driftwood Beach Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery


I’ve Always had a Keen Interest in Astronomy

I also re-process public domain astronomy images to ready them for wall art display.

Here is an example: SOLD at Pictorem as a 36×16 Canvas. Thank you, dear buyer, for your support. The image below is linked to the sales page…

side-by-side comparison shows observations of the Southern Ring Nebula
Side-by-side comparison shows observations of the Southern Ring Nebula in near-infrared light at left and mid-infrared light at right from NASA’s Webb Telescope.

In recent years, astronomy has become increasingly accessible to the public and stargazing has become a popular activity. With modern technology, anyone can explore the night sky from their own home and admire its beauty. If you want to bring that beauty indoors, using public domain astronomy images for wall display is a great way to do so. These images allow you to bring the stars and planets into your living room.

What Are Public Domain Astronomy Images?

Public domain images are photos that are not protected by copyright. This means anyone can use them for any purpose without having to pay royalties or seek permission from the owner.

Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula
Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula

Where to get the Outer Space imagery.

Sources such as NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute offer government-paid-for images in the public domain. Astronomy has long been a fascination of humans, inspiring writers, musicians, and artists alike. From the Greek gods to modern day space exploration, the stars have captivated us for centuries. For those looking to bring the beauty of astronomy into their home or office, using public domain astronomy images is an excellent way to do just that. With plenty of options available online, anyone can easily find beautiful images that are free for personal and commercial use.

NASA image of earthrise over the moon
NASA image of earthrise over the surface of the moon

However, making them suitable for prominent wall display takes a bit more than simply downloading something you like. These public domain images and resized and enhance in clarity, color and contrast so they look great as a wall display. The Print on Demand (POD) companies with whom we work offer high quality wall art and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

To learn more, click each image above or one of the links below.

Link to: the Outer Space Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: the Outer Space Collection at Pictorem