The Newfoundland Lens

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode.

Whale Watching & Research in Trinity, Newfoundland | Sea of Whales Adventures with Shawna Prince

Host Michael Winsor and co-host Cory Babstock welcome Shawna Prince of Sea of Whales Adventures to discuss whale watching and marine research in Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador. Prince explains how Sea of Whales began in 2009 after she and Chris took over from a retiring operator, and describes their long-running photo-identification work and data sharing with groups like Allied Whale and Happywhale’s AI matching. She shares examples of unexpected humpback matches from the Azores to near Russia, outlines identification methods using fluke patterns and tail edges, and notes work with humpbacks, sperm whales, orcas, and a large fin whale dataset. The conversation covers sperm whale ecology and hydrophone use, rare blue whale sightings in September 2024, other local species, Caribbean breeding-ground collaboration in Turks and Caicos, and plans for the upcoming May 15–Oct 15 season, including sperm whale length measurements and iceberg conditions.

00:00 Welcome and Guests

00:39 Starting Sea of Whales

02:06 Whale Photo ID Research

03:39 Long Distance Whale Matches

04:40 How Photo ID Works

05:59 Species and Data Sharing

09:54 Happy Whale AI Explained

10:56 Sperm Whales in Newfoundland

13:45 Hydrophones and Deep Dives

17:15 Whale Encounters and Ethics

18:51 Surprise Sightings Blue Whales

21:47 Fin and Sei Whales Overview

25:02 Spotting Sperm Whales

25:27 Orca Catalog Connections

26:34 Do Orcas Visit More

27:22 Chasing Orca Patterns

28:40 Humpbacks in Turks

29:21 Calves Milk and Migration

31:28 Winter Whales and Oddballs

32:56 Why They Come North

33:49 Orca Scars and Safety

36:16 The Mystery of Breaching

37:47 Cameras and Rough Seas

39:45 Season Plans Icebergs

42:12 New Research and Dates

43:39 Where to Follow Sea

44:08 More Than Whales

45:22 Geology Tours and Wrap

46:37 Final Thanks and Signoff

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Weather, Fog & Golden Hour: Meteorologist Eddie Shear on Photographing Newfoundland & Labrador

Hosts Michael Winsor and Cory Babstock welcome Newfoundland and Labrador meteorologist Eddie Shear to discuss how weather affects photography, from storm tracking to finding ideal sunrise and sunset conditions. Shear describes the exceptionally snowy winter and late-season cold, explains why Newfoundland’s microclimates and terrain make forecasting difficult, and details how wind direction and the Gulf of St. Lawrence contribute to cloud, fog, and snow squalls, especially on the west coast. The conversation covers why fall often produces dramatic sunset colors, how skies can change rapidly, and how nearby areas like the Bonavista Peninsula can have drastically different conditions. They also discuss iceberg season, noting cold spring onshore winds help bring icebergs inshore, and the uncertainty for tour planning. Shear shares his photo-sharing approach and promotes Sheer Weather.

00:00 Meet Eddie Sheerr

01:12 Snowy Winter Catchup

03:22 West Coast Squalls Explained

05:37 Fall Light and Color

07:54 Sunset Surprise Moments

09:46 Chasing Clear Skies Nearby

12:42 Newfoundland Forecast Challenges

15:14 Storm Geek Energy

16:39 Summer Outlook and Heat

18:56 Tour Guest Expectations

19:08 Texas Heat Shock

20:12 Storm Skies Explained

22:01 Barometers and Sea Sense

23:32 Iceberg Season Outlook

26:54 Icebergs and Tourism Boom

29:07 Sharing Photos and Spots

33:06 Shear Weather Update

34:50 Final Sign Off

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Michael Winsor and co-host Corey discuss Newfoundland’s west coast after listener requests, sharing recent experiences with heavy snow, winter hikes, and photographing sunsets at Greenpoint Lighthouse. They highlight favorite west coast photography locations including Port au Choix and Port au Choix lighthouse, Bottle Cove for sunsets and orange dories, Cox’s Cove for fall reflections and bald eagles, and key Gros Morne National Park sites such as the Arches, the Tablelands, Trout River, Humber Valley, and Western Brook Pond (including winter snowmobile access and safety with guides). They talk about opportunities to photograph caribou, foxes, moose, and birds, plus the challenges of trip planning given distances. They briefly mention a fall photography tour, Corey’s organizing workflow, and Michael’s upcoming second photo book, and they postpone a deeper food discussion to a future episode, noting Trout River’s Seaside Restaurant buns and rolls.

00:00 Welcome to Newfoundland

00:41 Winter Updates and Hockey

02:08 Snowstorms and Snowshoeing

02:39 Green Point Lighthouse Photos

03:47 West Coast Lighthouse Spotlight

04:19 Caribou Encounters and Hotspots

08:16 Moose Photography Goals

09:17 West Coast Photo Tour Promo

10:26 Cox Cove Fall Colors

12:59 Bottle Cove Sunset Drive

14:54 Roadside Wildlife Surprises

18:22 The Arches and Wide Angle Tips

20:50 Why the West Coast Needs Time

22:10 Tablelands Geology and Views

24:06 Hiking the Tablelands Story

25:31 Trout River Night Skies

26:13 Seaside Rolls and Whale

27:47 Western Brook Winter Ride

29:28 Hiking and Tent Photos

30:27 Photo Workflow and Growth

32:12 West Coast Birds and Lighthouses

34:55 Remote South Coast Hops

37:33 Lost on Backroads

39:58 New Book Volume Two

42:28 Humber Valley Fall Colors

44:22 Savor the Moment

46:55 Where to Listen Next

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Join hosts Michael Winsor and Cory Babstock in Episode 11 of Newfoundland Lanes as they chat about the upcoming season, discussing winter experiences, icebergs, puffins, and wildlife photography. Listen in as they share insights from their tours and the beauty of Newfoundland's landscapes during the winter season. They also cover photography tips, respecting wildlife, and the emotional impact of capturing rare sights. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with stories, tips, and excitement for the new season. Book your tour today and capture the magic of Newfoundland!

00:00 Introduction and Season Preview

00:27 Winter Experiences and Challenges

01:01 Photography Adventures in the Cold

03:40 Wildlife Encounters and Photography Tips

06:24 Icebergs and Their Fascination

12:51 Moose and Caribou Sightings

14:44 Foxes and Human Interaction

16:32 Respecting Wildlife: A Key Principle

16:54 Close Encounters with Puffins

18:10 Challenges of Wildlife Photography

18:48 The Magic of Sunrises and Sunsets

20:02 Weather and Photography in Newfoundland

21:13 Exploring Newfoundland's Scenic Spots

24:47 Safety and Comfort on Tours

27:52 Booking and Preparing for Tours

29:49 The Unique Experience of Newfoundland Sunrises

31:20 Signing Off and Where to Find Us

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Welcome to the Rock!

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode.

Newfoundland Lens Podcast: Year in Review - Icebergs, Puffins, Whales and Unforgettable Tours

Join Michael Winsor and Corey Babstock in episode 10 of the Newfoundland Lens as they recap a spectacular year of photo tours across Newfoundland. From spring to fall, they discuss their encounters with icebergs, puffins, and whales, and share memorable moments with guests from around the world. Learn about the challenges and joys of capturing the perfect shot while exploring Newfoundland's stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. Tune in for insights on photography techniques, personal anecdotes, and a reflection on what made this season the best yet.

00:00 Introduction and Year in Review Overview

01:10 Icebergs and Tour Challenges

03:05 Memorable Photography Experiences

06:05 Wildlife and Whale Watching

07:51 Puffin Photography and Tour Highlights

16:18 Guest Experiences and Reflections

27:56 Looking Ahead to Next Season

30:51 Final Thoughts and Thank You

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Welcome to Episode 9 of The Newfoundland Lens! In this episode, hosts Michael Winsor and Corey Babstock introduce special guest Ian Winter, an avid birder, to discuss the rich and diverse birding opportunities in Newfoundland. From the initial interests that sparked Ian's passion for birding to the numerous bird species and rare sightings he's encountered, this episode dives deep into the birdwatching scene in Newfoundland. Get tips on photography, ethical birding practices, the best birding locations, and insights into the behavior and migration patterns of birds such as sparrows, puffins, bald eagles, and ospreys. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, this episode has something for you! Join the conversation and keep your eyes on the horizon and your heart in Newfoundland.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:40 Ian Winter's Birding Journey

02:31 Bird Identification Challenges

04:37 Birding Apps and Tools

05:25 Rare Bird Sightings in Newfoundland

07:46 Bird Migration and Climate Change

08:09 Birding Community and Resources

15:17 Birding Adventures and Stories

28:15 Puffin Population Concerns

31:01 Eagle Sightings and Photography

34:34 Favorite Birding Locations

48:08 Birding Ethics and Challenges

56:43 Podcast Conclusion and Farewell

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Welcome to the Rock!

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode.

Chasing Icebergs in Newfoundland: A Conversation with Diane Davis | Newfoundland Lens Ep. 8

In this episode of Newfoundland Lens, hosts welcome special guest Diane Davis, the founder of the Iceberg Reports Facebook group. The discussion dives into the origins and activities of the group, the fascination with Newfoundland's icebergs, and the community's efforts to track and photograph these natural wonders. Diane shares her experiences managing the group, the challenges of handling spammers, and the excitement surrounding early and notable iceberg sightings. The episode also touches on topics like iceberg photography, the impact of climate change, and the importance of supporting local tourism.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Diane Davis

00:42 Origins and Popularity of the Iceberg Facebook Group

02:49 Iceberg Sightings and Community Engagement

05:08 Challenges and Management of the Facebook Group

10:05 Tourism and Iceberg Photography

13:45 Memorable Iceberg Experiences

31:08 Climate Change and Iceberg Observations

34:53 Massive Iceberg in Seal Cove

35:45 Discussing Iceberg Photography

38:14 Supporting Local Communities

40:31 Tourist Experiences and Local Cuisine

45:12 The Allure of Icebergs

47:46 Planning Future Adventures

50:10 Challenges and Rewards of Iceberg Watching

01:05:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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Join Michael Winsor and Corey Babsock in Episode 7 of Newfoundland Lens as they discuss essential gear to bring on your photography trip to Newfoundland. From camera bodies and lenses for capturing puffins, whales, and icebergs, to practical items like rain gear and warm clothing, they cover it all. Get insider tips on the best times to visit for optimal photography and learn about additional local experiences to make the most of your trip. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this episode offers valuable advice to enhance your Newfoundland adventure.

00:00 Welcome to Newfoundland Lens

00:11 Preparing for Your Trip to Newfoundland

01:01 Essential Camera Gear for Puffins

03:48 Capturing Whales: Tips and Tricks

07:08 Photographing Icebergs

11:19 Landscape and Seascape Photography

13:30 Packing Tips and Recommendations

20:15 Local Cuisine and Dietary Needs

22:59 Travel Logistics and Final Tips

26:56 Conclusion and Farewell

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Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode.

Capturing the Charm of Newfoundland's Lighthouses | Episode 6

In this episode of the Newfoundland Lens, Michael Windsor and Cory Babstock take you on a virtual tour of some of Newfoundland's most photogenic lighthouses. Discover the unique charm and opportunities these beautiful structures offer for landscape photography. From the historic Cape Spear to the rugged and stunning Bonavista Lighthouse, they discuss sunrise and sunset shots, the best times to capture the perfect photograph, and share fascinating stories about the history and significance of each lighthouse. Whether you're planning a visit or just love photography, this episode is a treasure trove of tips and picturesque locations. Tune in to learn more about these iconic maritime sentinels and get inspired for your next photography adventure.

00:00 Introduction to Newfoundland Lighthouses

01:13 Exploring Cape Spear Lighthouse

07:08 Cape Race and Its Historical Significance

09:27 Fairyland Lighthouse and Photography Tips

12:37 Twillingate Lighthouse and Drone Photography

16:33 Bonavista Lighthouse: A Photographer's Paradise

21:13 Fort Amherst Lighthouse in St. John's

22:11 Unexpected Iceberg Encounter

22:52 Photography Tips: Using Lighthouses for Scale

25:52 Exploring King's Gulf Lighthouse

27:15 Capturing Puffin Island Lighthouse

28:30 Drone Photography and Lighthouses

29:30 Greenpoint Lighthouse: A Hidden Gem

30:50 Winter Lighthouse Photography

31:55 Port Au Choix Lighthouse Discovery

33:13 Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse

34:41 Rose Blanche Lighthouse Adventure

39:58 Final Thoughts and Podcast Information

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Welcome to the Rock!

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode.

Exploring Newfoundland: A Journey Through Stunning Landscapes | The Newfoundland Lens Episode 5

In episode 5 of The Newfoundland Lens, hosts Michael Windsor and Cory Babstock delve into Newfoundland's stunning landscapes by revealing their top 10 favorite photography spots on the island. From Eastport Beach and Sandy Cove Beach to the historic Fogo Island and the mesmerizing Cape Spear, the episode highlights the beauty and diversity of Newfoundland's natural scenery. They also explore lesser-known gems like Battle Harbor, Salvage, and Francois, offering tips on capturing the best shots at each location. The episode concludes with their top picks, Random Island for Cory and the awe-inspiring Torngat Mountains in Labrador for Michael. Along the way, they share personal experiences, photography insights, and safety tips, making this episode an essential listen for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:19 Top 10 Landscape Spots in Newfoundland

01:15 Eastport and Sandy Cove Beaches

02:50 Fogo Island: The Ridge Shed Capital

04:21 Clarenville: Hidden Gem for Landscape Photos

05:30 Battle Harbor: A Step Back in Time

09:17 Cape Spear: The First Sunrise in North America

12:28 Cape St. Mary's and Branch

14:07 Humber Valley and West Coast Foliage

15:46 Gros Morne and Port au Choix

17:08 Francois: A Remote Fjord Village

19:32 Twillingate: Sunset Paradise

24:53 Eagle Spotting and Wildlife Encounters

25:28 Magical Sea Stacks and Rugged Landscapes

25:59 Sunrise and Sunset Photography Spots

27:48 Exploring Random Island

29:14 Chasing Sunsets at Battle Cove

32:13 Bonavista: A Photographer's Dream

33:44 Western Brook Pond Adventure

37:50 Tickle Cove and Surrounding Gems

41:06 Torngat Mountains: A Life-Changing Experience

46:14 Final Thoughts and Podcast Information

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