The Newfoundland Lens: A Year in Review - 2025

From the Caribbean to Newfoundland: The Whale Odyssey

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/support] Welcome to the Rock!

Exploring Weather and Photography in Newfoundland with Meteorologist Eddie Sheer

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/support] Welcome to the Rock!

Exploring Newfoundland’s West Coast: Lighthouses, Wildlife, Fall Colours & Hidden Photo Spots

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/support] Welcome to the Rock!

Winter Chats and Upcoming Season

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/support] Welcome to the Rock!

The Newfoundland Lens: A Year in Review - 2025

Let us know if you have any questions about Newfoundland and we may air it on next episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425145/support] Welcome to the Rock!