Field Notes: Ensatina Salamanders (Patreon)

It’s been a busy time for Deep Look, and we’re still moving forward with production even with the ongoing pandemic restrictions. That means lead producer and cinematographer Josh Cassidy has spent a lot of time filming on his own, whether documenting dandelions, ducks or carnivorous plants – the future subjects of exciting new episodes that are rolling out later this summer and fall. 

Producer Mike Seely is also quite talented behind the camera, so for his upcoming video about ensatina salamanders –– he took on the photography responsibilities himself. He enlisted the assistance of one of his kids, eight-year-old Maya, who helped find and care for these colorful amphibians while Mike prepped his gear and filmed them. 

They traveled to the Sierra Nevada foothills over the winter and early spring months (before the coronavirus travel restrictions began) to focus on the Sierra Nevada ensatina. 

And closer to the Bay Area, they also ventured up to Berkeley’s Tilden Park to capture the yellow-eyed ensatina in action.

You can learn more when this episode premieres on Tuesday, June 30. Our Patreon supporters will get an early look this Friday, June 26!

Photo credits: Mike Seely/KQED