It’s been nearly 2 years since I’ve posted here. The aim of this blog was to share with you how birding helps me with my mental health — but I have not had the courage to do that since the pandemic started. It was a lot to face, a lot to share. Saltmarsh Sparrow, Portsmouth, …
Because of Black Birders Week
I go birding almost every day, but when the news broke about Christian Cooper, and then George Floyd, I could not bring myself to go. I was glued to my computer instead, reading articles, and trying to figure out how best to channel my anger and sadness into action. There were a lot of the …
2019 Recap: Two Lists, One Trophy
In 2019, I participated in two, year-long bird-listing challenges. One was to see as many species in a 5 mile radius from my home address, and the other was to see 200 species in my home county of Newport, in Rhode Island. The 5 Mile Radius challenge I took part in (aka 5MR) was organized …
My Great Grandfather, the Deputy Bird Commissioner
For my father Victor, who passed away on May 31, 2000. It seems to me he was very much like his grandfather, interested in and adept at so many things. He is missed still. Until recently, I thought I was unique in my family for my interest in birds. Of my 7 siblings, not one …
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Connecticut River Tree Swallows
Originally written in 2017 for my other blog, Eat Thru the Pain. Early Monday evening I boarded the River Quest, a 64’ catamaran at Eagles Landing in East Haddam, CT. The purpose of the cruise was to watch a large flock of Tree Swallows descend onto Goose Island at sunset, where they roost overnight. For …
Dumb Luck and the Glaucous Gull
I had some dumb luck a couple Fridays ago, when I pulled in to a parking spot at Seapowet Cove in Tiverton, and saw this RI rarity: an immature (1st year cycle) Glaucous Gull. I didn't have a solid plan to go birding that Friday after work. It was a vague notion in my tired …
One Lonely (5MR) Birder
Back in December, when Jen Sanford, Oregon birder and blogger of I Used to Hate Birds, proposed a year long 5 Mile Radius challenge, I didn't hesitate to sign myself up. The idea of a 5MR was conceived by her a couple years ago, and the point is to try to see as many species …
Birding Thru Begins
"...the best way out is always through." -Robert Frost, A …