It’s interesting to observe how the colors of the late day sun affect a bird’s appearance. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker above that I spied on a recent early evening walk, certainly looked like he was enjoying the last rays of sun. We usually see the Boat-tailed Grackle above in his brilliant, shimmering blue feathers in the daytime sun. […]
Visited a lovely preserve called Peaceful Waters Sanctuary this week. Such an apt name! Even in the rain, it was a pleasure to walk the trails and the boardwalk – not a soul around, just a few Herons and I enjoying this very tranquil spot. On my second trip, today, the handsome Green Heron was […]
Humans have a curious need to classify the elements of the natural world around us, and to assign names to these wonders. I wrote last week about my experiences with learning to identify birds, and how important this also seems to be to passersby who often ask, “Excuse me, but do you know which bird […]
As dusk closed in, the graceful flock of Glossy Ibis featured above sailed toward me in the waning light. From a distance, I wasn’t quite sure what they were, but as soon as I could discern their body shape and size, it was clear that these were Glossy Ibis and not some other wetland bird […]
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under Heaven.” These are familiar words to many of us, and English speakers are likely to have heard the song Turn, Turn, Turn, popularized in the 1960’s, when folk singer Pete Seeger put these very words to a beautiful melody. But did you know […]
Today is Erev Rosh HaShanah, the eve of the Jewish New Year. We’ve spent the past month turning our attention inward, toward the deepest part of our souls, in preparation for the Days of Awe that begin with Rosh HaShana. This evening begins a season of holidays, remembrances, and reflection for Jewish people all over the world. At […]
It seemed a bit late in the morning to be heading out for my walk the other day . . . nearly 9:30 am already. . . I never go birding that late! By then, the sun is getting hot and high in the sky, and mid-morning is generally past the birds’ most active […]
Birder's Journey 