I’ve often said that people who are more actively observant of the natural world around them are more acutely aware of the seasonal cycle. When you spend most of your free time watching the comings and goings of animals, you can’t help but notice the gradual, steady changes each day brings on our yearly journey around the Sun. This is … Read More
2020 Top 10 Birds
Every year offers a different set of experiences. In 2019, I saw so many lifers that I couldn’t imagine narrowing them down to a Top 10. 2020 stands in stark contrast to last year’s international adventures, and though I managed to make the most of this challenging reality I did not crack into the double digits for new birds observed. … Read More
Saltmarsh Sparrow, Bucks County, PA – 4th State Record!
On Friday, Alex, Josh and I traveled to the southeastern side of the state to see a few rare PA birds that would be new state birds for all of us. On our list were Saltmarsh Sparrow, Calliope Hummingbird, and Black Skimmer, among other things. We left State College in the dark and while Alex drove, I took a long … Read More
An Avian Coastal Evacuation
October 29: Tom Johnson and Doug Gochfeld were still navigating to my parents’ home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, when Hurricane Sandy made landfall. Their arrival was timed perfectly with the loss of internet and cable (which my parents wouldn’t see again for another three days). Shortly thereafter, we lost power. So as we huddled around a battery-powered lamp, we discussed … Read More