The lure of finding a Bicknell’s Thrush –– a rare summer denizen of high elevations in New England and southeasternmost Canada –– pulled me away from the heat of southern Arizona last month. (The cool mists of northern New Hampshire might have had something to … Continue readingBicknell’s Thrush in New Hampshire
John Davis is undertaking an epic journey––by foot, horseback, bicycle, boat––to dramatize the need for wildways, for safe wildlife corridors that connect habitats and wildlands to each other. This particular Western Wildway is a 6000-mile-long corridor stretching from the Northern Jaguar Preserve in Sonora, Mexico, … Continue readingTrekWest and the Western Wildway
Last night Alan and I ventured into Cave Creek Canyon above Portal, as wind swayed the sycamore branches, and a thickening crescent moon shone over the scene. We joined friends Dave Jasper and Rick Plage to see the location of a likely owl nest that … Continue readingA Western Screech Owl
In Costa Rica along the crest of the Cordillera of Tilarán, is a world of mist and greenery: the cloud forest of Monteverde. Trade winds from the Atlantic bring a steady flow of clouds across the mountain ridges, nourishing an astonishing forest, draped in ferns, … Continue readingThe Hummingbirds of Monteverde
OK, I’ve been lax about posting! Painting can dominate everything––I even forget to eat. Here is a recent project, an acrylic painting of Bartram’s Painted Vulture. I hadn’t heard of it either. Bartram’s Painted Vulture, a bird that formerly inhabited Florida (Acrylic painting by … Continue readingBartram’s Painted Vulture
Once again, drifts of autumn leaves shift with the winds in South Fork, in the Chiricahua Mountains. Madrone berries are peaking, and pulling in feasting birds. Above, the sky is frisky with mares’ tails, foretelling an impending storm. All this richness! Autumn along the South … Continue readingAutumn Musings
One of the last outings in Cuba for our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society is a quick trek into the Sierra de Cubitas, not far from the city of Camagüey. It is late in the day when we arrive, and rain showers are threatening. … Continue readingCuba’s Warblers
After watching day break over the city of Camagüey (home town for our Cuban guide Ray), our merry band from New Mexico Ornithological Society sets out for Finca La Belén in the Sierra de Najasa. Dawn over Camagüey from the roof of our hotel (Photo … Continue readingGiant Kingbirds!
Our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society wraps up its stay in the Zapata Peninsula with an evening trip to Las Salinas––a coastal region of mangroves, replete with large waterbirds. Driving in, we find a big Blue Crab in the middle of the sandy road, … Continue readingLas Salinas, Cuba
Over the course of several days, our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society explores wild areas of the Zapata Peninsula. One morning we begin especially early, for we are going to Bermejas Wildlife Reserve, renowned for its quail-doves. We must arrive at first light … Continue readingBermejas Reserve, Cuba