This past winter, a bully invaded my backyard. By now, those who read my blog know that I love birds. Like, adore them. I generally soften my heart even to the most annoying avian companions, like the non-native European Starlings that gobble up my suet or the House Finches that crowd my feeders. But this … Continue reading A Backyard Bully and a Better Way Forward
Author: birddoc83
Tipping the Scale Towards Joy, One Goldfinch at a Time
It is Memorial Day in the States and for those of us that live in Upstate South Carolina, if you had any outdoor plans this morning, they were thwarted by a strong line of rain that soaked the area for hours. Deciding to make the most of my morning off, I spent several hours on … Continue reading Tipping the Scale Towards Joy, One Goldfinch at a Time
Hope is a Vulnerable Thing
Just this week two Eastern Bluebird fledglings emerged from one of the nest boxes I have in my backyard. Their diligent parents have been solely focused on their big world debut for nearly a month – first carefully constructing the nest, then patiently incubating the eggs, and finally frantically returning hour after hour to feed … Continue reading Hope is a Vulnerable Thing
On Enduring Essence
In an increasingly complex, fractured, and information-saturated world, it is a rare occasion when any one event commands the attention of so many people at once. And yet, just this past week, the passing of the Queen of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, marks such an occasion. Some have suggested that … Continue reading On Enduring Essence
Purple Martins and Perfect Timing?
Not long after moving to Greenville, SC I joined the Greenville County Bird Club. Although I have a variety of interests and hobbies, finding fellow bird enthusiasts was high on my list upon my arrival. In addition to regular outings and excursions, the club hosts a listserv where members can communicate about all things bird. … Continue reading Purple Martins and Perfect Timing?
A Currency of Beauty
One of the things I enjoy about any holiday season is observing the decorative prowess of friends, family, and neighbors as they add a bit of dazzle here and a pop of color there to spruce up homes, yards, and community spaces with celebratory flare. From glimmering hearts in February to heaps of pumpkins in … Continue reading A Currency of Beauty
Social Cooperation: Birds Do It, So Should We
I just recently listened to a podcast (listen here to episodes 13 & 14) where my good friend and naturalist extraordinaire Josh Arrants (find him here) spoke about his enthusiasm and passion for the natural world. With the energy of a young child, Josh explains his awe of the “magic of nature”. For Josh, as … Continue reading Social Cooperation: Birds Do It, So Should We
Designed for One-Time Use
With no leaves to conceal it, this bird nest from the most recent breeding season is easy to spot on a clear day in Greenville, SC. With a full canopy of leaves, one would be hard-pressed to locate this during the breeding season. If you’ve ever searched for a bird nest in the summer months, … Continue reading Designed for One-Time Use
The Evolution of Modern Birds and a Kernel of Hope for Dark Times
I suspect that it goes without saying, for anyone that hasn’t had their head buried in the sand for the past eight months, that 2020 has been a difficult year. Like many of you, I’ve felt a wide range of emotions since March: anger and frustration at the festering racism and bigotry that plagues our … Continue reading The Evolution of Modern Birds and a Kernel of Hope for Dark Times
Tendons, Pandemics, and Anchors Within
I was chatting with a good friend and her two young children via video conferencing recently when, as I often do, I asked if they had seen any interesting birds as of late. After all, despite the limitations that social distancing has placed on us, birds are still around, providing hours of free entertainment. “Yes”, … Continue reading Tendons, Pandemics, and Anchors Within
Wisdom on Wings 