Tag: Travel
Epic Israel: There and Back Again
Each leaves a brushstroke of insight onto an unfinished canvas, bringing me a step closer to a coveted but unattainable state of being. What that is, I can’t say with any precision. But it’s as if my life’s work is to assemble a three-dimensional masterpiece of insight and knowledge, one that I can step into at any time, touch and feel and turn around in, and one I can connect with on many levels. And when too much time passes between these states of attainment, I become restless and wanting, feeling as though life and opportunity is being squandered. Then, I know it’s time to lift off and explore worlds unknown.
SE Texas: Aplomado Falcons and More (long version)
An abbreviated version of this article was first published on the Audubon Guides blog, but some innocent snaffus have prevented the article from being published in its entirety. Until that gets ironed out after or during the holidays, I am publishing the full version with more photos here – LMK Just a few weeks ago, [...]
Birding is hard. But someone has to do it.
Some thoughts on what it’s like to attend a birding festival One of the best lines from the Rio Grande Valley Birding & Nature Festival was “Birding. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not doing it right.” This grand statement was uttered by a 20-something birder (Michael Hilchey) from New Mexico. So young, yet already a sage…. [...]
Photo Quiz: Can you name this raptor?
Can you name this raptor? Hint: I was standing down in one of the southernmost areas of Texas near Brownsville during last year’s Rio Grande Valley Birding & Nature Festival. The bird circled above my party’s heads for several minutes. Eventually, it disappeared and a Crested Caracara showed up in the same airspace. I hope [...]
High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, New York
High Peaks Resort is a good choice if you travel to the rugged Adirondacks, but prefer to leave the hardships behind on the trail. The resort features a prime location right in the heart of Lake Placid’s bustling downtown, two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full-service spa & salon, and stylish guestrooms that can’t be beat.
Chesapeake Bay Boat Tours: The Captain Barry Experience
If you ever have a few hours to spend near Chincoteague Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, check out one of Captain Barry’s sunset boat cruises. The Sunset Cruise I took a year ago was more than a boat ride, it was an experience. Daylight closes on the Eastern Shore. You’re itchin’ to let loose on [...]
Green Jay: a Caribbean Creamsicle
I never tire of examining the plumage of Green Jays…the blacks and blues, the greens and yellows along with their chartreuse sibling. When I peer at them long enough, I see ocean beaches. I see Caribbean creamsicles, a coral reef with wings. And this makes my eyes melt.
Watching Gulls at Niagara Falls
Cool update: I added a 5 min audio recording of Peter giving us gull neophytes a tutorial on the Thayer’s >>> Kumlien’s >>> Iceland Gull cline. Watching gulls. That’s what birders in the Great Lakes are wont to do in winter. And the place to do it, at least around here (globally speaking) is Niagara Falls. [...]
Bird Photography? Yes, I Can. So Can You.
I’m not an idiot. In fact, I pride myself on being able to figure things out when I put my mind to it. I get that from my mom. She tinkers and dings and wrestles and pulls, then all of a sudden, your zipper is fixed, your model is built, your chair is reupholstered, [...]
