Whether it's bitter winter weather or just an overly rainy day, you can't always be outside. I can't, anyway. My body doesn't deal with cold well, but I don't like withdrawing from nature, either. So I find ways to keep birding even though I can't be outside as much as I would like. 1) Keep... Continue Reading →
An Inspiring Whimsical Scrapmetal Menagerie
The Swetsville Zoo in Timnath, CO is actually a sculpture garden showcasing the wild imagination of Bill Swets. Filled with creatures made from metal scraps including parts from cars, tractors, and motorcycles, this "zoo" includes dinosaurs, birds, insects, reptiles, dragons, even people and flowers. The two things all Swets' creations have in common: they are... Continue Reading →
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5 Reasons Drawing Nature is Worth the Bother
In a world where everyone carries a camera everywhere they go, taking the time to stop and draw the natural world can seem like an old-fashioned and even pointless pastime. Snapping a picture takes a few seconds. Drawing takes a few minutes at least, and a lot longer in some cases. Besides, a drawing is... Continue Reading →
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7 Frustrating Truths About Birding
Back in March, I spent a week in southern Arizona birding. While I have looked for birds while hiking in the past, this was my first trip dedicated to birding. I discovered that focused birding is both wonderful and frustrating. Here's what I learned. 1) Birding can be intense. Knowing I might see something I'd... Continue Reading →
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Beyond Raptors: Other Birds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
I may have given you the impression that the only birds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are raptors, like the barn owl and Harris's hawks I saw in their daily Raptor Free-Flights. But visitors to the ASDM see plenty of other interesting birds, all native to some part of Arizona. When I was there in February,... Continue Reading →
