I am regularly reminded that I’m a mere baby birder. Case in point: Of the world’s 117 species of kingfishers, I have (so far) only seen 2. All kingfishers are members of the Alcedinidae family with 18 different genera. They are cosmopolitan in distribution, with most species occurring in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, … Continue reading King of the Fishers
Owls are often considered charismatic. Is it because of their large and specialized eyes, enabling them to see in the dark and conducting a mostly nocturnal lifestyle? Their association with wisdom in our collective consciousness? This association likely originates in Greek mythology, where Athena, goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft, is often depicted with an … Continue reading Charismatic or Curmudgeonly?
When I contemplated writing about Kane Ranch Open Space, little did I know that I would learn enough to fill not one post, but two. Anyone who has gone down the rabbit hole of research will be able to relate. Unexpected treasures that lie buried in the past and are inadvertently unearthed make his(her)story irresistible. … Continue reading Kane Ranch
The meadow still lies in the shadow of a mountain on this early July morning and when I notice a shape gliding across it, my first thought is that it belongs to a jogger. But another glance shows a fast-approaching tall and dark outline and I realize my error. I lift my binoculars to my … Continue reading Apparition
“Home” for the birds I’m about to introduce to you does not technically include Colorado, based on the range map from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. But range maps only show the typical distribution of a species and every rule has its exceptions. I don’t know about you, but the saying “exceptions confirm/prove the rule” … Continue reading Anybody Home?
tanja britton 