The search for the rare and uncommon has driven humans for millennia. We want things we feel are hard to find, like diamonds or truffles. Birders are no different, and rare bird sightings often cause a tizzy in the local, … Continue reading Searching for Rare Birds in Okaloosa County
The creation of artificial reefs has become more and more popular off the coast of the Florida Panhandle, also known as the Emerald Coast. Concrete and metal are placed on the sandy bottom, following a lengthy application process with both … Continue reading Creating an Artificial Reef off the Emerald Coast
We all hear people say it: “Wait till you have kids, the way you spend your time will be completely different.” Well, right now, pre-children, I spend a lot of time birding. Given that birding generally requires patience, quiet, and … Continue reading Five Tips for Birding with Kids Under Five
When I was a kid, my dad and I used to drive along country roads, scanning fields for milkweed. If we spied anything we would quickly pull over, hopping out of the car and searching the leaves for black, yellow, … Continue reading Monarch Migration along the Florida Panhandle
Some of us are fortunate enough to travel for work, most commonly through all-day conferences and workshops. When these meetings take us to new places, we face a conundrum: how can we visit a city while remaining engaged in the … Continue reading How to Explore a City During a Conference: Three Quick Tips
As everyone knows, Florida is hot. While the heat can be brutal between June and September, it does mean that we Floridians are treated to not one, but two wildflower bursts. Though it is mid-October, the flowers are definitely blooming, … Continue reading The Wildflowers of Florida’s Karick Lake
When exploring, I tend to be a very active outdoorswomen. Time outside is an important part of my regular exercise, and on trips I try to rack up the miles. Most of the time, my constant movement works well. I’m … Continue reading How to See More Species Without Really Trying
I found this Northern Gannet on the Emerald Coast of Florida, across the bridge from busy Destin. Gannets are giant seabirds, spending most of their lives soaring on the ocean winds. This juvenile was sitting on the beach, emaciated and … Continue reading Northern Gannet on the Emerald Coast
Fall is a magical time to be in Maine. Though I live in Florida, when October hits I can’t help but think of the crisp nights and amazing fall foliage in my home state of Maine. This photo was shot … Continue reading Fall in the Maine North Woods
Before moving to Florida, I had little experience with its unique freshwater springs. Like many, my mental images of the state were primarily made up of beaches, warm ocean waters, and manatees. Truth be told, I had never even heard … Continue reading Exploring the Florida Springs
One World, Two Feet 