Roads End Naturalist

Exploring the natural world as we wander at the end of the road

Author: Mike Dunn

  • Pungo Reflections – Forest

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    Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares that will not withdraw from us. We need hours of aimless wandering…observing the mysterious world of ants and the canopy of treetops. ~Maya Angelou It was certainly too cold for ants on my last trip, but not for enjoying the treetops. On my trips with clients… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Spaces Remain for Yellowstone in June…Join me for an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone. Details on my Trips page. Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Pungo Reflections – Water

    Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Due to a crazy schedule at home this month, my last refuge tour of this winter waterfowl season was the first weekend of February. I had a great group of three clients that all had experience with our national wildlife… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Yellowstone in June!

    Join me for an unforgettable experience in the world’s first national park, Yellowstone! I am offering two trips this summer  – both in June. One includes an extra night in the park’s Northern Range plus an overnight to Grand Teton National Park. Both trips offer small group (4 to 6 participants) field experiences. We will… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Ice Capades

    Ice is an interesting subject for contemplation. ~Henry David Thoreau Weather changes quickly this time of year. When venturing out, we need to be prepared. Imagine if you live out in it all winter. While snow is relatively rare in our eastern wildlife refuges, ice is common. A sudden drop in temperature on a still… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • The Show

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    Watching huge flocks of Snow Geese swirl down from the sky, amid a cacophony of honking, is a little like standing inside a snow globe. ~Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snow_goose/lifehistory When I saw this quote, I said, yup, they nailed it. On almost any day from mid-December through early February, you have a good chance… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • The View From Up There

    …for many of us the world would be a poorer place without bears. We keep bears because they are a part of nature and because of what they do for the human mind, body, and soul. ~Steve Herrero I have seen several bears in trees this winter, even a couple with my groups, which is… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Season of the Swan

    …this harsh sound softened and modulated by distance, and issuing from the immense void above, assumes a supernatural character of tone and impression, that excites, the first time heard, a strangely peculiar feeling. ~Dr. Sharpless, 1844, on the sound made by Tundra Swans during flight It is a magical sound, that first haunting note of… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Spectacle

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    I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. ~John Burroughs It has been a great winter of experiences in nature. I have had the pleasure of sharing many special sights and sounds with a number of special people, as well as having moments of solitude in… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn

  • Snipe Hunt

     If alarmed it squats for concealment…;the longitudinal stripes on its back and head so closely resemble prostrate stems of dead grass that the bird is difficult to distinguish. ~Arthur Cleveland Bent, 1927 People often react with a bit of disbelief when I mention seeking snipe. After all, many have heard of the proverbial prank called… Read more…

    Written by

    Mike Dunn