Tag: pungo
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Searching for Snows
Don’t refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase – that’s what wild geese are for. ~Henry J. Haskins I am lucky in retirement to have more time to seek out places that provide a wildlife spectacle. There is something transformative about witnessing masses of animals in a wild place. This time of year, Read more…
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Birds Galore
It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility. ~Rachel Carson I had two groups scheduled for trips over the last week, one a group of photographers, and one some friends from my museum world. The Read more…
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Snakes on a Plain (Coastal Plain, that is)
For hibernating rodent and hidden turtle, what dreams, I wonder, come on such a day of spring in January? ~Edwin Way Teale I just returned from several days down at Pocosin Lakes and Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuges. The weather started off beautiful, then wet and warm, then cold and windy – quite a variety of Read more…
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One Wet Bird, Two Wet Birds…Four Wet Birders
The best thing one can do when it is raining is to let it rain. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Unlike most years, I was dreading this year’s annual Christmas Bird Count. The weather forecast had been calling for more rain, 80% most of the day. We have already had so much rain and I anticipated the Read more…
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Appreciating a Place
Sense of place…it is a combination of characteristics that makes a place special and unique. ~the Art of Geography I am lucky. I have several wild places that give me that feeling of a sense of place, of completeness, of peace. I think almost any location can become such a place given time to experience Read more…
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Sky Watching
There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them. ~Jo Walton I had a trip to Pocosin Lakes and Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuges with a great group this past weekend. The birds have arrived (well, maybe not all the birds as yet) and it was Read more…
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Pungo Reflections – Sky
The sky is that beautiful old parchment in which the sun and moon keep their diary. ~ Alfred Kreymborg One of my favorite things about eastern North Carolina is the big sky (maybe that’s why I like Montana so much as well). And I have seen some wonderful big skies at Pungo this year, especially Read more…
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Pungo Reflections – Forest
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…
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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…
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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…
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