Bryan's Blog
The Adventures of a Field Biologist and Boy Explorer
The Extinction of Meaning
Now that the Trump administration has advanced its plan to weaken the Endangered Species Act, here’s my essay, first published at Medium.com, about our fading ties to wildlife and wild places.
A Tiger Tale
In sun-dappled woods in southern Vermont, the discovery of a rare and charismatic dragonfly ended a mystery that began two years ago.
Messin’ With Texas
To leave Vermont in summertime is to take leave of your senses. But here’s my justification: a shock-and-awe dragonfly.
Of Black Flies and Bog Fritillaries
When you time your visit just right, about when the black flies and mosquitoes unite to defend their bogs from the likes of you, there is nothing better on earth than a Bog Fritillary.
What’s Next: Green Alert
The slow-motion spring across the northern forest now moves into a season of diversity, abundance and flight.
When Songbirds Fall to Earth
Delivered from the fog, the grace and irony of tired warblers feeding at my feet on Monhegan Island, Maine.
A Bog in Bloom
On an Atlantic White Cedar Bog in Maine yesterday, I did not find Hessel’s Hairstreak. But that’s okay. I turned my lens instead toward plants.
The Falcon and the Flycatcher
Here on Monhegan Island, a flycatcher dies in a falcon’s grip, and then falls gracefully to earth. Oh, and Scarlet Tanagers — lots and lots of Scarlet Tanagers.
YELLOW ALERT
The gradual outbreak of spring across northern forests this year — more reluctant than most any I can remember — now brings us to peak yellow.
What’s Next: Warblers
I am grateful that the leaves are taking their time arriving this spring. That’s because the warblers are coming. Well, actually, the warblers are already here. So please see them — now.
RED ALERT
Across much of the eastern U.S and adjoining Canada, springtime begins not so much with a blast of green but rather a display in 50 shades of red. Here is your super-bloom (and lesson in gender identity) from Red Maples.
Sex and Mayhem in a Pond
If you ever needed proof that females bear the worst when it comes to reproduction, here it is: Wood Frog amplexus. This is not murder and mayhem. It is mayhem and mating. We’ve got the video.
