Bryan's Posts About Being Outside

The Naked Signs of Spring

Reporting from the American South, I bring you vultures, violets and hints of springtime.

Avocets and Hockey

A field biologist (and hockey fan) reviews the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra’s performance last night.

The Monarch Monsoon

A Monarch on its way to Mexico would seem to have no legitimate business 10 miles out to sea. Try telling that to the thousands of Monarchs here in the Gulf of Maine on Monhegan Island.

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.

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.