Four years ago, I started Backyard and Beyond. Here’s my very first post, with picture of a recently hatched Painted Turtle, no bigger than a silver dollar.
For my anniversary, a bouquet: 
Feathers of one of Green-Wood’s Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus). The blue primaries (long wing feathers) are somewhat surprising for a bird otherwise tropical-green. These were scattered under an evergreen, evidence of a fateful end.
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There are a lot of posts in the archives. Most are timeless, at least on a human scale, so if you’re a newcomer, please feel free to dredge through the past. There are some doozies.
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And if you’ve haven’t subscribed to this goodness in your email in-box, well, then… duh!
Happy 4th birthday to your blog Matthew. I’ve learnt stuff on all manner of subjects, kept in touch with the wildlife of NYC and beyond and through it met a passionate friend and advocate for the natural world. Here’s to the next four years!!
Thank you, Mark. Cheers!
I’ll ditto Mark’s remarks, Matthew. Your blog is the first thing I look for in my long string of emails each morning.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Enjoy the diversity of your topics, birds and all….and thanks for that wonderful audio recording – Spem in Alium… 40 part motet – sublime it is 🙂 Hope you keep up your 4 year impetus….
Please keep the blog posts coming. I so appreciate being able to be in touch with nature, even if it’s on my mobile device underground during the morning commute. 🙂
There’s probably no better time! Thank you, Megan.
Thank you, Matthew for all the wonder and joy of nature you bring every day to me!! XO. 🐢🐾🌲🌳🌿🌺🌻
You’re welcome, Kathleen.
Congratulations on four years! Your blog is a big inspiration to get out there and discover nature in the city.
Thanks, Sean. Four more years!
Congrats! I’ve enjoyed following your blog and getting a glimpse of what it would be like living in NYC and loving nature. I particularly like the seasonal and big weather events feet-on-the-ground coverage that you provide.
Thank you, Katie.
Happy anniversary, Matthew, thank you for filling the years with wonderful pieces here on Backyard and Beyond. You make this world a better place and me more appreciative of it.
Thanks, Zina!