Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Anniversary

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: Myiopsitta monachusFeathers 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!

mthew

15 responses to “Anniversary”

  1. Mark Wilkinson

    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!!

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thank you, Mark. Cheers!

      Reply
  2. elwnyc

    I’ll ditto Mark’s remarks, Matthew. Your blog is the first thing I look for in my long string of emails each morning.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thank you, Elizabeth!

      Reply
  3. Nature on the Edge

    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….

    Reply
  4. Megan

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    1. mthew

      There’s probably no better time! Thank you, Megan.

      Reply
  5. Kathleen

    Thank you, Matthew for all the wonder and joy of nature you bring every day to me!! XO. 🐢🐾🌲🌳🌿🌺🌻

    Reply
    1. mthew

      You’re welcome, Kathleen.

      Reply
  6. Sean

    Congratulations on four years! Your blog is a big inspiration to get out there and discover nature in the city.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thanks, Sean. Four more years!

      Reply
  7. Katie (Nature ID)

    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.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thank you, Katie.

      Reply
  8. Zina

    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.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thanks, Zina!

      Reply

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