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.”

mthew

  • Peregrines

    I see Peregrines fairly frequently. But they’re usually two long avenue blocks away on the tall church. It’s much rarer to see one perched in Green-Wood. The metal top of St Michael’s RC church at 4th Avenue is a long-time perch and butcher’s block. The other day, one Peregrine was up here eating (probably pigeon)…

  • A New Year

  • Last Sunset of 2021

  • 2021, Part II

    Going through my blog, I noticed I never posted about this Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest here in Brooklyn this summer. Where the devil are my manners?

  • 2021, Part I

    The year-in-review here on the blog would have to include: The uncommon Red-shouldered Hawk. Mating ants. The rapid finding of a new nest for the local American Kestrels. As it turned out, they actually nested in another cornice hole. The Evening Grosbeak. Groundhog pair-bonding. Brood X Magicicadas in New Jersey. Ravens nesting on the Brooklyn…

  • Raptor Wednesday

  • At Bush Terminal

    E.O. Wilson RIP: the paper of record’s obituary.

  • Great Blue

    I realized after the fact and in some surprise that I’d flushed this heron from underneath a nearby pine. And that the bird wanted to get back under there.

  • Gifts

  • Well-seasoned Greetings