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.”

  • Bees

    Andrena mining bee on Serviceberry. Complex Lasioglossum pilosum on Beach Plum. Common Eastern Bumble on Redbud. Brown Belted Bumble on Redbud. Eastern Carpenter Bee on Redbud. Very popular, Redbud. Eastern Carpenter on Garlic Mustard. The bee’s so big she pulls down the flower heads with her weight. Eastern Carpenter on Dandelion. Eastern Carpenter on Norway…

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    Bees

  • Ravens

    From below. From three avenue (long) blocks away. Pretty far. From 3/4ths of a mile away… there’s actually a little skinny neck reaching upright from the nest! Last Friday, feeding time. Saturday: confirmation that there are at least two nestlings.

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  • Raptor Wednesday

    When I served as an alternate juror on a murder trial some years ago, our little jury room looked over Brooklyn Borough Hall and Cadman Plaza, a great big bowl of Peregrine Country. Since I no longer live in the vicinity, I’m not there very often now. But I was back recently. I can’t say…

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    Raptor Wednesday

  • What A Bird!

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    What A Bird!

  • Pawpaw

    Pawpaw/Asimina triloba flowers hang downwards, making them a challenge to photograph. I did manage to catch a fly or two heading in, though. The color and smell of these flowers are supposed to attract carrion flies. Whatever it takes for pollination…

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  • Owl Update

    Has it been that long since I checked in with the local Great Horned Owls? Evidently. One of the parents was perched beneath the nest the other day. And in the nest…!

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    Owl Update

  • Bugging Out Walks This Month

    I will be leading a couple of my famous insect tours in Green-Wood Cemetery this month on the 17th and 18th. The 18th is a walk specifically for kids. Green-Wood charges for these tours (and pays me). My Bugging Out events often sell-out, so reserve early. I strive to keep my Tours & Adventures page…

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    Bugging Out Walks This Month

  • Green Heron

    A rather kingfishery pose. Though they sure can stretch. Distance and light cooperate here in displaying the greenish tinge to Butorides virescens, formerly called the Green-backed Heron. Got or know of some young ones interested in plants? In or near Brooklyn? Then tomorrow’s Meet Your Green Neighbors walk for kids and their families at Green-Wood…

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    Green Heron

  • Chimney Swifts

    Are back. I saw and heard my first on April 26.

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    Chimney Swifts

  • Raptor Wednesday

    Red-tailed in a Cottonwood.

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