Erica J.

Joined January 2023

0 stories

Bio

Chronic-pain sufferer just trying to be healthy and enjoy life while bird lurking and photographing nature. Purchase photo prints, read birding blogs, or see hiking videos: https://linktr.ee/erica80hd

Stories (7/0)

Boobies, Dickcissels and Tits
Very regularly when looking up a new bird that I'm not familiar with, I will stare at the name, and then immediately Google to make sure I'm not being pranked.
By Erica J.11 days ago in Earth
Bird Conservation Efforts in the US
Bird conservation in the United States has been a journey of dramatic highs and lows. Among the myriad avian species that call the U.S. home, two stand out as icons of conservation success and ongoing challenge: the bald eagle and the California condor. Let's dive into their stories, explore the efforts to protect them, and understand what their journeys tell us about bird conservation in America.
By Erica J.13 days ago in Earth
The Debate Over Eponymous Bird Names
Birdwatching, or birding, is a beloved pastime for many, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure, scientific curiosity, and a deep connection with nature. However, there's a growing movement within the birding community to change the names of birds that were given in regards to people, often their discoverers. This movement, though it might seem surprising at first, is grounded in important considerations about history, inclusivity, and the ongoing evolution of our relationship with the natural world.
By Erica J.20 days ago in Earth
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Ease of Walking: Starting at the north side of the park, this is a relatively easy, flat path, though true to its name, it tends to be rocky. Starting from the south side of the park (which requires driving through neighborhoods to get to the small parking lot), it is a lot more hilly. There is a new trail being built off of the north paths, but it is not open yet.
By Erica J.22 days ago in Earth
Hey, Leave That Owl Alone
About three weeks ago, an Arctic snowy owl made news by popping up about 25 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. The natural habitat of this owl is the frozen tundra much further north in Canada. Puzzled and thrilled birders, wildlife experts and locals alike crowded a neighborhood in Orange County to try to get a peek or a pic.
By Erica J.about a year ago in Earth
Tale of a Red Tail
The first time I saw a red-tailed hawk and was able to identify it, I took the picture posted above this intro, and kind of thought, "Oh. Yeah." Some of the red-tailed hawk colorings are incredibly easy to spot, like my new vibrant-tailed friend. But soon I started to go down a rabbit hole of morphs, belly bands and patagial marks and learned so much more about this fairly common raptor.
By Erica J.about a year ago in Earth
A Walk in the Park
On September 15, 2021, in the middle of my work-at-home shift as a newspaper designer, I called my mom, trying to hold back tears, as the pain in my back had gotten so severe that I needed her to drive me to the urgent care. I had experienced an increasing number of 'oh no, my back is out' moments over the previous few years, mostly when moving between apartments and hauling boxes because despite my absolute loathing for moving, circumstances kept me changing living spaces almost every year. Usually with a week or so of lower activity and care about bending and lifting, the pain would fade and I would return to life of occasional aching.
By Erica J.about a year ago in Earth

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Erica J.

Bio

Stories .css-19zxm0z-Text{display:inline-block;color:var(--text-default-mute);}(7/0)

Boobies, Dickcissels and Tits

Bird Conservation Efforts in the US

The Debate Over Eponymous Bird Names

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Hey, Leave That Owl Alone

Tale of a Red Tail

A Walk in the Park

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Stories (7/0)