Category Archives: Background

400 Bird Species for 365 Days of Birds!

Background, Year 9

As I noted in today’s other post, it’s ugly outside (37F, heavy rain and sleet plus a thunderstorm. This weather does NOT encourage anyone to go birding. In short it is an excellent morning for doing stuff on my computer. One of my tasks was to update my photography index of species for this blog / website. While I am not a “list keeper” and do not submit many lists to eBird, and do not maintain a life’s list of sightings, I do know the number of bird species that I have taken a photograph and then posted it here.

This morning the number of bird species hit 400! While I had not kept track down in Tucson, once back up north I discovered I had achieved that epic number. Here are the three birds which put my number of species at 400. It was actually the “lowly house sparrow” which actually gave me number 400. I did not realize I had never taken the time to photograph this kind of sparrow … making me not a very good numbers guy / list enhancer!

Cinnamon Teal: 398

Green-Tailed Towhee: 399

House Sparrow: 400!

The Owl Next Door! (A Talk by Me!)

Background, Year 9

Does everyone have spring fever? This winter has been cold and long. Thus, what could be better than to escape to a small organic farm a bit north of the Twin Cities on Saturday … enjoy homemade hard cider while I speak about the Amity Owls! Assuming the weather permits, you would also be able to walk around the farm and visit the maple syrup operation in progress. The talk will be in Sapsucker Farms modern cider barn with plenty of warm space. Although you are welcome to bring your own food, the farm will have a food truck present serving “Fireman’s BBQ”! This is a great family friendly event. My talk is just part of Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day! Learn more.

  • Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day: Saturday, March 26th
  • Time: 12:00 to 8:00 pm
  • The Owl Next Door Talk (me): 2:00 pm
  • Learn more via Sapsucker Farm’s web site.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Address: 2752 215th Avenue, Mora, MN 55051
  • Google Maps Link
  • Download a free PDF copy of my book, Do You Hoot?

Help the Sunflower Stay Standing

Background, Year 9

The Ukrainian national flower is the sunflower. I took this photograph late this past summer. Don’t let Ukraine stand alone. #StandWithUkraine

If your financial resources allow, consider a donation to support Ukraine. Molly and I donated via Lutheran Disaster Relief to the Eastern European Crisis Response.