The Whisker Chronicles

Whiskers are also known as vibrissa, from the latin vibrare "to vibrate". Vibrissa are the specialized hairs on mammals and the bristlelike feathers near the mouths of many birds. Their resonant design is symbolic of the energies, good and bad, that are reverberating throughout the natural world. Every living thing is connected and, by birthright, deserves to exist.

Brown Pelicans: An Endangered Species Recovery Success Story (Written for the Ecotone Exchange)

Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was a warm, sunny autumn afternoon and I was out for a stroll at my favorite spot on this Earth. October … Continue reading

June 17, 2014 · Leave a comment

Extinct in the Wild: Hawaiian Crow

Scientific Name: Corvus hawaiiensis, also known as ‘Alalā (Cry like a child) Historic Range: The Hawaiian Crow is native to the Big Island and was most populous in upland forests, … Continue reading

June 17, 2014 · 1 Comment

The Mystery of Bird Songs and Calls

“A robin feathering his nest Has very little time to rest While gathering his bits of twine and twig Though quite intent in his pursuit He has a merry tune … Continue reading

March 28, 2014 · 1 Comment

Carolina Wren

Scientific Name:  Thryothorus ludovicianus  Where Carolina Wrens Live:    Southeastern United States, north to Wisconsin and Michigan, southern Ontario, New York, and southern New England in brushy thickets, lowland cypress swamps, … Continue reading

March 20, 2014 · 3 Comments

Turkey Vulture

Scientific Name:  Cathartes aura The word vulture comes from the Latin vellere, which means to pluck or tear. Cathartes aura means either “golden purifier” or “purifying breeze,” quite a poetic … Continue reading

March 18, 2014 · 1 Comment

Pelican Island: The First U.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Bird feathers are incredible.  They help control body temperature, provide power for flying and come in a wide array of vibrant colors.  Some feathers are so beautiful that they were … Continue reading

March 17, 2014 · Leave a comment

Red-shouldered Hawk

Scientific Name:  Buteo lineatus  Where Red-shouldered Hawks Live: Forests and swamps with dead trees or other perches nearby from which to observe and hunt.  Range includes eastern and northeast United … Continue reading

March 13, 2014 · 1 Comment

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scientific Name:  Tyrannus forficatus  Where Scissor-tailed Flycatchers Live:  Savannas with scattered trees, shrubs and patches of brush in the southern Great Plains, south Texas and just over the border into … Continue reading

March 11, 2014 · Leave a comment

Roseate Spoonbill

Scientific Name:  Ajaia ajaja  Where Roseate Spoonbills Live:    Mangrove swamps, mud flats and other marsh type habitat from southern Georgia and Florida, south through Central America down to Argentina.  What … Continue reading

March 9, 2014 · 2 Comments

How Do You Take Your Eggs?

Eggs.  What comes to mind when you read that word?  I think of my favorite summertime breakfast served on a table with fresh cut roses from my garden.  It’s the … Continue reading

March 6, 2014 · 3 Comments