The American goldfinch — the New Jersey state bird, dazzling with yellow in mating-season plumage — is not easily overlooked. I’ve lived 15 years in this state in two incarnations: six years in Union County in the northern tier, and the last nine in Mercer County in the central section. In all my north JerseyContinue reading “All hail the New Jersey state bird, the American goldfinch”
Author Archives: Dan
You meet the nicest people on the birding paths
On-the-trail etiquette is a bit skewed these days because of COVID pandemic restrictions. Midwestern native that I am, I’m usually one to say “hello” or “good morning” or to wave to passersby. Nowadays, each encounter with an oncoming pedestrian triggers the questions, do I put my mask on, and will the runner/walker do the same?Continue reading “You meet the nicest people on the birding paths”
Phoebes in our midst
This has been Infrastructure Week in our neighborhood, as the streets are being repaved. Our three-block enclave has been beset by enormous machines grinding down the old road surface and splaying out the new, kicking up dust and making an awful lot of noise. Amid that cacophony, I took a walk the other day andContinue reading “Phoebes in our midst”
Hello, world!
Inspired by a renewed acquaintance with an old friend who is a wonderful nature writer, I’ve decided its time to do what I’ve been contemplating for months: create an outlet for my observations on the natural world around me. Since switching to remote work in March 2020, I’ve spent virtually every day at home, andContinue reading “Hello, world!”
The Jersey Birder 