Where to begin? Well, I had another child in June 2017, a daughter we call Vesper. In the ensuing months I've felt a domesticity kick in that wasn't there before with one child, and both a disappointment and a relief that I wasn't cranking out content as readily as before. A disappointment because let me tell you, bylines are addictive. But a relief, too, as deadlines are oppressive when there are other obligations in your life.
But an artist's initiative (mine!) never sleeps, and the time off gave me reason to narrow my writing, blogging-and-everything-else beat to JUST birding culture--that's what this blog is about, and now that's what I'm going to pitch, advocate and lead trips about, too.
The last article I wrote evokes what I want to write; showcase a cool woman making birds her professional ambition, while speaking to readers about their own potential. I want to make birding cool and accessible and relevant to my cohort. Through a wonderful editor connection at National Audubon, I hope to pitch a few articles this year about some aspect of mainstreaming birding culture--make birding about YOU, girlfriend.
I'll tell you more about advocacy in another post. For now, here are some photos from our annual Birds birding trip to the Skagit Valley of Washington state, where I live. I lead these trips with my twin sister Gilia, and this year we decided once a year isn't often enough, we're going to lead more!
Birding is a connective activity--it brings people together in appreciation for nature and beauty, a slowing down of pace to listen, look and feel the environment, together. This is my life's passion and purpose, to share it with you in renewed focus.
Birds birding! With fledgling Vesper.
Snow geese on Fir Island, Skagit Valley.
My sister Gilia with Snow geese.
Pair of adult Bald Eagles sitting out the wind, Bayview.
Needed these that day.
Breakwater at Taylor Shellfish Farm, our final stop of the day.