Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

  • Robins/Persimmons

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  • Surfing Birds

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    Surfing Birds

  • Line-up

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  • Cemetery Birds

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    Cemetery Birds

  • Cloud/Moon

    As the last waxed Moon neared setting just before dawn, a mustache of cloud passed across its face.

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  • Raptor Wednesday

    I recently came upon a young Cooper’s Hawk astride the remains of a pigeon. The spot looked like it had been used before for plucking and eating prey. This blue! I eventually got to within 6 feet of the bird, which is the closest I’ve ever been, allowing for some nice of the squab-bloodied face.

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    Raptor Wednesday

  • Ravens

    January 3rd. pair over Industry City. January 4th, over Green-Wood Two hours later, a pair over Industry City.

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    Ravens

  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

    Looks like something is seriously wrong with this bird’s left foot.

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  • Fish Crows

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    Fish Crows

  • Debonair Duck

    Gadwall/Mareca strepera. The touch of green on the nape and the pronounced neck ring makes me wonder if this one is a mix or cross with Wigeon.

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    Debonair Duck