Writing is a lot like birding. It’s great to be in a critique group, you can learn so much. But most writing you have to do on your own. And you can learn so much birding with others. But at some point, you have to learn to identify the birds on your own. Sometimes you… Read more »
Birds
When You Finally Get to Hold Your New Book!
I’m so thrilled I was finally able to hold my new book in my hands last week – what a joy! I remember each stage of the process of creating this book. It started out as an idea for a field guide for kids to learn HOW to listen to bird song. Then it became… Read more »
Some Advice for Writers from Birders
I’m both a birder and a writer. When I bird, I’m often out there enjoying whatever birds come my way. But sometimes, I’m looking for a specific bird. I have a goal. It can be frustrating when I can’t find it, and even more frustrating when others can. When I’m writing, I’m often creating a… Read more »
My visit to Pittsburgh Today Live on KDKA!
I was thrilled to be on Pittsburgh Today Live on April 11, 2023 to talk about the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books. I was also so grateful to my friend Heather for bringing Majeck the Green-Winged Macaw! We will be at the Festival on May 13, 2023, so make sure you stop by and say… Read more »
New Book: Birds Have a Lot to Say!
I am thrilled to share the cover for my new book Birds Have a Lot to Say, because we are right at the beginning of spring migration. I loved working on this book with my wonderful editor Taryn at Kiwi Crate and the art that Kayla Stark created makes my heart soar! This book will… Read more »
Books and Board Games – for Bird Lovers
Two things I love are books and board games. But I also love card games, dice games, even games where you try and bounce ping pong balls into a pattern. So, while books and board games has nice alliteration, I’m open to all kinds of games. This perfect pairing of books and board games is… Read more »
What Your First Bird of 2023 Means for Your Year
The start of a new year is fun for birders like me – it means I can count and celebrate seeing birds for the first time that year!! Lots of birders love to celebrate their first bird of the year, and every year the American Birding Association picks a bird of the year. (The Bird… Read more »
What is No Mow May?
What is No Mow May? It’s simple – don’t mow your lawn in May and give bees and pollinators a chance to find food. Grassy lawns are some of the worst things about habitat loss. So by not mowing we can give the non-grass plants a chance to bloom and nourish insects and birds. I… Read more »
What Would You Name Our Owl?
We first noticed our new neighbor in January. I mentioned it in my First Birds of 2022 post. We weren’t sure it would stay, but it seems to love the owl box we hung for it. We’ve seen it all through February! So, now that it has stuck around, we think it’s time to name… Read more »
What’s Your Favorite Bird?
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite bird. I usually list my top five. I love red-tailed hawks. I formed a bond with one that used to follow me when I went on runs and even killed a rabbit in my backyard. I love crows. They are so smart and family oriented. I want… Read more »