Essays
Autumnal Equinox: Turning Tides
Autumnal tides are called “great, king, or super tides” because they are more active and sometimes even violently forceful, pounding the shore! This is because during equinoxes, the sun exerts
Summer Solstice: Respecting the Sun and the Lessons of the Crow
This summer solstice seems palpably resonant with reminders of the sun’s ultimate power, and the necessity to respect our relationship to it. 4.6 billion years ago, the sun and this
Rising & Greening: Multispecies Futures
Vernal Equinox 2023 is indeed notable in many respects, not least of all because we are emerging from a pandemic. Much was lost, much was endured; hence, the lingering pandemia—
Equinoctial Magic: The Festival of Iridescence
As September 22 marks the ending of the endless seeming summer in California, and the beginning of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, many may welcome it (with caution, on the
Happy Earth Day
Earth Day 2022 brings up mixed emotions for me. The last few years have shown us what can happen on a global scale, often when humans act in some way
A Bouquet of Crows
As I am writing my dissertation on crow-human relations during the time of the Vernal Equinox, I hear many crows outside rejoicing. They consume the coral blossoms that bloom this
Solstice Sweetness and Uncertainty: Precious and Precarious Life
Birds are great teachers. I learn so much from them, literally and metaphorically, every day. Attuning to birds often gives me new insights into life, with all its sweetness and
The Season of the Crow
Especially in Autumn, I enjoy walking while the moon is still out, and the city is still when many trees are turning red and scattering their burnished leaves everywhere. Autumn
Autumnal Equinox: Bounty of Beauty
As many of you may or may not know, I have a collection of witch hats. One might deduce a few things from this admission: 1. that I am a
Compassionate Creaturely Celebration
On this 4th of July, let us celebrate compassionately. I remember looking forward to the 4th of July festivities when I was a child. Fireworks seemed magical and symbolic of
Earth Day, today, and every day.
Every day I try to reflect about my actions, and ask myself: how can I be a cooperative Earth creature? Pandemic realities have truly tested this reflection, as loved ones
The Vernal Equinox: Stories of Regeneration
The vernal equinox has everything to do with my favorite subject: BIRDS. So much human story and mythos surrounding spring is filled with avian lore. It also has much to
Halcyon Days, the Myth of the Kingfisher, and the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice has become, in western cultures, one associated with father Christmas, or Santa Claus, and the birth of Christ. Many ancient and more recent stories have intertwined to
How to Birdwatch in a Pandemic
Birdwatching can be a beneficial activity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Obviously, many of us have not had access to beaches, parks or any wilderness area. Those are slowly beginning to
The Benefits of Birdwatching in Times of Stress
I think these days we are all in need of a little beauty, cheer, peace and wellness! Guess what? Birdwatching fulfills all of these needs. A study in 2017 in
Corvid Spring: Courting, Cavorting, Communing and Creating
Here in Los Angeles spring has sprung early, and the crows are doing what they do to prepare for nesting season. Lots of courtship displays and competition, as well. Some