The distance between the backsteps of our house and the studio where we sleep is a mere 12 metres, but every metre consists of the rarest and tamest form of vegetation we have on the property; turf lawn. Granted, it’s not much by Australian standards, but what it lacks in size it more than makesContinueContinue reading “Life on the lawn”
Category Archives: Nature writing
Nature Parochialism
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about whether it is possible to uncover universal principles of knowledge about the world through a lifetime of concentrated study of the local? The great Irish poet (and sometimes Gaelic goalkeeper) Patrick Kavanaugh (1904 – 67) wrote “parochialism is universal. It deals with the fundamentals”. My initial reaction toContinueContinue reading “Nature Parochialism”
Joining the Dots: reflections on observation and interpretation
In his remarkable 1986 book Arctic Dreams, the American author and nature writer Barry Lopez, offers us a deeply profound insight concerning the limitations of deriving meaning from natural field observations. It goes to the heart of how critical humility is as a key attribute of the naturalist student. Lopez says; “Because you have seenContinueContinue reading “Joining the Dots: reflections on observation and interpretation”
Record keeping 3: Seasonal Field Diary
This is part 3 of a 3 part series. See also: Record keeping 1: On Keeping Field NotesRecord keeping 2: Bird Identification Sheets Ok, so this is where you start getting super nerdy. It’s ok to be super nerdy, nobody is going to bully you…well, they might, but they won’t if you keep it toContinueContinue reading “Record keeping 3: Seasonal Field Diary”
Record keeping 2: Bird Identification Sheets
This is part 2 of a 3 part series. See also: Record keeping 1: On Keeping Field NotesRecord keeping 3: Seasonal Field Diary When you’re just starting out on the bird language path, it can feel pretty overwhelming. Each time you start listening your ears are assailed by a veritable menagerie of calls, and eachContinueContinue reading “Record keeping 2: Bird Identification Sheets”