Erica J.

Joined January 2023

16 stories

Bio

Chronic-pain sufferer just trying to be healthy and enjoy life while bird lurking and photographing nature. Purchase photo prints and read birding blogs: https://linktr.ee/erica80hd

Stories (16)

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Spiders, Spiders Everywhere
Every autumn, the plains of southeastern Colorado become the stage for one of nature's most curious spectacles: the Colorado tarantula trek. Often (incorrectly) referred to as a "migration," this annual event sees thousands of mature male tarantulas emerge from their burrows to embark on a solo journey to search for a mate. For observers, it is a fascinating glimpse into the lifecycle of one of North America's largest and most docile spiders, the Oklahoma brown tarantula and its close relatives, the Colorado brown tarantula.
By Erica J.4 months ago in Earth
From Cage to Colony
The first time I visited my mom in Arizona, I was delighted by the diversity of avian life that I could observe simply from her porch. Arizona has a wide range of ecosystems, from deserts to forests, providing homes for many bird species, and with year-long warm weather and an abundance of food and water sources, the state is not only a welcome stop for migratory birds, but a long-term home to some species.
By Erica J.10 months ago in Earth
My Five-Day National Parks Road Trip, Day Two
DAY TWO Pagosa Springs to Aztec Ruins National Monument When I headed out on day two of my road trip, my intention was to head to Aztec Ruins National Monument, about two hours out from Pagosa Springs near Aztec, New Mexico. This unfortunately, ended up being my first weather cancellation of the trip. The morning was very frosty and visibility only got increasingly worse along the highway, until it was almost white-out conditions near Aztec.
By Erica J.10 months ago in Earth
My Five-Day National Parks Road Trip, Day One
A few years ago, I made it one of my goals to go see at least one new National Park every year. This year I decided to up my game, and after spending some time on Google Maps, I figured out that I could essentially drive in a large circle through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, and visit several National Parks, monuments, state parks and as a nice halfway break, Las Vegas.
By Erica J.10 months ago in Earth
Photo Essay: Roxborough State Park
I have to start off this essay by saying that it is absolutely impossible to truly capture the feeling of walking through Roxborough State Park in photos. While most of my photo essays have a heavy emphasis on wildlife and birds in particular, Roxborough State Park is very much a geologist's paradise.
By Erica J.11 months ago in Earth
How to Help the National Parks Service Right Now
I am a huge fan of National Parks. I started visiting one a year as part of my new year's goals in 2019. Last year, I did a five day road trip in order to visit three new National Parks across three states. National Parks are important to the United States for so many reasons, including doing vital environmental and cultural conservation work, as well as providing spaces for visitors to experience some of the most unique and spectacular parts of the country.
By Erica J.11 months ago in Earth
Photo Essay: Favorite Images of 2024
2024 was a growth year for me, with a lot of firsts. I still feel like an amateur in a lot of ways, in a lot of avenues of creativity I pursue, despite having been doing them since I was teen. And as far as I'm concerned, it may just always be that way. As long as I keep growing.
By Erica J.12 months ago in Earth
Photo Essay: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,000-acre wildlife sanctuary located near Denver, Colorado. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing site, it has been transformed into one of the largest urban refuges in the U.S. The refuge is home to over 330 species of wildlife, including bison, bald eagles, deer, and coyotes. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and fishing spots (when in-season) while learning about conservation efforts. The site serves as a model for habitat restoration and environmental recovery, offering a unique blend of history, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
By Erica J.12 months ago in Earth
How to Help Avoid Bird Collisions at Your Home
Bird-window collisions are a significant problem, causing the deaths of millions of birds worldwide each year. This issue not only affects bird populations but also disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity.
By Erica J.2 years ago in Earth
Boobies, Dickcissels and Tits
Very regularly when looking up a new bird that I'm not familiar with, I will stare at the name, and then immediately Google to make sure I'm not being pranked.
By Erica J.2 years ago in Earth
Bird Conservation Efforts in the US
Bird conservation in the United States has been a journey of dramatic highs and lows. Among the myriad avian species that call the U.S. home, two stand out as icons of conservation success and ongoing challenge: the bald eagle and the California condor. Let's dive into their stories, explore the efforts to protect them, and understand what their journeys tell us about bird conservation in America.
By Erica J.2 years ago in Earth
The Debate Over Eponymous Bird Names
Birdwatching, or birding, is a beloved pastime for many, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure, scientific curiosity, and a deep connection with nature. However, there's a growing movement within the birding community to change the names of birds that were given in regards to people, often their discoverers. This movement, though it might seem surprising at first, is grounded in important considerations about history, inclusivity, and the ongoing evolution of our relationship with the natural world.
By Erica J.2 years ago in Earth

Erica J.

Bio

Stories .css-1svwz57-Text{display:inline-block;color:var(--text-default-mute);}(16)

Filter by community

Spiders, Spiders Everywhere

From Cage to Colony

My Five-Day National Parks Road Trip, Day Two

My Five-Day National Parks Road Trip, Day One

Photo Essay: Roxborough State Park

How to Help the National Parks Service Right Now

Photo Essay: Favorite Images of 2024

Photo Essay: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

How to Help Avoid Bird Collisions at Your Home

Boobies, Dickcissels and Tits

Bird Conservation Efforts in the US

The Debate Over Eponymous Bird Names

Stories (16)