Animal Person

DECEMBER 17, 2009

  Black Bear. It’s the kind of place that helps you get past the human notion that we’re outside of nature—that there’s this divine, glorious thing called nature, and then there’s us, you know, way above it all and in charge. I had developed the arrogant attitude that my existential plight was unique among humans.

Bears 100

Bears Vermont Laws Wounded 100

10,000 Birds

MARCH 15, 2015

But bear with me for a second: this post presents a different context for a different squirrel. This is not about feeder competition and chicken wire.

Squirrels 162

Squirrels North America Germany Europe 162

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

It bears mentioning that the name of the series doesn’t refer to the physical dimensions of the featured species, but the size of the tiny black-and-white illustrations of each bird.

Ducks 102

Ducks Houston Boston Fowl 102

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

There is a lot more to tell: descriptions of remote villages, delicous exotic food, unusual exotic food, going hungry, preparations for treks into isolated jungle areas (does one buy Quaker Oats or a live chicken?), And sun bears. The books work best when the birding is coupled with the human element. And mosquitos. And leeches.

Hunters 187

Hunters Sri Lanka Asia Solomon Islands 187

Animal Ethics

FEBRUARY 15, 2009

If some microorganisms must be killed in the process, this is unfortunate but necessary for human life. Why should microorganisms be sacrificed rather than humans? Why is human life more valued than the life of microorganisms? One might be inclined to say that human beings are more valuable because of their intelligence.

Morals 40

Morals Vegetarian Meat Killing 40