• Observations from June 1 to August 31, 2026

    Graphic by Ben Shiek

    Bird-related Media Consumed:
    These Exist:

    Incredulous for their name, image, and likeness

    Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens)

    Photo by Oscar Wainwright/Macaulay Library – Peru, February 1, 2022

    Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)

    Photo by Luke Seitz/Macaulay Library – Costa Rica, March 17, 2022

    Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)

    Photo by Alex Luna/Macaulay Library – Ecuador, September 11, 2021

    Catalogus specierum

    Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

    First Bald Eagle (BAEA16) of the year in the Nonquitt Marsh in Dartmouth, Massachusetts on July 11, 2026.

    Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia)

    Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on June 2, 2026.

    Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

    Great shot (BARS01) by Stephen Petto at Allen’s Pond on July 2, 2026.

    Barred Owl (Strix varia)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on July 15, 2026. Then saw perhaps the same owl on July 20, this time able to get a phone photo (BAOW01).

    Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on June 10, 2026.

    Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

    Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2026. Then got lucky on July 2 with two that let us get quite close. BNST01.

    BNST02.

    Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on June 16, 2026.

    Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

    Some great shots by Steve at Allen’s Pond on June 2, 2026. CEDW02.

    CEDW03.

    Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

    A flock has taken up at the northern most point of the Watuppa. This dude was posing real nice on August 25, 2026. EAKI01.

    And was hollering to the homies. EAKI02.

    Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on August 22, 2026.

    Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias)

    The stance in Dartmouth on June 30, 2026. GBHE06.

    Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

    Snuck up on a green queen at the north end of the Watuppa on August 25, 2026. GRHE03.

    GRHE04. Nice neck.

    “What you lookin’ at?” – this heron. GRHE05.

    Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on June 5, 2026.

    Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta)

    Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2026.

    Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on August 26, 2026.

    Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

    Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on June 7, 2026. TRHE01.

    Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)

    Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on June 2, 2026. Steve got some great photos. WIFL01.

    WIFL02.

    Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

    Lifer at the Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on June 15, 2026.

    Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

    Photos by Steve at Allen’s Pond in Westport, Massachusetts, on June 2, 2026. YEWA01.

    YEWA02.

    Bird-related Art

    Cool carved piece by Duirmoon Studio. BART09.

    Great collection of Warblers by Jada Fitch. BART10.

    Animalia superflua
    Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)

    Cool looking turtle in the Watuppa Reservation on June 21, 2026. BOTO01.

    Coyote (Canis latrans)

    A coyote traipsing past at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on July 7, 2026. COYO03.

  • Recommendations from June 1 to August 31, 2026

    Selected albums:
    Selected singles:
    Selected things read:
    Selected things watched:
    Selected Video Games Played:
    Features:
    Postremo:

    “All the nature of nature is embedded in such tiny creations” – A Trade of Blood [2026] by Robert Jackson Bennet.

  • Recommendations from March 1 to May 31, 2026

    Selected albums:
    Selected singles:
    Selected things read:
    Selected things watched:
    Selected Video Games Played:
    Features:
    Postremo:

    “Refuse the anxiety. When you borrow trouble against what might be, you neglect the moment you have now to enjoy. The man who worries about what will next be happening to him loses this moment in dread of the next, and poisons the next with pre-judgment.” – The Ship of Magic [1998] by Robin Hobb.

  • Observations from March 1 to May 31, 2026

    Drawings by Mr. N’s 6th Grade Class

    Notable Bird Facts:
    • First-year birds make up the majority of vagrants.
    Bird-related Media Consumed:
    These Exist:

    Incredulous for their name, image, and likeness

    Campo Flicker (Colaptes campestris)
    Campo Flicker (Field) - Jorge Claudio Schlemmer

    Photo by Jorge Claudio Schlemmer/ Macaulay Library – Argentina, January 22, 2016

    Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
    Great Potoo

    Photo by Josef Widmer/ Macaulay Library – Brazil, December 1, 2019

    Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
    Hamerkop

    Photo by Zak Pohlen/ Macaulay Library – Mozambique, November 3, 2016

    Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica)
    Pacific Heron - Geoff Dennis

    Photo by Geoff Dennis/ Macaulay Library – Australia, August 10, 2022

    Catalogus specierum

    American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

    A big boy snapped by Stephen Petto at the Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 8, 2026. AMGO02.

    Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)

    Photo (BAOR02) by Steve at the Lloyd Center on May 8, 2026.

    Brant (Branta bernicla)

    Video (BLBR01) of some fellers fightin by Steve on March 10, 2026, at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts.

    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

    Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2026.

    Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)

    Odd place to find this bird, but allowed me to get close enough to get a nice plumage shot (DCCO07) with my phone on April 25, 2026, at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

    Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

    Nice to look up to in Westport, Massachusetts, on May 8, 2026. DOWO02.

    Eastern Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)

    Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2026.

    Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus)

    Lifer at Star of the Sea, Dartmouth, Massachusetts on May 29, 2026.

    Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)

    Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts on March 9, 2026.

    Hermit Thrush (Anas crecca)

    Lifer at Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on May 29, 2026.

    Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

    Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2026.

    Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

    Mama was guarding her chicks at UMass Dartmouth on May 22, 2026. KILL02.

    KILL03.

    Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

    Bright green head on this guy by Steve on May 8, 2026 at the Lloyd Center. MALL03.

    Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

    Female sharing lunch with American Goldfinches at the Lloyd Center. Photo (NOCA03) by Steve on May 8, 2026.

    Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

    Bringing home dinner at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Photo (OSPR14) by Steve on May 8, 2026.

    Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

    Lifer at Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on May 13, 2026.

    Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

    Photo (RBWO01) by Steve on May 8, 2026 at the Lloyd Center.

    Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)

    Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2026.

    Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)

    Lifer (SCTA01) at Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on May 13, 2026.

    Finally found one and got a video (SCTA02) of dude hollerin.

    Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

    Flapping in the rain at Round Hill Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 8 by Steve. SNEG03.

    Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

    Outside, waiting, in Westport on April 21. TUVU02.

    Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

    Mean muggin at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 26. TRES02.

    Veery (Catharus fuscescens)

    Lifer at Watuppa Reservation, Fall River, Massachusetts, on May 13, 2026. VEER01.

    Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

    Dancing at Goosberry on May 25, 2026.

  • Observations from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026

    BIRDS

    Graphic by Merissa Zaltzberg

    Notable Bird Facts:
    • In the endless struggle of Cooper’s vs Sharp-shinned hawk identification, a nifty mnemonic from Cojaro on Reddit: “Mean Muggin’ = Cooper’s, Looks frightened = Sharp-shinned.”
    • Most male birds don’t have wieners.
    • Northern cardinals usually live their entire lives within a mile of where they hatched.
    Bird-related Media Consumed:
    These Exist:

    Incredulous for their name, image, and likeness

    African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus)
    African Harrier-Hawk - Ian Davies

    Photo by Ian Davies / Macaulay Library – Uganda, August 3, 2018

    Northern Boobook (Ninox japonica)
    Northern Boobook

    Photo by Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul / Macaulay Library – Thailand, May 5, 2018

    Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata)
    Breeding adult

    Photo by Eric Ellingson / Macaulay Library – Washington, USA, March 20, 2020

    Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)
    Adult

    Photo by David Ascanio / Macaulay Library – Venezuela, December 24, 2021

    Catalogus specierum

    American Coot (Fulica americana)

    Lifer at Britland Park in Fall River, Massachusetts on January 9, 2026. A pair swimming in the only remaining water at the park on January 19, 2026. AMCO01.

    Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

    Not visible in the photo from the roof of the Lloyd Center, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, but down on the ice two eagles were snacking on a duck. They remain active year round in the area.

    Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

    A Chickadee [BCCH01] sharing a meal with a Downy Woodpecker.

    Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

    Found some freak Canada Gooses this winter. First [CAGO01] on December 29, 2026, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

    And another [CAGO02] in Fall River, Massachusetts on February 5, 2026.

    Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)

    Lifer at Britland Park in Fall River, Massachusetts on January 9, 2026. A female [COME01] with some lovely teeth shot at the park by Stephen Petto on January 19, 2026.

    Watched her get chased by various gulls who were after her lunch [COME02].

    Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

    Wintering birds in the yard on January 29, 2026. [UDEJ01].

    Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)

    Lifer at Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on January 8, 2026.

    European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

    One of the more interesting plumages [EUST01] on January 25, 2026 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

    Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

    Steve got an absolutely incredible shot in Fall River on January 19, 2026. [HOME01].

    HOME02.

    Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

    Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026.

    Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

    Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026.

    Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

    A vibrant male [NOCA02] ready for all the fun that spring brings in Dartmouth on February 27, 2026.

    Redhead (Aythya americana)

    Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, Rhode Island on December 31, 2025.

    Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)

    Lifer at Britland Park in Fall River, Massachusetts on January 9, 2026.

    Sanderling (Calidris alba)

    Flock at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts stayed all winter. This photo [SAND01] was taken on January 10, 2026.

    Bird-related Art

    @joedator. BART07.

    Screenshot
    Animalia superflua
    Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

    Neighborhood rascal glowing. FOXY01.

  • Recommendations from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026

    Selected albums:
    Selected singles:
    Selected things read:
    Selected things watched:
    Selected Video Games Played:
    Features:
    Postremo:

    “The abbey at Singing Hills would say that if a record cannot be perfect, it should at least be present. Better for it to exist than for it to be perfect and only in your mind.” – The Empress of Salt and Fortune [2020] by Nghi Vo

  • Ass 18 Coen Brothers films were viewed in a concentrated period. None of their solo films were viewed. Reports are that those movies are horny and weird and not good. This effort originated because of the Blank Check Podcast’s “Pod Country for Old Cast” miniseries. Great commentary and great guests and great insight into these precise filmmakers. Another companion were Roger Ebert’s review of these movies. Illuminating look at the evolving taste of Hollywood over the decades. Only a few of their movies had been viewed previously, but two of which were always favorites. They remain so. Perhaps moreso now. Some of the films not previously viewed are now favorites. Out of 18 movies, not a single one of them is bad or worth skipping. Out of 18 movies, all were enjoyable, as this was experiment.

    Below are the movies listed in order of favorability:

    • The Big Lebowski [1998]
    • No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
    • A Serious Man [2009]
    • Fargo [1996]
    • Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • True Grit [2010]
    • O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
    • The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
    • The Ladykilers [2004]
    • Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
    • Barton Fink [1991]
    • Blood Simple [1984]
    • Miller’s Crossing [1990]
    • Raising Arizona [1987]
    • Burn After Reading [2008]
    • Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
    • The Ballad of Buster Scruggs [2018]

    Below are performances in Coen Brothers movies as main characters listed in order of favorability:

    • Jeff Bridges as The Dude in The Big Lebowski [1998]
    • Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in True Grit [2010]
    • Josh Brolin as Eddie Mannix in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • Billy Bob Thornton as Ed Crane in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
    • Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss in No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • Oscar Issac as Llewyn Davis in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
    • Dan Hedaya as Julian Marty in Blood Simple [1984]
    • Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson in Fargo (1996]
    • Tim Blake Nelson as Delmar O’Donnell in O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
    • Steve Buscemi as Carl Showalter in Fargo [1996]
    • Michael Stuhlbarg as Larry Gopnik in A Serious Man [2009]
    • William H. Macy as Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo [1996]
    • Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit [2010]
    • Alden Ehrenreich as Hobie Doyle in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • Nicolas Cage as H.I. McDunnough in Raising Arizona [1987]
    • Tommy Lee Jones as Ed Tom Bell in No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • George Clooney as Miles in Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
    • John Turturro as Barton Fink in Barton Fink [1991]
    • Tom Hanks as Professor G.H. Dorr in The Ladykillers [2004]
    • George Clooney as Baird Whitlock in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • John Malkovich as Osborne Cox in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • Holly Hunter as Ed in Raising Arizona [1987]
    • George Clooney as Everett in O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
    • George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • John Turturro as Pete Hogwallop in O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
    • Frances McDormand as Abby in Blood Simple [1984]
    • Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
    • Peter Stormare as Gaear Grimsrud in Fargo [1996]
    • Catherine Zeta-Jones as Marylin in Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
    • Frances McDormand as Linda Litzke in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • Tim Robbins as Norville Barnes in The Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
    • John Getz as Ray in Blood Simple [1984]
    • Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer in Burn After Reading [2008]

    Below are selected performances in Coen Brothers movies as side characters listed in order of favorability:

    • John Goodman as Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski [1998]
    • John Turturro as Jesus Quintana in The Big Lebowski [1998]
    • Richard Jenkins as Freddy Bender in Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
    • Gene Jones as Gas Station Proprietor in No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • Jon Polito as Johnny Caspar in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
    • Fred Melamed as Sy Ableman in A Serious Man [2009]
    • Carey Mulligan as Jean in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
    • Philip Seymour Hoffman as Brandt in The Big Lebowski [1998]
    • John Goodman as Roland Turner in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
    • Channing Tatum as Burt Gurney in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • Barry Pepper as Lucky Ned Pepper in True Grit [2010]
    • Kelly Macdonald as Carla Jean Moss in No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • J.R. Horne as Divorce Lawyer in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • Jennifer Jason Leigh as Amy Archer in Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
    • Julianne Moore as Maude Lebowski in The Big Lewbowski [1998]
    • David Huddleston as The Big Lebowski in The Big Lebowski [1998]
    • M. Emmet Walsh as Private Detective in Blood Simple [1984]
    • Tom Waits as Prospector in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs [2018]
    • Ralph Fiennes as Laurence Laurentz in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • Ben Gazzara as Jackie Treehorn in The Big Lewbowski [1998]
    • Garrett Hedlund as Johnny Five in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
    • Richard Jenkins as Ted in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • J.K. Simmons as Garth Pancake in the Ladykillers [2004]
    • Woody Harrelson as Carson Wells in No Country for Old Men [2007]
    • Jonah Hill as Joe Silverman in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • David Rasche as CIA Officer Palmer DeBakey Smith in Burn After Reading [2008]
    • Michael Badalucco as Frank in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
    • Paul Newman as Sidney J. Mussburger in Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
    • George Wyner as Rabbi Nachtner in A Serious Man [2009]
    • David Krumholtz as Communist Writer in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
    • Larry Brandenburg as Stan Grossman in Fargo [1996]
    • Marcia Gay Harden as Verna in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
    • Josh Brolin as Tom Chaney in True Grit [2010]
    • Ernest Sarracino as Luigi the Tailor in Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
    • John McConnell as Woolworths Manager in O Brother, Where Are Thou? [2000]
    • Frances McDormand as Doris Crane in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
    • Tony Shalhoub as Freddy Ridenschneider in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
    • Richard Kind as Uncle Arthur in A Serious Man [2009]
    • John Goodman as Charlie Meadows in Barton Fink [1991]
    • Tony Shalhoub as Ben Geisler in Barton Fink [1991]
    • Steve Buscemi as Donny in The Big Lewbowski [1998]
    • John Carroll Lynch as Norm Gunderson in Fargo [1996]
    • Steve Park as Mike Yanagita in Fargo [1996]
    • John Turturro as Bernie Bernbaum in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
    • Matt Damon as LaBoeuf in True Grit [2010]
  • Recommendations from 2025

    Favored New Releases:

    Favored New Singles

    • At The Beach, In Every Life by Gigi Perez
    • AUX by Jadu Heart
    • Avalon by Sam and Louise Sullivan
    • The Bog Body by Viagra Boys
    • Bonnet Of Pins by Matt Berninger
    • Call It Easy by Racing Mount Pleasant
    • Call U Back by TTSSFU
    • The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man) by Car Seat Headrest
    • CPR by Wet Leg
    • Dancing in the Club [MJ Lenderman Version] by This Is Lorelei
    • The Doom by Sick Thoughts
    • Forgot by Prewn
    • The Happy Dictator [feat. Sparks] by Gorillaz
    • Nonmonogamummy by Lily Allen
    • Running/Planning by CMAT
    • SILVER by Just Mustard
    • S-o-S 75 by Alien Nosejob
    • VIBE COP by HEALTH
    • WIZARD by Castle Rat
    • You Seem So Damn Sure by Motherless

    Honorable Mention:

    Favored Non-new Releases:
    Favored Non-new Singles:
    • Father Christmas [1986] by The Kinks
    • Let It Snow [2006] by Twisted Sister
    • Ludacrismas [2007] by Ludacris (Not currently on Spotify – call your Senator and Representative and let them know)
    • The Chipmunk Song [1959] by Alvin & The Chipmunks
    • The Night Santa Went Crazy [1996] by “Weird Al” Yankovic
    • Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight) [1989] by Ramones
    • Christmas [2012] by Froggy Fresh & Money Maker Mike
    • Christmas In Hollis [1988] by Run–D.M.C.
    • Christmas Wrapping [1990] by The Waitresses
    • All Around the World [1993] by Evil Wiener
    • Happy Xmas (War Is Over) [1971] by The Plastic Ono Band
    • Wonderful Christmastime [1979] by Paul McCartney
    • I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday [1973]) by Wizzard
    • Gonna Eat for Christmas [1999] by Gloria Estefan & Rosie O’Donnell

    • Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree [1958] by Brenda Lee
    • The Little Drummer Boy [1958] by Harry Simeone Chorale
    • Dominick the Donkey (The Italian Christmas Donkey) [1960] by Lou Monte
    • A Holly Jolly Christmas [1964] by Burl Ives
    • The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) [1946] by Nat King Cole
    • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year [1963] by Andy Williams
    • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer [1949] by Gene Autry
    • Jingle Bell Rock [1957] by Bobby Helms
    • Mele Kalikimaka [1949] by Bing Crosby
    • Feliz Navidad [1970] by José Feliciano
    • Blue Christmas [1957] by Elvis Presley
    • White Christmas [1942] by Bing Crosby
    • O Tannenbaum [1965] by Vince Guaraldi Trio
    • Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! [1945] by Dean Martin