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Nature In Mind

@natureinmindco

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Helping people find their place in nature through virtual courses, immersive field experiences, and community.

By @alexkharper

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Life is interesting. Without intending to, I found my way back to where I didn't know I wanted to be.A blog post with a bit about how I got to Nature in Mind can be read on my website. Follow the link in my bio. by @natureinmindco

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4 years ago

I’m a wildlife guide, field biologist, and science educator. I specialize in birds, birding, and bird-related work.And right now, I’m really focused on being able to answer a few questions: How can I help birders improve their birding, and how can I help people find their way to careers in field work and professional guiding?If you’re someone who wants to:• get better at identifying birds• build strong field skills• become a stronger volunteer or contributor• or explore a path into conservation, science, or ecotourismThen what I share at @natureinmindco is for you. Give me a follow there. by @natureinmindco

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4 months ago

Studies are backing up what each one of us must already know from our own direct experiences: that nature is good for us.I have always found birds and reptiles the most alluring subjects in nature. But over the past few years, and especially this past year, I’ve learned to admire insects and plants more and more.When looking at all of the pieces that make up an ecosystem, a fuller picture comes into view. And with that, a vision for urban conservation: an urban oasis concept. by @natureinmindco

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4 years ago

In the mountains bordering two corners if Las Vegas, conifers, aspens, oaks, and a network of springs support a rich diversity of bird life. These ecosystems depend on winter snowpack to recharge springs and provide necessary moisture to the soil.Canyons are naturally the most active areas for wildlife because they concentrate water, nutrients, and plant growth. As plants leaf out, bloom, and go to seed, they support the foundation of a baby bird’s diet: insects and spiders.Timing their arrivals to coincide with this peak abundance, migratory songbirds such as vireos and warblers join resident species like Mountain Chickadees and Pygmy Nuthatches. They all share the same objective: make hay while the sun is shining and raise as many healthy young as possible while conditions are at their peak.Mid-June through mid-July is the peeeeeak of the breeding season in many Southwestern mountain ranges. Many flycatchers, vireos, and warblers will make just a single nesting attempt before molting and preparing for migration later in the summer. By this time, some species are still feeding nestlings, while others may already be tending recently fledged young hidden among the warm weather foliage.~ I got out for the past three mornings and steadily got these images. Two of those mornings were spent instructing a nesting bird workshop put sponsored by @cat.mac444 of @desert_shield_environmental. THANK YOU again for the support and bringing biologists together to learn about birds in the local ecosystems.Curious about local birds? Follow @redrockaudubon.#birds#birding#lasvegas#babybirds#mtcharleston by @natureinmindco

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2 months ago

Caught in the act of some duck, owl and warbler studies. It’s so interesting for me to look back at this and reflect on the occasions that I laid eyes on the birds on these plates out in world. A Great Gray Owl in NW Pennsylvania with my dad and late grandfather in ‘92, a Townsend’s Warbler in a coniferous forest in Washington, a Red-faced Warbler in the Madrean woodlands of the Chiricahuas of Arizona, and Harlequin Ducks along the surf of the Atlantic are memories that surface.Miami Beach, ~1990. by @natureinmindco

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4 years ago

~ Mt. Charleston and the Spring Mountains ~The higher elevations don’t just offer cooler weather and beautiful hikes for those of us living in Las Vegas.The pines, firs, junipers and aspens also create forests, and springs running out of the mountain provide water for birds and other animals. Birds that wouldn’t find most of the valley suitable call these environments home. Fletcher Canyon, Deer Creek, Trail Canyon, and the North Loop trail are all great places to do some birding any time of year.#mtcharleston #fletchercanyon #nationalforest #birding #nevada by @natureinmindco

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2 months ago

Do you recognize these four hawk species? Give it a shot and send to a friend that loves a bird brain game.Hint: they’re all in the group of hawks called Buteos, and these four can be found in parts of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, California. Where and when depends on the species.Add to the discussion in the comments ✍️ by @natureinmindco

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2 months ago

May 14 - Birds of Prey of the Southwestern US!I’m hosting a free webinar over zoom. This is a class for birders of all skill levels, avian field biologists, and anyone wanting to get to know their local birds of prey better. I won’t include owls here, but we will work through hawks, eagles, and falcons!To sign up, DM me a 🦅 for the zoom registration. Be sure to share this with someone who might enjoy!#birds#birding#birdsofpreyferruginoushawk by @natureinmindco

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3 months ago

I’ve really enjoyed sorting my photos of birds of prey to create silhouetted hawks, eagles, falcons, and so on. My May 14 webinar on diurnal birds of prey gave me a good reason.Sign up by clicking the link in the bio. by @natureinmindco

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3 months ago

It’s that time of year when colorful birds return from the warmer climates of Mexico, Central, and South America.Harnessing favorable winds, they’ll often travel northward into the Southwestern US in search of places to raise young. Their destination may be somewhere in the region, or they may be on their way as far as the Arctic. It depends largely on the species and the population. What they all share: they all have a short window of time to take advantage of the busy season in areas that might be too cold in the winter to support all that summer life.And they are anywhere and everywhere for the time being. In this case, the Summer Tanager was in a backyard in Socorro, Mexico. Just passing through, fattening up on mulberries, bees, and wasps.Seen during the Spring Migration Festival with @friendsofbosquedelapach. Footage possible with a @kowasportingopticsus scope.#birding #tanager #birds #summer #summertanager by @natureinmindco

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2 months ago

Which books about birds would you recommend to others?Here are some of mine. There’s no shortage of books about birds. From how birds evolved methods of communication to setting birding goals, there are so many ways to approach the world of birds.These are a few of the books and authors that have helped shape how I think about birds, birding, sound, nature, and observation. In different ways, each of them has been transformative.Ken Kaufman’s memoir about birding across the country as a young man deeply resonated with me when I read it in high school.The Great Animal Orchestra changed how I interpret the sounds of the natural world around me. by @natureinmindco

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2 months ago

A look back at our June 6–7 Nesting Bird Workshop - Montane EditionOver the weekend, participants practiced reading bird behavior, identifying nesting activity, and slowing down long enough to notice the small clues birds leave behind. From active nests across eight bird families to fledglings, begging hatchlings, and a memorable Red-tailed Hawk nest, the workshop was full of field moments that brought the learning to life.Key takeaway: nest finding comes down to patience and reading bird behavior.The smallest clues can lead to the most rewarding field moments.Sign-up on our website if you’d like to be notified for upcoming workshops!www.desert-shield.co/events by @natureinmindco

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a month ago