It’s
been so long since I first said I would write a blog. I’m very fond of writing, for its beneficial
effects on the mind and because it is a challenging art form and way to express
and record thoughts and opinions. There
are so many things I would like to say, yet the great debate has been “What
will I write about?” There are so many
options, and I must admit that some of my hesitation has been due to introvert
aversion to sharing my inner thoughts, as well as perhaps a little laziness and
worry that I would not keep up with it all.
I do regret that I did not keep a blog during my time in Alaska like I
said I would; I had a great many personal experiences, but my remote location
and busy schedule dissuaded me.
Regardless,
I am happy to announce that this begins a discussion of my views of the world
around me as a naturalist, wildlife biologist, and conservationist. I make
distinct separations between these three despite certain commonalities based on
my interpretation of their definitions.
To me a naturalist perspective is one of imaginative descriptions that
are not always necessarily of a scientific nature; the eye-catching red flash
of a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis
cardinalis) flying across the path.
I would like to model off such notable authors as Thoreau and
Leopold. I think the scientific world
has become so afraid of anthropomorphizing (giving other species human
qualities), that we have discouraged and lost some of the curiosity and wonder
of a traditional naturalist view, but more on that later. A wildlife biologist perspective will include
natural history facts on species and hypotheses I ponder upon observing
numerous phenomena. This will include
more formal and quantitative aspects of my writings. An example would be that the Northern
Cardinal is in the family Cardinalidae, is sexually dimorphic, and is a
granivore (feeds primarily on seeds).
The conservationist perspective will focus on my opinions and ideas
towards ensuring the continued existence of the many species in danger of disappearing
from our world forever, such as a discussion of another member of Cardinalidae,
the Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris),
a bird as beautiful as its name implies that is classified as Near Threatened
by the IUCN because of habitat destruction, nest parasitism by cowbirds, and
illegal capture and sale in the pet trade (IUCN Red List).
In
addition to the question of what to write, I struggled with the name of my
blog, and I think my decision is reflective of what was discussed above as well
as my personality. Scientist and
explorer are definitely NOT mutually exclusive.
In fact, exploration is an essential part of science as it leads to
discovery. My meaning lies in the
multiple perspectives by which I view the world; a logical, calculating mindset
for classification and experimentation, and an imaginative, adventuresome
mindset that regards the beauty, mystery, and the sublime qualities of
nature.
I’ve
been told I am a good writer by others, and my intention here is to use that
skill to share my thoughts and hopefully learn more from and inspire others (I
will always appreciate comments, suggestions, and other opinions). I want to share my experiences. Perhaps writing out my thoughts will help
them become more collected for verbal discussions and conservation
debates. Expressing oneself is a
beautiful thing, and thoughts left unsaid cannot be used to stir change and
help others. So here begins a record of
my journey, which I expect will teach me more about myself and will hopefully
be enjoyed by others.
-Jess
Northern Cardinal (Picture from imgkid.com, NOT mine, I will add my own photos for species I have good pictures of).
Painted Bunting (Picture from floridabirdingtrail.com, also NOT mine, unfortunately I have yet to see one of these).
