The First

                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).