I had hoped to visit the Yale Art Gallery this spring to see an incredible exhibit by the artist James Prosek, but then Covid-19 hit and the museum had to close. The good news is that the exhibition has been
An Art Talk Not to Be Missed Read Post »
My latest column for The Record is about an extraordinary series of events that happened early this month. A storm blew two Brown Boobies from the Caribbean clear to the tristate region. One landed in Bergen County, the other on
A Tale of Two Boobies Read Post »
In advance of my talk this Saturday at the virtual Cape May Spring Festival, I am re-posting one of my favorite posts each day this week. In my new book, I wrote about the enduring bond between bird-watchers and 007
When Aussies Embraced the real Bond and 007 Read Post »
In advance of my talk this Saturday at the virtual Cape May Spring Festival, I am re-posting one of my favorite posts each day this week, plus a couple of new posts — like this one. A great acquaintance recently
Collecting the Real James Bond’s Books Read Post »
In advance of my talk this Saturday at the virtual Cape May Spring Festival, I am re-posting one of my favorite posts each day this week. By now, many people have heard about the likely extinction of the Bahama Nuthatch.
Real James Bond & the Bahama Nuthatch Read Post »
For fans of the real James Bond and Birds of the West Indies, a mystery still surrounds the very first edition, published in 1936 by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia and printed by the Waverly Press in Baltimore.
The First Editions of ‘Birds of the West Indies’ Read Post »
The first edition of Bond’s “Birds of the West Indies” (1936) was where Ian Fleming got 007’s name, according to the real James Bond himself. You can read it online here. (That’s the Cuban Tody on the cover, above.) The
Read Bond’s 1936 ‘Birds of the West Indies’ Online Read Post »
When Ian Fleming stole the real James Bond’s name from the cover (or title page) of Birds of the West Indies in early 1952, which edition was he looking at, the 1936 first edition or the 1947 second edition? It’s
Fleming’s Copy of ‘Birds of the West Indies’ Read Post »
When James Bond visited the West Indies, he needed island governments’ permission to collect birds for science. The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department has a fascinating collection of Bond’s permits (including the ones pictured above). They are part
James Bond’s Licenses to Kill Read Post »
I hadn’t seen a Pileated Woodpecker all year. Now — thanks to some friends — I saw one twice in one day. This one was next to my backyard. Whenever I see one, I think that it’s the closest I’ll
A Pileated Make an Appearance Read Post »