Author. Thinker. Other things.
In my latest piece for The Attentive Naturalist on Substack, I write about two coyotes moved that recently moved into my neighborhood. They quickly earned names, Dodger and Daisy, while the local cat population grew just a bit thinner. That single observation opened onto something much larger. Urban coyote numbers are climbing across most of... Continue Reading →
The Linda Hall Science Library and Arboretum celebrated its 80th anniversary by creating "The Linda Hall: A Visual History," compiling decades of photographs and essays highlighting its rich history, collections, and gardens, marking a significant milestone.
The latest Substack article reflects on the author's experience observing manatees during the pandemic, highlighting the critical yet overlooked role of seagrass ecosystems, and emphasizes the urgency of preserving scientific records amid environmental crises.
A note to my friends and subscribers, this post is to let you know that I’ve started to publish my posts on Substack. The channel is The Attentive Naturalist I’ll continue to put a preview on my blog so you can always keep in touch with what I’m writing about. It’s still free, so all... Continue Reading →
The tapestry "Rabbit-Hunting with Ferrets" illustrates medieval cooperation with nature, highlighting ecological wisdom and partnerships essential for survival, while prompting modern reflections on sustainable practices and human-nature relationships.
A viral story about a man killed by a hippo leads to ancient fables of scorpions, lions, and instinct. These tales reveal less about animals than about human fears, cultural distance from nature, and the myths modern societies still use to navigate uncertainty.
A Cedar Waxwing at my window becomes a personal reckoning with invisible glass, unintended design, and how modest, practical changes at home can spare countless birds unnecessary deaths.
This article explores how cardinals perceive their environment, and how they explore their place in it, especially with respect to color.
The club-winged manakin, a small South American bird, produces unique wing-generated sounds for courtship, trading flight efficiency for the ability to attract females with precise stridulation.
The story goes like this: a young cashier gently suggests to an older woman that she bring her own grocery bags next time because plastic is bad for the planet. The woman smiles and says, “We didn’t have the green thing in my day.” Then she begins listing everything her generation did before “sustainability” became... Continue Reading →
ERIC DORFMAN 