I’ve seen peregrines hunting on beaches quite often, more down at the other side of the Rockaway peninsula and on a few beaches on Long Island. I’ve often wondered if it’s behavior that predates anthropogenic changes or something they’re pushed into because of a lack of suitable forage habitat elsewhere. Old guides and books refer to them as “duck hawks” which feels like one piece of the puzzle there. I imagine it’s often difficult, in your work, to develop individual connections to those plovers
thanks for sharing (and coming to the BMI/Orion talk last night). I know all these places and birds you're writing of, and it's always a complicated amalgam of feeling, witnessing the wild world unfold in all its necessary violence. Life taking life to support life. Mercifully, peregrine kills are often quick. Now, you hold on to the memory, and the place changes. And you.
Chris, this piece stays with me, the way you let grief and wonder share the same space feels deeply human. You’ve turned field notes into something quietly sacred.
Great writing, Chris! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve seen peregrines hunting on beaches quite often, more down at the other side of the Rockaway peninsula and on a few beaches on Long Island. I’ve often wondered if it’s behavior that predates anthropogenic changes or something they’re pushed into because of a lack of suitable forage habitat elsewhere. Old guides and books refer to them as “duck hawks” which feels like one piece of the puzzle there. I imagine it’s often difficult, in your work, to develop individual connections to those plovers
thanks for sharing (and coming to the BMI/Orion talk last night). I know all these places and birds you're writing of, and it's always a complicated amalgam of feeling, witnessing the wild world unfold in all its necessary violence. Life taking life to support life. Mercifully, peregrine kills are often quick. Now, you hold on to the memory, and the place changes. And you.
Thank you, Meera
Such beautiful, heartfelt writing Chris.
Thank you, kind one! ❤️
Your writing is beautiful and utterly heartbreaking. Thank you so much for sharing this, Chris.
thank you very much. This work ain't easy. But, life is even harder on the plovers!
Chris, this piece stays with me, the way you let grief and wonder share the same space feels deeply human. You’ve turned field notes into something quietly sacred.
This means so much. Thank you for this feedback about field notes. Something to hold to heart and explore in future pieces.