Kirby Adams
LightNews LightNews
banner
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Kirby Adams
@kirbyadams.bsky.social
160 followers 110 following 210 posts
(He/Him) Naturalist, writer, birder, chess player, dungeon master, and a few other things. Politically progressive, socially awkward. An American who will do whatever it takes to defend Canada.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Kirby Adams @kirbyadams.bsky.social · Jan 15
Intro thread:
1/3 I travel a bit looking for birds, but I'm really looking at, well, everything. Every photo posted here was taken by me. I'm not a photographer, but I aim to present images that take you to a place or put you in the presence of an animal. (Here's my yard in rural Michigan).....
A serene field of goldenrod in full bloom, their bright yellow flowers swaying gently in the breeze. A narrow dirt path winds through the field, leading toward a dense woodland in the background. The trees form a lush, green wall, providing a tranquil contrast to the vibrant goldenrod. The scene is bathed in evening sunlight, evoking a peaceful, late summer ambiance.
kirbyadams.bsky.social
We're having a Milkweed Tussock Moth invasion. Coincidentally (or not!) we're having a Black-billed Cuckoo invasion. Ecology lessons in the backyard! (Full story in the cuckoo pic alt text.) #nativeplants #birds #backyardwildlife
Several fuzzy caterpillars with black, orange, and white tufts of hair are crawling on a green leaf. The background is out of focus, showing dry stems and foliage. A brown bird with a long tail and a white throat perches on a tree branch, partially shaded, with a softly blurred green and yellow background of leaves and light. This is a boom year for Milkweed Tussock Moths in my area. You always see a few of them around this time of year, but this fall there are an ungodly number of them. I don't really care, since I like them and I have way more milkweed than I want. For the past three weeks I've been hearing the calls of someone else who really likes them - Black-billed Cuckoos. It's probably not a coincidence that the caterpillar explosion coincided with several cuckoos moving in to patrol the yard daily, something that has not happened before. Cuckoos eat all kinds of caterpillars that have wiry, irritating hairs that make them inedible to most birds. The cuckoos allow the hairs to embed in their stomach, then they simply shed their entire stomach lining with the hairs stuck to it and spit the whole thing on the ground. The boom and bust cycle of the moths attracting birds with evolutionary adaptations to eat the plentiful moths...stuff like this is pure beauty to me. Waterfalls and mountains and multicolored fall forests are all gorgeous, but this stuff, the ecology of what's going on out there right now, that's the beauty that hits me on a spiritual level that no vista can.
September 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Elegant moment in the yard with this Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta) alighting on blossoms of Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana). At the time I didn't notice the Sauron-looking bug (or moth? or part of the plants?) lurking in the background on the right. #butterflies #nativeplants #pollinators
A small gray butterfly with delicate black spots and thin dark edging on its wings feeds from the stamens of a pale yellow-white flower. Around the flower are several unopened buds, dried seed pods, and green leaves, with a small dark insect (possibly just part of the plant?) visible on a nearby stem. It looks like a tiny caped monster with glowing red eyes. The background is a soft blur of green foliage.
August 12, 2025 at 3:15 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Gray Treefrog "drinking" from the "cup" of a Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum). We're having a severe drought in Michigan, so I spray the cups every evening to make sure they act as a patch of tiny oases for insects...and apparently frogs. #nativeplants #frogs "Drinking" explained in alt text.
A small green frog (It's a Gray Treefrog, but its color is green) rests on a large, bright green leaf, blending in with its surroundings. The leaf has jagged edges where it has been partially eaten, and the frog is positioned in dappled sunlight near the stem where Cup Plants collect water. Frogs take in water through their skin, and many have highly vascularized patches of skin on the belly and rear thighs that act as water uptake zones. This frog is drinking, and likely praying to the frog gods for rain.
August 11, 2025 at 4:31 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Common Eastern #Bumblebee heading out on a foraging run in my yard. Her corbiculum (pollen basket on the rear tibia) is empty, so she's either eating the groceries at the store instead of taking them home to the family, or she ust got there. Nice view of anthers in the coneflower in the first pic.
A close-up photo of a bumblebee collecting pollen from the spiky, orange-and-red central cone of a purple coneflower (Echinacea). The bee is dusted with yellow pollen, and its fuzzy, black-and-yellow body is clearly visible in sharp detail. The background is softly blurred, with hints of green foliage and purple flower petals. A close-up photo of a bumblebee collecting pollen from the spiky, orange-and-red central cone of a purple coneflower (Echinacea). The bee is dusted with yellow pollen, and its fuzzy, black-and-yellow body is clearly visible in sharp detail. The background is softly blurred, with hints of green foliage and purple flower petals.
August 7, 2025 at 3:50 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) on Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) in my yard. No plant on the property attracts the diversity of wasps that the Pycnanthemum does. Six or seven species on one small clump is not unusual. #wasps #nativeplants #backyardwildlife #insects
Close-up image of a large wasp perched on a cluster of small white flowers. The wasp has a black head and thorax, large black eyes, and long black antennae. Its legs and part of its abdomen are a bright reddish-orange, while the tip of the abdomen is black. The background is blurred green foliage, highlighting the insect and flowers in sharp detail.
August 5, 2025 at 4:19 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Harlequin Ducks on McDonald Creek in #GlacierNationalPark, Montana a couple weeks ago. I finally got to see a breeding male in the wild. They never lifted their heads for a photo, because ducks are inconsiderate lile that, but I still love them. #birds #birding #ProtectPublicLands #NPS
A close-up of a striking male Harlequin Duck resting on a mossy, purple-tinged rock in a flowing river. The duck displays bold plumage with dark slate-blue, chestnut, and white markings. The water in the background is a vivid green with ripples and whitecaps. Two Harlequin Ducks, a male and a female, rest on a moss-covered rock in the middle of a swiftly flowing, greenish-blue river. The male is colorful with bold markings, while the female is a more subdued brown. The surrounding water flows around the rock with visible turbulence and splashes.
June 29, 2025 at 1:13 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) at Missouri Headwaters SP, Montana. Appropriate that a sandpiper typical of rivers would be hanging at the birthplace of North America's mightiest stream. I wish we could rename them Riverpipers. #birds #birding #shorebirds #montanastateparks #missouririver
A Spotted Sandpiper with brown upperparts and a white belly marked with dark spots walks along the edge of a shallow, rocky stream. The bird has an orange bill with a dark tip and is stepping carefully among smooth, wet stones of various sizes, with its reflection visible in the water. The background shows more rocks and rippling water. A Spotted Sandpiper stands on a smooth, wet rock at the edge of a shallow stream, surrounded by water and rounded stones. The bird has mottled brown upperparts, a white underside with dark spots, and a slender orange bill tipped in black. Its reflection is faintly visible in the water, and ripples gently flow around the rocks in the background.
June 21, 2025 at 3:15 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Lincoln's Sparrow along Prospect Creek at 9000' in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. Taken on 5 June 2025, just before a snow squall passed over. Habitat photo as well. #birds #birding #bighorns #wyoming
A gently winding stream flows through a grassy meadow under a cloudy sky. The ground is partially dusted with a light layer of snow, and low shrubs and sagebrush are scattered across the landscape. In the distance, a dense line of dark evergreen trees meets snow-capped mountains, adding depth to the tranquil, early summer scene at high elevation. A small, brown-streaked sparrow (Lincoln's Sparrow) perches on a cluster of thin, leafless twigs. The bird has a pale belly with fine streaks, a buffy face with a distinct eyering, and warm brown tones on its back and wings. The background is softly blurred with earthy hues of brown and tan.
June 17, 2025 at 1:03 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
I don't know enough about #lichen ecology and taxonomy, but taking a close look at this little stick reveals a whole world begging for exploration. Images taken with a digital microsope at around 20X. #lichens
A small twig encrusted with lichens, including a tiny orange pest, resting in a man's hand. Close-up image of a complex lichen community on tree bark, featuring numerous pale gray to white circular apothecia with dark centers, resembling tiny cups or discs. Scattered among them are small yellow granular structures. The textured bark surface and densely clustered lichen forms create a richly detailed and natural scene. Close-up image of a colorful lichen growing on a tree branch. The lichen features bright orange, disk-shaped fruiting bodies surrounded by yellow-green, leafy lobes. The surrounding bark is covered in other gray and green lichen, creating a textured, natural background. Close-up image of various lichens growing on tree bark. The lichens include clusters of small, bright yellow granules scattered across a rough surface, alongside grayish-white cup-shaped structures with dark centers. The bark underneath is partially visible, adding texture and contrast to the intricate lichen growth.
May 28, 2025 at 2:11 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
This Yellow Warbler I encountered yesterday looks cute and happy, and we all need more cute and happy in our lives. (Otis Lake, Michigan) #birding #birds #warblers
A bright yellow songbird, a Yellow Warbler, perches amid green leaves on a sunlit tree branch. The bird has reddish streaks on its chest and appears to be singing, with its beak open and head slightly tilted. The background is filled with soft-focus green foliage, creating a vibrant spring atmosphere.
May 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
This Falsehorn Fly (Temnostoma sp.) was in my yard, apparently plotting something evil. (Rubbing the hands together meanacingly is the universal symbol for evil, no?) In reality, it's just going to fly around and pollinate some fleabane. #Diptera #Flies #BackyardWildlife
A black and yellow fly that looks very much like a wasp is perched on a bright green leaf. The insect has large, dark eyes, clear wings, and distinct yellow bands across its abdomen. Its body is shiny and smooth, contrasting with the fuzzy texture of the leaf beneath it.
May 25, 2025 at 2:25 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
1/2 I don't think about damselflies much in May. Partly because there aren't many around, and partly because birds consume my interest during this month of spring migration. This immature female managed to pull my eye away from the warblers - no small feat! #odonata #Damselflies #odonates
A close-up image of a small red and black damselfly perched on the edge of a green blade of grass. The background is filled with lush green vegetation, softly blurred to emphasize the insect. The damselfly’s delicate, transparent wings and slender body are clearly visible.
May 20, 2025 at 2:32 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
I used to live where I could see Kirtland's Warblers daily, and now I live where they're only a two hour drive away. So I kinda take them for granted. (Horrible, I know!) Still, it was unexpected and fabulous to get great looks at one in Ohio on Saturday. #MageeMarsh #BiggestWeek #BWIAB #birding
A small bird (Kirtland's Warbler) with a bright yellow belly, grayish-blue back, and black markings on its head perches on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves. The bird has color-coded leg bands, indicating it is part of a tracking program. The background is softly blurred with shades of green and brown, suggesting a natural, wooded environment. A small bird with a bright yellow belly, grayish-blue back, and black markings on its head perches on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves. The bird has color-coded leg bands, indicating it is part of a research or tracking program. The background is softly blurred with shades of green and brown, suggesting a natural, wooded environment.
May 13, 2025 at 2:17 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Cranesbill Miner (Andrena distans) on Wild Geraniium (Geranium maculatum). A lot of these Mining Bees are closely tied to, if not obligate with, particular spring ephemeral wildflowers. #Bees #NativeBees #BackyardWildlife
A small bee gathers pollen from the center of a light purple wildflower, surrounded by green foliage in natural sunlight. A small black bee, dusted with yellow pollen, is nestled among the stamens of a light purple Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) flower, surrounded by green foliage in bright sunlight.
May 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Was approached to judge a cute-off by these two birds. I declared them both adorable - no clear winner. Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Kinglet, Montcalm County, Michigan, 19 April 2025. Don't usually have one of each in the same brush at the same time. #birding #birds #kinglets
A tiny bird, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, is perched on a slender tree branch amid budding spring foliage. The bird is facing slightly left, displaying its soft grayish-olive plumage and a small, bright red crown patch on its head. The background is filled with delicate branches and newly-emerging green leaves, suggesting early spring in a woodland setting. A small bird, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, perches among dry twigs and leaves in a forested area. The bird is facing slightly to the left, with its distinctive bright yellow crown stripe bordered by black, grayish-white face, and olive-toned back. The undergrowth is full of brown leaves and bare branches, with a few fresh green buds beginning to sprout, suggesting early spring.
April 20, 2025 at 2:25 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
My first Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) of the year. Seen today in my Michigan backyard. #butterflies #lepidoptera
A close-up image of a small gray butterfly resting on a blade of grass. The butterfly has delicate, pale gray wings with dark spots and subtle brownish edging near the tips. Its body is fuzzy, and its black-and-white striped antennae are clearly visible. The butterfly is surrounded by green grass and dried leaves.
April 14, 2025 at 4:15 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Foxy Day 2025 was ten days later than its historical average, but I celebrated nonetheless. First Fox SParrow of the year on my Eaton County, Michigan property. 12 April 2025 #birds #birding #sparrows
A Fox Sparrow perches on a lichen-covered tree branch, surrounded by budding twigs. The bird's rich reddish-brown plumage and heavily streaked breast are highlighted in the soft morning light, with a clear blue sky in the background.
April 13, 2025 at 2:22 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Spent a half hour today with a good friend in Michigan- this Rusty Blackbird. Their population has collapsed over the past half century, falling by an estimated 90%. A variety of factors have likely caused that, including loss of suitable stopover habitat during migration. #birding #birds
A male Rusty Blackbird stands on a small branch in a shallow, muddy wetland surrounded by dried grasses, fallen leaves, and twigs. The bird’s dark plumage shows hints of rust-colored edges on the back and wings, and its pale yellow eye stands out against its dark head. The setting is early spring, with new green shoots emerging among the debris. A male Rusty Blackbird walks through a shallow wetland filled with decaying leaves and floating plant debris. Its dark plumage, with subtle rusty edges on the back and wings, contrasts with the light reflecting off the water. The bird’s pale yellow eye is striking as it peers downward, possibly searching for food. Surrounding the bird are dry grasses and reeds, typical of a marshy environment in early spring. A male Rusty Blackbird stands facing away in a shallow, muddy wetland, its dark back and wings tinged with rusty brown edging. The bird's pale yellow eye is clearly visible as it turns its head slightly to the side. Surrounded by wet leaves, sticks, and early spring vegetation, the scene captures the bird's natural habitat during migration or early breeding season. A few blurred reeds in the foreground frame the image, adding depth and a sense of peeking into a quiet, marshy moment.
April 7, 2025 at 2:31 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
My favorite warbler, mostly because it's secretive and earth-toned. Worm-eating Warblers are really difficult to photograph. This one was deep in a dark and wet forest hollow in the Hocking Hills of Ohio in May 2023. #warblers #birds #birding
A small Worm-eating Warbler, perched among thin branches in a dense, green forest. The bird has buffy brown plumage with bold black crown stripes and a pale eyebrow, and it is singing with its beak open. The background consists of blurred green foliage.
March 29, 2025 at 7:45 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Back to Magee Marsh in Ohio on a May morning a few years ago. Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) breed in the woods along Lake Erie, so you can see them tending to their young in nest cavities along the Magee Marsh boardwalk. #warblers #MageeMarsh #birds #birding
A vibrant Prothonotary Warbler with a bright golden-yellow body, gray wings, and a sharp black beak perches on a tree branch. Its striking colors contrast with the darker branches and softly blurred background, highlighting its delicate yet bold presence in the woodland habitat.
March 28, 2025 at 3:12 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
A Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) in Michigan several Mays ago. It's a far more common migrant here than in Cape May, New Jersey where the type specimen was collected. I think Tiger Warbler, alluding to the scientific name, would be a better moniker. #warblers #birds #birding
A striking Cape May Warbler with a bright yellow chest, bold black streaks, and a rusty-orange face perches on a tree branch among delicate pink and white blossoms. The bird's sharp gaze and intricate plumage contrast beautifully with the soft springtime blooms.
March 27, 2025 at 11:25 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
A Palm Warbler explores the woods at Magee Marsh in Ohio in May of 2019. Palms are one of the early wave of warblers to hit our region and always a welcome sight. You know the big influx of ALL THE BIRDS is right behind! #MageeMarsh #warblers #birds #birding
A small warbler with a reddish-brown cap, bright yellow chest, and streaked plumage perches on a branch amid green foliage and fallen leaves. Its sharp beak and alert posture suggest attentiveness as it blends into its natural woodland habitat.
March 27, 2025 at 2:27 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
A Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) during May migration a few years ago near my home in southern Michigan. We got to hear them on the top of Mt. Mansfield in Vermont as well - one of the few areas they breed in the lower US. #warblers #birds #birding
A Blackpoll Warbler perched on a slender branch with fresh green leaves. The bird has striking black-and-white plumage, with a black cap, streaked back, and speckled underparts. Its orange legs and feet contrast against the muted tones of the branch. The bird appears alert, with its beak slightly open and head tilted upward. The background is a soft, pale sky, emphasizing the warbler's intricate feather patterns.
March 26, 2025 at 1:57 AM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
Since I'm longing for May and the peak of migration, let's do a week of warblers for warm-up! Here's a Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) at Magee Marsh, Ohio way back in 2011. #warblers #MageeMarsh #birds #birding
A Chestnut-sided Warbler perched on a small branch amidst green foliage. The bird has a bright yellow cap, black eye markings, white cheeks, and a mix of chestnut, white, and black feathers on its body. Its delicate feet grip the branch, and it appears alert with its beak slightly pointed upward. The surrounding leaves and twigs create a natural setting in a forested environment.
March 24, 2025 at 7:34 PM
kirbyadams.bsky.social
A universe probably exists where I know and study #lichens, but it ain't this one. I know some of the big charismatic types, but things like this mixed colony on a withered old Green Hawthorn in my yard I admire for what they are...without knowing exactly what they are. #lichen #BackyardHabitat
A close-up photograph of a tree trunk covered in various types of lichen, including bright yellow and pale green species. The rough bark of the tree contrasts with the delicate, intricate structures of the lichen. Thorny branches extend outward, and the background consists of blurred dry grasses and muted natural tones, suggesting a winter or early spring setting.
March 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM