Field Notes

Weight of Death, Leaves As Flowers

It is February and still these branches are dressed in a flutter of leaves. Golden brown with a dark midrib and branching pinnate veins.

A Winter Solstice Vignette

The first archaeological evidence we have that points to organized observances of the winter solstice come from the Neolithic period—that era from about 12,000 to 6,500 years ago which hastened the Stone Age into those of Copper and Bronze

Seasonal camouflage and the consequences of transitioning color phase too early

Seasonal camouflage and the consequences of transitioning color phase too early

T̓at̓áyaqn (Bitterroot Salish) ventured to the plains yearly to hunt q̓ʷiq̓ʷay (bison)

Near Čmʔomʔotúlexʷ (Place of Smokey Land) or Yellowstone National Park, in -5-degree weather, I kneeled on my freshly skinned bison hide, which provided steaming warmth beneath me.

Flock Talk: Conversing with Crows

I like to talk to the crows, though I don’t know what we’re talking about. Researching the subject, I learned that they have over 250 different calls.