Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, November18th, at 2pm, I will be presenting a screening of Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly, along with a Qand A to follow, at the Reading Public Library. This program is free and open to the public and is a joint presentation with the Reading Neighbors Network and Friends of the Reading Public Library . The screening begins at 2pm and I plan to stay as long as there are questions.

I am excited to talk about the new BluMorpho radio transmitters and the latest information gathered by Monarchs migrating this past season. For an update of the 2026 local migration please go here. These screenings are always well attended with wonderfully engaged audiences. I hope to see you there!

As so many of the beautiful songbirds that grace our communities have departed for warmer climes, the winter ducks are fast returning. Amongst a number of species, look for Buffleheads, Ring-billed Ducks, Northern Pintails, Goldeneyes, American Wigeons, and the mergansers; my favorite being the Hooded Mergansers, with their wonderfully funny courtship displays. Last week I filmed an armada of 12 migrating Mute Swans and they too were displaying courtship behavior. The older Swans in the flock were reestablishing pair bonds while the younger Swans were forming new relationships (with much fighting taking place as well). Recently also we had two extraordinary heron events taking place at our local ponds and I am very much looking forward to finding  the time to write their stories.

Giving thanks today to all the veterans who have served so bravely.

With gratitude to everyone that voted, the largest mid-term turnout in over a century.

xxKim