Conversation

“The prey is already dying when the hunters arrive.

The sky is dark gray, the air thick with the threat of rain. But that hasn’t stopped over a dozen from gathering. They’re mostly, but not exclusively, older folks—frequently retirees with the ability to take a weekday morning off—and they’re armed with Digital SLR cameras and macro lenses. ...”

Read it: https://www.texasobserver.org/insect-lbj-wildflower-valerie-bugh-austin/

I really had fun putting this one together for @TexasObserver magazine's Postcard feature. It's always fascinating to meet someone who has such specialized knowledge as Valerie Bugh, and all her photographer/admirers were good company too. Even though the piece is a lighter one, they're very aware of the toll that #ClimateChange is taking on #Texas:

The naturalist bug hunters are strongly aware of the harm climate change has brought on our region, and there’s a bittersweet feeling to parts of the morning, a subtle sense that someday soon could be the last day one of these fauna appear in a count.

“The ecosystems are moving east, including tornado alley. It’s not great for the people in the way, and not great for us on the edge of deserts. Think of Austin without any trees. I really like trees,” Bugh says wistfully.

Read it: https://www.texasobserver.org/insect-lbj-wildflower-valerie-bugh-austin/

#science #ClimateChange #environment #photography #news #culture #wildlife #nature #animals #insects