It's June. About a year ago I came out of blogging retirement (after a 550-day break) and eventually published a year's worth of my finest photography and content. Naturally, after a year has passed I ponder what was better: the break or the past blogging year? I suppose it's something having one of the longest running birding and nature blogs out there, and to some extent it's a factor that keeps me at least a little inspired to blog on. On the other hand, the feeling of being blogligated does creep in, and where there's obligation it feels like a job instead of undiluted creative joy.
Many of the reasons I quit blogging in December of 2018 are still relevant today ― I feel a great sense of betrayal regarding people I once held in high regard and birded with on a regular basis. There's a curdled vibe whenever I encounter these particular people in the field today, and I don't want to talk to them let alone bird with them.
You may have noticed that I removed all means of reaching out to me via my website and blog; no email, no comments, etc. I regard what I do as art and I don't particularly feel the need to have people commenting about my art directly on my art. Certainly, there's almost always an element of natural history to my content that isn't necessarily artistic, but the fact is I don't want to hear from people about anything I publish ― the work stands on its own with no influences or criticisms.
Some people asked about my blog when they saw me birding at the creek corridor this spring. It struck me rather humorous that most didn't even notice that I started blogging again ― after a whole year! One disappears for a particular length of time and you're gone for good. Sure, why keep a defunct bookmark around? Funnier still, one birder I met this spring said, “Oh, you're the tiger beetle guy!” when I gave them my website address. At this juncture it's almost better to be known for beetles than birding.
Many of the reasons I quit blogging in December of 2018 are still relevant today ― I feel a great sense of betrayal regarding people I once held in high regard and birded with on a regular basis. There's a curdled vibe whenever I encounter these particular people in the field today, and I don't want to talk to them let alone bird with them.
You may have noticed that I removed all means of reaching out to me via my website and blog; no email, no comments, etc. I regard what I do as art and I don't particularly feel the need to have people commenting about my art directly on my art. Certainly, there's almost always an element of natural history to my content that isn't necessarily artistic, but the fact is I don't want to hear from people about anything I publish ― the work stands on its own with no influences or criticisms.
Some people asked about my blog when they saw me birding at the creek corridor this spring. It struck me rather humorous that most didn't even notice that I started blogging again ― after a whole year! One disappears for a particular length of time and you're gone for good. Sure, why keep a defunct bookmark around? Funnier still, one birder I met this spring said, “Oh, you're the tiger beetle guy!” when I gave them my website address. At this juncture it's almost better to be known for beetles than birding.
Anyway, for now this blog will go on!
© 2021 Mike McDowell