Steve P-D
@stevep-d.bsky.social
Public lands advocate, Southwest archaeology student, retired psychology professor, weather geek, bird lover.
We just sent off our first monarch of the season. The green chrysalis became clear overnight and the butterfly emerged this morning. After two hours of stretching wings, she took off to continue the species’ southward migration. From grown caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, it took two weeks.
September 21, 2026 at 6:44 PM
We just sent off our first monarch of the season. The green chrysalis became clear overnight and the butterfly emerged this morning. After two hours of stretching wings, she took off to continue the species’ southward migration. From grown caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, it took two weeks.
I love to be up early, sitting under the stars, watching the coming daylight. The world is a quieter, simpler place.
September 18, 2026 at 1:40 PM
I love to be up early, sitting under the stars, watching the coming daylight. The world is a quieter, simpler place.
Reposted by Steve P-D
Labor of Love (and a song)
There's another kind of labor we need to celebrate.... Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, 2019. Photo by Deb Dorsett Hanson On this day in the United States - Labor Day - we celebrate the successes of the Labor Movement, those unions and individuals who gave us…
There's another kind of labor we need to celebrate.... Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, 2019. Photo by Deb Dorsett Hanson On this day in the United States - Labor Day - we celebrate the successes of the Labor Movement, those unions and individuals who gave us…
Labor of Love (and a song)
There's another kind of labor we need to celebrate.... Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, 2019. Photo by Deb Dorsett Hanson On this day in the United States - Labor Day - we celebrate the successes of the Labor Movement, those unions and individuals who gave us 8-hour days, 40-hour weeks, and weekends; who fought for workplace dignity, rights, safety, and a decent wage; those folks who built America up with their minds and bodies doing the work that has kept our nation alive and functioning for generations.
endlessseeker.com
September 7, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Labor of Love (and a song)
There's another kind of labor we need to celebrate.... Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, 2019. Photo by Deb Dorsett Hanson On this day in the United States - Labor Day - we celebrate the successes of the Labor Movement, those unions and individuals who gave us…
There's another kind of labor we need to celebrate.... Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, 2019. Photo by Deb Dorsett Hanson On this day in the United States - Labor Day - we celebrate the successes of the Labor Movement, those unions and individuals who gave us…
Today is International Vulture Awareness Day. California condor wingspan (9.5 ft) and my wingspan (a bit smaller).
September 6, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Today is International Vulture Awareness Day. California condor wingspan (9.5 ft) and my wingspan (a bit smaller).
Just wanted to remind everyone.
August 29, 2026 at 9:18 AM
Just wanted to remind everyone.
Orion rising in the east before dawn. The return of my old friend always reminds me that the cool, crisp air of autumn is not too distant.
August 24, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Orion rising in the east before dawn. The return of my old friend always reminds me that the cool, crisp air of autumn is not too distant.
This week the first southward-bound monarch arrived here in Chapel Hill to lay eggs. Some of the monarchs that hatch in my yard will create one more generation farther south. However some will be the super generation that flies all the way to their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico. Amazing.
August 22, 2026 at 12:38 PM
This week the first southward-bound monarch arrived here in Chapel Hill to lay eggs. Some of the monarchs that hatch in my yard will create one more generation farther south. However some will be the super generation that flies all the way to their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico. Amazing.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine. We are now back home but still thinking about the stunning coastline. Good morning, everyone.
August 7, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Cape Elizabeth, Maine. We are now back home but still thinking about the stunning coastline. Good morning, everyone.
Good morning from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The rudbeckia is in full bloom here.
July 23, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Good morning from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The rudbeckia is in full bloom here.
Reposted by Steve P-D
The power of orange and black
The milkweed patch attracts more than monarch butterflies. Each year it draws in dozens of species of insects, many of them black and orange, the colors of fire and charcoal. The colors that tell their predators to back off because I'm toxic and will make you sick.…
The milkweed patch attracts more than monarch butterflies. Each year it draws in dozens of species of insects, many of them black and orange, the colors of fire and charcoal. The colors that tell their predators to back off because I'm toxic and will make you sick.…
The power of orange and black
The milkweed patch attracts more than monarch butterflies. Each year it draws in dozens of species of insects, many of them black and orange, the colors of fire and charcoal. The colors that tell their predators to back off because I'm toxic and will make you sick. There's a special relationship between these insects and the milkweed. One that provides sustenance, but also defense in the form of cardiac glycosides in the milkweed's latex sap.
endlessseeker.com
July 22, 2026 at 12:59 PM
The power of orange and black
The milkweed patch attracts more than monarch butterflies. Each year it draws in dozens of species of insects, many of them black and orange, the colors of fire and charcoal. The colors that tell their predators to back off because I'm toxic and will make you sick.…
The milkweed patch attracts more than monarch butterflies. Each year it draws in dozens of species of insects, many of them black and orange, the colors of fire and charcoal. The colors that tell their predators to back off because I'm toxic and will make you sick.…
New sign at my home in Chapel Hill, NC.
July 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM
New sign at my home in Chapel Hill, NC.
Said hello to these guys on my morning walk. Barred owl (Strix varia).
July 20, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Said hello to these guys on my morning walk. Barred owl (Strix varia).
Apparently I’ve created an infinity pool for birds
July 16, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Apparently I’ve created an infinity pool for birds
Reposted by Steve P-D
More on monument reductions from the @nytimes.com. SUWA Executive Director, Scott Braden is quoted:
“We are confident that President Trump’s reckless and unlawful acts will be rejected and the monuments restored.”
Read the full article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/c...
“We are confident that President Trump’s reckless and unlawful acts will be rejected and the monuments restored.”
Read the full article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/c...
Trump Sharply Cuts the Size of Two National Monuments in Utah (Gift Article)
Native American tribes and environmental groups are expected to challenge the move to shrink the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments.
www.nytimes.com
July 14, 2026 at 2:28 AM
More on monument reductions from the @nytimes.com. SUWA Executive Director, Scott Braden is quoted:
“We are confident that President Trump’s reckless and unlawful acts will be rejected and the monuments restored.”
Read the full article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/c...
“We are confident that President Trump’s reckless and unlawful acts will be rejected and the monuments restored.”
Read the full article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/c...
This is the largest rollback of public lands in American history. The decision reverses years of cooperation among indigenous tribes and the federal government and is motivated by spite, a hatred for indigenous cultures, and a desire to make money through sweetheart deals with extractive businesses.
Trump slashes Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante by 90%
Flanked by Utah’s delegation, Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah Speaker Mike Schultz, the president again reduced the boundaries and protections of the two monuments. Conservationists and tribal leaders worry...
www.kuer.org
July 14, 2026 at 10:37 AM
This is the largest rollback of public lands in American history. The decision reverses years of cooperation among indigenous tribes and the federal government and is motivated by spite, a hatred for indigenous cultures, and a desire to make money through sweetheart deals with extractive businesses.
The summer skies above my home in North Carolina are ever-changing and even magical. This view yesterday morning lasted just a minute and then was completely gone. It reminds me to look up to fully take in the world.
July 12, 2026 at 9:24 AM
The summer skies above my home in North Carolina are ever-changing and even magical. This view yesterday morning lasted just a minute and then was completely gone. It reminds me to look up to fully take in the world.
With nearly 5 inches of rain this week in Chapel Hill NC, my native plant beds have perked up. These areas were once boxwoods and other ornamental shrubs. They are now full of species that attract pollinators.
July 12, 2026 at 9:21 AM
With nearly 5 inches of rain this week in Chapel Hill NC, my native plant beds have perked up. These areas were once boxwoods and other ornamental shrubs. They are now full of species that attract pollinators.
Whenever I have blood drawn, I ask if they have any cool bandaids. Always the answer is “Sorry but we just have the plain brown ones.” Yesterday the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!”
July 11, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Whenever I have blood drawn, I ask if they have any cool bandaids. Always the answer is “Sorry but we just have the plain brown ones.” Yesterday the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!”
It must be July in our house.
July 9, 2026 at 5:04 PM
It must be July in our house.
Reposted by Steve P-D
Hope you're enjoying the start of July! YLE is off for the week, but don't worry, we still have a few things planned for you! For now, hopefully these make you smile as you start the week.
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
July 6, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Hope you're enjoying the start of July! YLE is off for the week, but don't worry, we still have a few things planned for you! For now, hopefully these make you smile as you start the week.
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Each July we get immersed in the Tour de France. The countryside and villages of provide a beautiful backdrop for over 2000 miles of racing that include mountain-top finishes in the Alps and Pyrenees. The high speeds and endurance required make these athletes among the most elite in the world.
July 5, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Each July we get immersed in the Tour de France. The countryside and villages of provide a beautiful backdrop for over 2000 miles of racing that include mountain-top finishes in the Alps and Pyrenees. The high speeds and endurance required make these athletes among the most elite in the world.
“There is nothing so American as our national parks.... The fundamental idea behind the parks is that the country belongs to the people.” (Franklin Delano Roosevelt). Happy Fourth, everyone.
July 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM
“There is nothing so American as our national parks.... The fundamental idea behind the parks is that the country belongs to the people.” (Franklin Delano Roosevelt). Happy Fourth, everyone.
I did too. I hope I will again someday.
Opinion | I Used to Love the Fourth of July
www.nytimes.com
July 3, 2026 at 9:46 AM
I did too. I hope I will again someday.