Author Archives: Chet Gottfried
A view to a preen
A telephoto camera lens is somewhat equivalent to a pair of binoculars when trying to identify a particular bird: It gives a close-up view from which one can identify via the features seen. However, even with a telephoto lens, that … Continue reading
Bluebirds Having Fun
I tend to think of birds, or animals in general, as being too busy with the stuff of life (such as eating, sleeping, and so forth), but they do have a sense of fun or – given that bluebirds are … Continue reading
Reviews of Thora’s Dagger
At last: excerpts from the first reviews of my fantasy novel Thora’s Dagger.
A Sunday Walk
My inactivity has two reasons: (1) laziness and (2) my provider (Hub) was switching accounts (including mine) to a new server. Whatever, I’m back with photos from Oct. 9, 2022, a good day to be outside.
A ruby-throated hummingbird makes a discover
Late summer through early fall is that time when ruby-throated hummingbirds come through central Pennsylvania in large numbers. Among those who stop in my backyard at Cooper’s Pond there is always at least one individual.
From a Sunday walk
Here we are, on the precipice of WWIII, if not already falling downward, about which I and most everyone have no say whatsoever. However, I can share my views of nature from photos taken during my walk on Sunday morning.
A monarch emerging
About ten days after a monarch caterpillar forms its chrysalis, it is ready to come out and face the world – as a butterfly.
A tiger swallowtail
In central Pennsylvania, I’m likely to encounter an eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) from late spring through early fall, and that’s a true pleasure because it is a large and beautiful butterfly.
Aphrodite in my backyard
That is, an Aphrodite fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite), a large and beautiful butterfly. It came to dine on the black knight butterfly bush and allowed several different views.
A ruby-throated hummingbird
In addition to this being a good year for hummingbird moths, hummingbirds have also been frequent visitors. From about the last half of August to the first nine days of September, whenever I looked outside, I saw a ruby-throated hummingbird … Continue reading





