Cold Rusty blackbird in Prospect

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 03, 2026 08:06 by Forrest Wickman
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297878037
- Comments: "Flagged for date: Scarce in winter, though Prospect Park, anywhere open water, is the place. Continuing individual (?) in Ambergill, with pale eye, Red-winged Blackbird-like proportions. Photos available."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Happy Groundhog Day!

 

Wishing you a memorable day and watch the movie for laughter..( though seriously I think folks want the shadow which knows...)

Rusty BB report Prospect

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 01, 2026 14:05 by A B
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY (40.6598,-73.9679), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.659804,-73.967929&ll=40.659804,-73.967929
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297543104
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "On path near lake. On the way to the boathouse"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Glaucous Gull flyby BATP4

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 01, 2026 08:04 by Nate L-S
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297534313
- Comments: "Winter resident returning for a second year. Not detected upon arrival resulting in a very frigid survey of the gulls out on the ice. Later observed flying northwest past the pier (maybe to Bush). Striking bird in flight, immediately distinguished by its large size (as large or larger than nearby Herrings) and white wings."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Yesterday's BTPP Common mergs

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Jan 31, 2026 13:31 by Nick Dawson
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297490495
- Comments: "Flock of four flying south in the harbor. Photos."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

GWC Bald eagle flyover

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 01, 2026 09:01 by Angela Panetta
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297484195
- Comments: "Soaring above main entrance"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

wandering prospect red shouldered hawk

The Red shouldered hawk continues to hang around in our frigid wonderland of Prospect Park.

A report mid-morning from Chris M found his rare raptor sighting up in the Rose Garden of the Vale OF Cashmere, no problem for distance for this bird that was frequenting the north Nethermead earlier this week.

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

eBird Checklist - 31 Jan 2026 - Prospect Park - 28 species Goldberg Chklist leading BBC members

https://ebird.org/checklist/S297277875

Note Rusty Blackbird and Red tailed hawk meal

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 31, 2026 09:00 by Ryan Goldberg
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297277875
- Comments: "Most likely a continuing individual. First seen as a flyover near the Maryland Monument, low and northbound toward the pools, and later seen on the Upper Pool foraging on the ice. Blackbird with long, club-shaped tail, pale eye, and rusty feather edges on dark brown-gray body. Was vocalizing too."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Thorpe BBP chklist

https://ebird.org/checklist/S297248430

Note Iceland gull and first ? record Common merganser 

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Jan 31, 2026 11:28 by E R
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297269569
- Comments: "Continuing female-type by pier 3. White chin patch with strong boundary between head and pale chest. Diving and foraging along rocky water edge in patch of open water between pier and uplands"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Bird List - Prospect Park, Kings, New York, United States - eBird Hotspot. Today's sightings

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516/bird-list

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

A Nethermead red shouldered hawk

Reported by Forrest W, the red shouldered hawk continued its second day in prospects Nethermead area , perched above center drive next to the path that leads down to the Nethermead arches bridge path.

A good bird even better perched on good sight .

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Local good Birds around in the frigid nabe

A Red shouldered Hawk perched at north Nethermead in Prospect Park while nearby a Rusty Blackbird sauntered in the Ravine Ambergill creek.

At Brooklyn bridge park, several uncommon ducks were reported with drake northern pintail ,greater scaup at Pier 4 and hen Common GoldenEye near the Manhattan bridge.

The Freeze opens opportunities as ducks look for open water.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert GWC Bad eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Jan 29, 2026 14:07 by MCHL ____
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296919997
- Comments: "Immature dark splotchy eagle. Image." 

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

A delightful moment during a work break

My crew and I were about to clear snow and ice from the Maryland monument stairs when I noticed three of my crew mates looking at birds. Near the bottom step, my coworker Caitlin started it off with Fox Sparrow on the snow in front of us ( of course she asked me was that a Fox sparrow?)

What followed was a delightful sequence very welcoming for me to relishes the moment.

Soon after the Fox Sparrow, in its colorful plumage against the white background, Caitlin then points out a pair of Red breasted Nuthatches on the log! Sure enough the pair in their colorful plumage as well were working the end of the fallen large log mere feet from us. I marveled at their hyperactivity and their bright colors. They are among my favorites. Then Aidan my other coworker points out a Red bellied woodpecker above us and also Tufted Titmouse in the same locale but lower.

Geez I didn't realized my coworkers could identify birds!

It was a wonderful winter moment,given all the birds we saw were tight knit and right in front of us , a realization that spontaneous moments do happen at times you least expect in a surprising manner 

☃️

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Prospect Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (2)
- Reported Jan 27, 2026 09:41 by Chris Miller
- Prospect Park--Vale of Cashmere, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6690561,-73.9683616&ll=40.6690561,-73.9683616
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296561661
- Comments: "Large, mottled dark raptors with large head and bill, white belly and white on the underside of the wings. Looked to be 2nd year birds. Flying side by side high above the Rose Garden heading east."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 27, 2026 12:04 by Marleny Rafferty
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296591807
- Comments: "Immature single large dark mottled bird flying over south side of the Lake— likely same one of a pair Chris Miller spotted flying over the Vale earlier today.  Scattered every bird on the ice which is what alerted me.  Headed south and was gone."

***********

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Wickman PP chklist

https://ebird.org/checklist/S296556634

Note Common Merganser and Rusty BB

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird LBBG at BBP

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (2)
- Reported Jan 26, 2026 14:24 by Austin Johnson
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296471262
- Comments: "one 2cyc and one 3rd cycle, at p1 pilings initially then the 2cyc later moved to the marina" 

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Razorbill in Red Hook

Razorbill (Alca torda) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 26, 2026 08:38 by Richard Fleming
- Pier 44 Waterfront Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6757764,-74.018366&ll=40.6757764,-74.018366
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296399046
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Quite unusual inside NY harbor. Immature bird, likely storm-related. Patch bird, my number 130 for this titchy little park."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Rusty blackbird prospect ravine creek

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 25, 2026 13:07 by Tyler Tichenor
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296273425
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Single bird foraging in the creek at the top of the ravine. Common location to find them but not this time of year. Tried to get some digiscope photos but pretty dang hard to get a clear one in this snow."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Chipping sparrow bbg

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 23, 2026 11:30 by Tina Alleva
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296244000
- Comments: "Feeding with house sparrows looking much smaller"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Common mergs prospect lake

Continuing 

Five Common Mergansers (four male, one female) on the Prospect Park Lake this morning.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert prospect reports

8 common mergansers at 225 pm  6 drakes 2 hen prospect lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 14:25 by Peter Dorosh
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296100549
- Comments: "Flock on water,Lesser numbers Reported earlier"

ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu
6:47 PM (2 hours ago)
to me

*** Species Summary:

- Common Merganser (1 report)
- Bald Eagle (1 report)
- Rusty Blackbird (1 report)

---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.  The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County.  View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.

eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 08:45 by Forrest Wickman
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296082764
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, though not especially unusual on the lake this time of year. Watched three males and a female fly in around 9, and they were still there a couple of hours later when I came back through. Large diving ducks with long skinny bills. Males all white on the side and green on the head. Female gray on the side and orange-y brown on the head, with white at base of bill. Photos available."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 02:00 by David Cameron
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296080240
- Comments: "Stayed over and around Prospect Park lake for a while, flying very low and making multiple passes trying to grab coots out of the water (without success). Perched for a while then returned to hunting for a bit before flying off. Several clear looks at the plumage on its underside and back would put the age at about its second year."

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (3)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 08:45 by Forrest Wickman
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296082764
- Comments: "Flagged for date. Rare this time of year. Spotted by Linda, who saw all three foraging in the leaves on the ground on the N side of the Lullwater before we started the walk. She then led us over, only for us to watch them fly off to the north, so I'm partly relying on her quite reliable ID, and partly relying on the fact that these were three blackbirds, nearly all black, with no red on the wings, and tails too short to be grackles (proportions more like RWBL). Not satisfying but enough to know we were looking at the same three birds."

***********

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert lake COME

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 08:57 by Bennett Yates
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296031671
- Comments: "3 males and a female on the lake off the peninsula"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 12:49 by Paulina do Amaral
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296028767
- Comments: "4 male, 2 female" 

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Ewing prospect chklist

https://ebird.org/checklist/S296016920

Note comm mergs and Rusty Blackbirds

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Prospect park day before the snow

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 09:51 by Radka Osickova
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296010115
- Comments: "3 males one female"

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (2)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 10:28 by Brett Graham
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S296006527
- Comments: "Feeding together with cardinals and sparrows. Clear view of yellow eyes and overall distinctive streamlined shape.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Glaucous Gull at frigid BTPP

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Jan 24, 2026 07:08 by Nick Dawson
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S295971961
- Comments: "Quick drop-in on the rocks behind the wooded area. Photo.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Stay safe and warm..baby its cold out there!

🥶

❄️☃️🌬

☃️

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                

            --Carl Sagan

American tree sparrow at Hammerhead ( SW lake corner)

This morning reported American Tree Sparrow bopping around Hammerhead at Prospect Park lake this morning

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

common merg on prospect lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Jan 23, 2026 08:30 by Forrest Wickman
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S295803146
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, though they often visit the lake in small numbers in winter. Female between the Peninsula and Duck Island, with orange-y head, gray body, and white at base of bill. Photo."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Iceland gull at BTPP

 Iceland Gull on abandoned pier at Bush Terminal Park seen this early morning

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

a rescued Dovekie at BBP

Dovekie (Alle alle) (1)
- Reported Jan 22, 2026 14:19 by Jacob Kramer-Duffield
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S295691971
- Comments: "Injured down on the rocks in John Street Park; rescued and sent to Wild Bird Fund"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Orange crowned at BBG

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Jan 22, 2026 10:01 by Ryan Treves
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S295648476
- Comments: "What a wonderful surprise! First warbler of the year. Charming little olive-green warbler with yellow under the tail and grayish head, thin eye line. Sharp bill. Giving insistent little chip notes while feeding from sapsucker holes in a holly tree."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Red tailed hawk Center Drive

Flew up and perched as I pulled in with my work truck...

Prospect park...

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Afternoon black headed Gull

At Brooklyn bridge park this late afternoon, a floating black headed Gull was seen off Pier 1 wading towards Pier 2 among a ring billed gull flock.

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (1)
- Reported Jan 21, 2026 16:56 by Doug Gochfeld
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S295580271
- Comments: "Adult floating on water with hundreds of RBGU near P1 pilings. Apparently my first here in several years, and the species has been surprisingly scarce at this location since 2021. Mediocre photos."

***********

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Rusty continuing in boathouse area

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (3)
- Reported Jan 21, 2026 14:31 by Rusty H
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S295535735
- Comments: "Photo"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author