In Jain texts, the term ahimsa denotes the principle of least harm: “Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture or kill any creature or living being.” Jain monks take great care to look out for the least among us, going to lengths to avoid harming insects and so forth.
A Jumper
This Red-Backed Jumping Spider was in “I’m outta here” mode before my lens even moved in.
The Peregrine Nest Cam is Back
Last year was a bitch for San Francisco’s Peregrine parents. None of their three fledglings survived life in the city.
59 Minutes with the Raynox
That means 59 minutes of lunch hour when I could have been eating, drinking, working, napping but was instead, roaming a garden with my FZ50 and Raynox in hand.
Of Towhees, Tripods and Trust
I’m extra cautious out there as a photographing fool. I feel I owe the animals my respect when they allow me into their inner sanctum to photograph them …
Phases of Fennel
The fragrance of fennel always takes me to Southern California . . . to the untamed hillside of my parents’ home . . . years ago now . . . where she and my dad landed after a lifetime of soaking up maritime fog . . .
Never Underestimate a Cattail
Today, I watched a Marsh Wren collect soft fibers from the head of a cattail — and dive into the abyss of cattail leaves to build up a hidden nest.
One Tree, Many Lives
Every spring, the wood chipper shows up. One morning, Fargo-like, it just appears . . . always while I’m in my bathrobe, never after I’ve quaffed my caffeine . . .
All Right, Mr. DeMille . . .
This umbrella was left behind in a park where some of San Francisco’s wild parrot flock was foraging for dropped fruit in the grass.
City On (and Behind) Hills
“I don’t know of any other city where you can walk through so many culturally diverse neighborhoods, and you’re never out of sight of the wild hills. Nature is very close here.”
~ Gary Snyder (poet)
