Outside My Window is one year old today!
Little did I know when I started this blog how far it would come and how many people I’d meet.
A year ago blogging was all new to me. I didn’t know the mechanics of WordPress (the software that displays this blog), I desperately needed photos to illustrate each entry, and I had a low level dread of running out of things to write about. Added to that was the fear that no one would read it and my efforts would be pointless.
Those worries quickly disappeared. Chuck Tague, and many new friends, supply me with beautiful photos. I seldom run short of subject matter and the blog has been fun to write especially when I have to do research. I’ve learned more about birds and hope you have too.
There have been ups and downs along the way, the happiness of baby birds and the sadness of a young peregrine’s death, the exciting blogs and the boring ones. I’ve even received a little bit of unexpected fame.
But the best part has been meeting you, my readers. I am amazed and pleased at how many of you there are. You’ve helped me with questions, suggestions, photos and – thankfully – corrections.
So this celebration is really about you. I’d love to meet more of you. Leave a comment below and let me know which blogs were your favorites. Have I missed a topic you’d like me to explore? Do you have a photo or a question?
And please do tell me where you’re from. I would love to know how far this blog reaches. Does it go around the world? Only you can tell.
(Thanks to Joan Guerin for the birthday cake. Click on the cupcake and wait a few seconds to see a surprise.)
bird-thday
Happy Birthday, Outside My Window! You’re doing a great job, Kate.
Tony
Congrats on your anniversary!
I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago and was thrilled to have discovered it. I really enjoy the blog entries when you include some research in your entry. It is a wonderful resource for new birders such as myself.
I love crows and I really enjoyred the story you did on them as well as the link to the more extensive research for those who wanted to learn more.
Happy Birthday “Outside My Window” I have really enjoyed reading about the Pitt peregrines (and other topics) and watching the web cam. It has been a welcome break from my studies. I am a graduate student at Pitt. BTW (and you can edit out this when you see it) I wanted to point out a typo near the bottome of the nesting history document. For the 62nd St. Bridge nest, you have the 2007 line listes as 2 Chicks, 0 Chicks rather than 2 eggs, 0 Chicks.
Happy Birthday to “Outside My Window” and to Kate St. John. Thanks Kate, for so many interesting articles (with photos by Chuck and others). It’s been a fun and educational year. Keep up the good work…
Marge
J, thanks for pointing out the typo. I think I was cross-eyed by the time I got to the end of the document.
Happy Blogiversary!
Like J, I’m also a grad student at Pitt and your blog has been an enjoyable bit of what I call “educational procrastination.” I like birds, but know little about them, so I’ve enjoyed all your posts. You range from the scientific to the lyrical, which makes for interesting reading.
Remember when you thought you didn’t have enough to write about? Happy Birthday!!! Kate. It’s been a great year of learning! And thanks for using some of my photos…not as good as Chuck’s but most of these were seen outside MY window, esp in the winter….Here’s to another year of learning, birds and friendships.
BTW, the crow and cupcake were cute…..Why do you think it takes 3 crows to eat a road kill? Two eating and one in the tree calling Car…Car…Car….when a vehicle is coming.
Keep up the great stories!!!
Marcy C. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co.
Congratulations on a great first year with the blog. Keep up the good work. I learned a lot over the past year.
Happy first! I’ve been enjoying your insights into birding since last summer when I found you via an article on the cathedral falcons.
It’s been a great year, Kate. I too have learned a lot. I love the way you write, with humor as well as knowledge. I forward a number of your columns on to non-bird watching kids and friends. I feel like I know you, even though we’ve never met — must come into Pittsburgh one day & meet you for lunch. Hey, only 3 months til peregrine season!
Happy Anniversary!
Reading your bird blog has been a wonderful experience. I must admit I am not a bird enthusiast but through your bird blog I have become curious about birds. I look skyward for birds going by especially if they are large and wonder if they are crows or redtails. For example, on the way home yesterday I notice a large group of black birds over head. Are the crows back? Anyway, congratulations and much more success. Great blog!!
Thanks! And, yes, the crows are back.