by David Jonathan Cohen Text and photos © 2025 Perhaps the darkest moment in animated movies is the death of Bambi’s mother. Perhaps the brightest moment in movie musicals is the song “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music. And then there’s our backyard. In the late afternoon on June 2, I watched a fawn wobble […]
Backyard Nature: A cottonwood storm and other joys, courtesy of Mother Nature
by Marlene Berlin I first noticed the storm as I walked down Davenport Street toward Rock Creek Park. White balls of fluff were dancing and floating in the air all around me. The cottonwood storm overtook me again as I walked along the Broad Branch daylighted stream. Any other time of year, the fluff might […]
Backyard Nature: When pollen attacks
by Marlene Berlin To all the spring allergy sufferers out there: pick your poison. It is tree pollen season in DC, and pollen levels have been in the high or very high range, according to various news sources and weather sites. And the two most visible causes of your irritated sinuses, your runny nose, and […]
Backyard Nature: With the flip of a switch, we can help migrating birds find their way
by Julia K. Stevenson The biannual migration of birds has begun. Washington, DC is on the path of the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for birds traveling north in the spring and south in the fall. The spring migration actually began earlier in April and is expected to last through May. This is an event […]
April evenings are the perfect time to enjoy the romantic songs… of frogs
by Marlene Berlin One of my favorite seasons of the year has begun: frog mating season. I was walking the Western Ridge Trail this week when I heard it: a familiar faint hum. I knew at once it was the American toad. And as I approached level ground at creek level, I heard two toads […]
UDC’s Master Naturalist training begins in a few weeks. Will you be applying?
Before you answer the above question, here are a few more: Are you fascinated by the natural world within our urban environment? Do you want to learn more about the wild plants and animals and habitats throughout the District, and take part in efforts to conserve and protect them? The Master Naturalist program administered by […]
Backyard Nature: Weed or wildflower? Birds, bees and butterflies know the answer
by Marjorie Rachlin Wildflower or weed? That can be in the eye of the beholder, but “weed” is gradually disappearing from the lexicon as we recognize that many wild plants are native to the area, and play a critical part in the ecosystem. In many cases, humans have also found ways to cultivate and use […]
Household pests I have known: A personal history
by Marlene Berlin Cockroaches, mice, flies, camel crickets, stink bugs, flying squirrels. They’ve all taken up residence in my home at one time or another. My husband and I moved into the District in 1975 from an apartment on New Hampshire Avenue by the Beltway. We saved up for a home in a walkable neighborhood […]
You’re Invited: David Cohen’s wildlife photos on exhibit
For many years, Forest Hills neighbor David Cohen has contributed photo essays about birds and other wildlife to Forest Hills Connection. In recent years, posters featuring his photos have helped people identify wild creatures they might see in Linnean Park and other parts of Rock Creek Park. In August, we’re invited to visit the Patuxent […]
Backyard Nature: Lucky ducks
by Marlene Berlin Everywhere I go, ducks appear. One day recently, that was no exaggeration. I went for a walk, and ducks seemed to be everywhere. I saw the handsome wood duck pair above, enjoying a swim in Rock Creek. And, as I was exiting the Western Ridge Trail to walk along Ridge Road, I […]