Here's our October Salish Sea orca sightings map! Did it feel like there were fewer orcas around this October? If you thought so, you were right! Sightings were down for both Bigg’s and Southern Resident killer whales vs Oct 2024. Learn more here: www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org/sightings-ma...

One part of journalism I have always loved is being invited into people's homes. David Thompson's may be the most eclectic I've ever seen, and I hardly had to ask any questions as he gave me a tour for the fall issue of Coast Life: edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader...

Right now! Get 40% off my book when you order through @ualbertapress.bsky.social ualbertapress.ca Use code iH25 for hard copies and iE25 for digital copies.

Happy Bat Week! I read this story around this time last year, and have thought about the imagery from this piece ever since. orionmagazine.org/article/site...

They say never meet your heroes, but when @susanorlean.bsky.social comes to Vancouver, you make an exception! Feeling quite starstruck

Seeing my name in print never gets old!

Been spending a lot of time with @susanorlean.bsky.social’s voice in my ear this week, and very much looking forward to her book tour stop in Vancouver!

@whaleresearch.bsky.social's latest census of southern residents confirms that this endangered orca population is not recovering & could still disappear within our children's lifetime. The survey found the overall population was 74, up by one from last year after four births, two of which survived.

Adored the atmospheric writing in this paddling adventure! "The world is full of omens, so pick the ones you like. The wind drops overnight." paddlingmag.com/stories/feat...

My first zine as editor of the World of Orcas is out now! Thanks to Fred (aka the Orca Man) for inviting me onboard and letting me introduce a crossword (called Word of Orcas, of course)! Available only in print: theorcaman.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?...

Jane Goodall has been such an inspiration for so many, for so long. Let’s honour her legacy by carrying forward her passion and work by standing up for nature in any way we can.

This is Truth and Reconciliation in action. Today at shíshálh Nation’s ceremony for Sept. 30, several of the recent graduates from the story below were asked to stand to be celebrated. Their smiles were an honour to see. www.coastreporter.net/local-news/h...

The perfect recipe for a fall day? Sipping cider and reading about the legacy - and future - of an Acadian apple by @karenpinchin.bsky.social for @cangeo.bsky.social 🍎 canadiangeographic.ca/articles/for...

Less than a week away! My friend and former coworker Steven Chua’s long awaited podcast will premiere Sept. 8, and you can subscribe today so you don’t miss it! When a climber is found dead in Squamish, his true identity is revealed… podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...

This story pairs so well with @rebeccarenner.bsky.social’s book Gator Country 🐊 Both take place in the Everglades, looking for scaled creatures with sweeping flashlight beams, but the effects on the ecosystem are vastly different. www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...

How old is an old puffin? Well, the oldest known #puffin in New Brunswick — and Canada — was found this week at 33 years old. www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1... #seabirds

Hit the jackpot at the thrift store today… I found an out-of-print guidebook I’ve been looking for — that I’ve only seen in an archive collection or for $100 — for ONE DOLLAR! I’ll be riding this high for at least three days

An immediate add to my TBR stack (tower?): @blairbraverman.bsky.social's description of "holding my breath as I read at top speed, wandering rooms in search of someone to read aloud to, and placing the book facedown, arrested by quiet statements that left me reeling" is my favourite kind of reading.

Where fish fly 🦅

Whenever my partner goes away for work, he brings me back a local newspaper. This month was Haida Gwaii News, complete with articles about conservation funds, a pro-scotch broom opinion piece and the news of 14 newly certified babysitters. What a treat. Read local! 🗞️

As Jaws turns 50, @kategammon.bsky.social takes a look at the science advisor behind the movie -- and how what he did after Jaws transformed our understanding of sharks again. In @nautil.us: nautil.us/the-shark-wh... 🦈

Who doesn't like a seaweed wrap, right?

Incredible to hear how much care went into making the Kuper Island podcast. Duncan McCue gives a masterclass in reporting on trauma with respect and sensitivity. Take a listen:

Loved listening in to my neighbour, author Marion Crook, talk about her memoir in the new season of Writing the Coast! (I met her in line to vote and was probably the only person thrilled with the 2-hour wait) @bcyukonbookprizes.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...

DYK right whales got their name from being the "right" whale to hunt? Now scientists face the challenge of finding the North Atlantic Right Whale to study - and protect. And relations between the US and Canada are complicating matters... Ft. @jennthornhillverma.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

Congrats to @karenpinchin.bsky.social as her vivid reporting gets gold! Read it here: canadiangeographic.ca/articles/sha...

2015 vs 2025 🎓 Last month I graduated from the University of King's College almost exactly 10 years after earning my undergrad in journalism! In that time I’ve written too many words to count, and I can’t wait to craft many more. I can confirm: time flies.

We named a whale! 🐳 Last month, I spent four days learning about B.C.'s marine mammals with @mersociety.bsky.social's Naturalist #WhaleSchool. After wading through a whirlwind of information, we got to choose the official nickname for humpback BCY1472. Introducing Roe:

Even if you weren't hoping to visit the two temporarily closed parks in B.C., if you're planning to go to any provincial or national park this summer, you should read this: thenarwhal.ca/bc-parks-fir... Many of us seek solace in nature, but nature needs respect —and sometimes a break — from us too.

I was fascinated by @sidedoorpod.bsky.social’s 2024 episode about the Coast Salish Woolly Dog, so I was thrilled to attend the book launch for Mutton last night! SIX of the contributing authors attended to share the connection between weaving and community. podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...

It seems my former editor has now joined Bluesky (hi @bronwynbeairsto.bsky.social!) because she has suggested a correction: technically because she’s older than I am (barely) she says it is I who looks like HER. Readers, I apologize for the error.

One of the best features I read last month. You’re right there on the beach with the whale and the writer as she grapples with the urge to collect, ownership and land use. Treat yourself to a great read!

So glad @evaholland.bsky.social put into words how excellent and grounded North of North is. I’m already eagerly waiting for season 2!

A dream come true to see @janegoodallcan.bsky.social speak last night! At 91 years old her work, wit and enduring hope continue to inspire.

Animal on “On Animals” It seems Zelda and I are both eagerly anticipating @susanorlean.bsky.social’s upcoming memoir. (She also snuck a sip of my coffee, so take that as you will)

over the moon to share this new fellowship we're offering at @thenarwhal.ca!

The last member of a species is called an "endling"! It's so haunting, I sometimes think of endlings as living ghosts. www.threads.net/@factsandfin...

Spotted 👀: applications are open for @thewalrus.ca’s paid editorial fellowship — and they’re looking for BIPOC journalists! thewalrus.ca/about/careers/

Come for the whales, stay for an epic musical interlude!

Jared Towers of Bay Cetology still has hope that Brave Little Hunter will be spotted. As boats get back on the water this season, he's asking people to send in their photos of orcas -- in case she's among them. www.timescolonist.com/local-news/h...

Ralph Munro, who helped file the lawsuit that freed these whales' relatives and whose efforts saved generations of orcas, died the same day this new calf was spotted. I wonder if he heard the news before he passed. His legacy lives on.

Scanning is no joke! It takes a LOT of time, but every so often it pays off

I have only a few weeks (!!) left in my master’s degree… so when else would I adopt two kittens to distract me?

The. Size. Of. Chicago. "their plan was sidetracked after an iceberg the size of Chicago broke away from a nearby ice shelf in Bellingshausen Sea on January 13." (Amazing about the sea creatures, though. Bonus admiration for mentioning of H. P. Lovecraft's 'The Mountains of Madness.') ✨🪼🐙🐋

If you, like me, are obsessed with @tchotchke.bsky.social’s atavist article AND love learning how the sausage is made, don’t miss this podcast ep: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/t...

Looking forward to tuning in to this today! (My favourite way to not feel guilty about procrastinating is to attend webinars -- and this one is free to all!) www.canadashistory.ca/explore/cana...?

I gave a copy of Eva's new book to one of my former editors and she was thrilled! Spread the joy of great writing!

Obsessed with this headline

“While we are cautiously optimistic about 62’s health and survival, this news brings hope for the Southern Residents.” We'll take it!

It's been almost a year since I left my job as a newspaper reporter, and today my former editor -- who looks a LOT like me -- said 5 people thought she was me at a media event. What makes it even funnier is that my actual twin lives in the same small town. Anyone else have a doppelgänger (or two)?