Through the Krystal Lens

  Become a Scientist for a Weekend: The Great Backyard Bird Count Ever look out your window and wonder exactly which feathered friend is snacking on your feeder? Or perhaps you’ve noticed a flash of red in the trees and wished you could contribute more to nature than just a "wow." Enter the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) —an annual global event that turns casual birdwatchers into vital citizen scientists. Whether you’re a pro with a $2,000 lens or someone who just thinks ducks are neat, this is your chance to help protect bird populations worldwide. What is the GBBC? Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the GBBC was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and display results in near real-time. Now, every February, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe spend a few days counting birds. This "snapshot" helps researchers track: Migration patterns: Are birds arriving earlier due to w...

2026 Downtown Artists Cooperative Juried Photography Exhibit.  Last night, I attended the opening reception at the Downtown Artists Cooperative! For the first time ever, I entered three of my photography pieces into a juried exhibit. Since I’d never done this before, I truly didn't know what to expect. We arrived at 5:00 PM just as the hustle and bustle began. They served delicious hors d'oeuvres, wine, and the best hot apple cider I’ve had since autumn. As we explored the exhibit, I fell in love with a photograph of a Louisiana Blue Crab. Before the event, I’d set firm expectations for myself and my family: this was my first show, and I wasn't looking for a placement. I just wanted to enjoy the process and appreciate the beautiful art. At 6:30 PM sharp, they began announcing the winners. I had submitted all three of my pieces to the Flora/Fauna category. As they called out the names, I was prepared to remain in the audience—especially after they passed the Honorable Mentio...