Today I provide answers. Some questions have been answered before but it’s obvious that many readers have never seen those answers because I keep getting the same questions.
I don’t necessarily answer questions in the comments because they can also originate on social media or in private emails or messages. You might be surprised by how many of my readers are reluctant to comment publicly (shyness?) so they email or message me instead.
Here are some of the questions I get most often and my answers. I’ve paraphrased some of them to improve clarity and/or make them more concise. A few readers may not like some of my answers but they’re honest, probably to a fault.
Why do you make the effort to respond to the vast majority of the comments made on your blog. Most bloggers don’t.
It would seem impolite, even rude, if I didn’t. If folks can take the time to comment on my blog, why can’t I respond briefly in kind? Besides, I enjoy interacting with my readers and I learn stuff when I do. Many of my regular commenters have become my friends and friends don’t ignore friends.
You don’t ever seem to get rude comments on your blog. Why is that? Do you delete them? Or not approve them?
I get them occasionally but not very often – only a handful of times each year. If they have a valid point to make, even if their comment is borderline rude, I typically approve it and respond. If they’re nasty, or an obvious troll, I never approve their comment. I actually got a rude and ignorant comment on my Bald Eagle post a few days ago. I didn’t approve it but I may (or may not) include it in a post about the same eagle in a day or two. I’m still mulling it over.
Farmhouses and outbuildings of the two Dudley farms. Just ignore the colored arrows.
Is the Montana farm you grew up on still in the family?
Yes, but not my immediate family. When I graduated from high school we sold our farm to my dad’s brother, my Uncle Floyd. Today most of the land of the original two joint Dudley farms, something like 3200 acres, is owned by the siblings of my cousin Ken Dudley. Ken’s brother Jim owns the remaining farmhouse. And some of the land, as do two of his sisters.
Most folks consider a pickup to be a truck so that’s what they call it – a truck. Why do you avoid “truck” and always call yours a pickup?
On a farm the distinction is an important one. We had pickups and we had trucks (grain trucks) and I’d damn well better know which was which. There’d be hell to pay if I didn’t so the lesson stuck with me.
Lorenzo Snow, my great-great grandfather and President of the LDS (Mormon) Church from 1898 – 1901
In your family history posts you sometimes make reference to your Mormon ancestors. Are you a Mormon?
No. Both my paternal and maternal family lines are steeped in Mormonism all the way back to the pioneers and beyond and I was raised a Mormon but I began to break those ties in my late teens. The transition was complete by the end of my freshman year in college. I’m fascinated by the details of the lives of my Mormon ancestors and I admire their pluck but their religion isn’t for me. Nor is any religion. I’m a devout atheist.
You used to go camping, especially in Montana and southern Utah, and post bird, wildlife and travel photos taken on those trips. Why don’t you do it anymore?
A bad back and three major surgeries got in the way. I’ve been putting off making the decision of whether I should keep my camping trailer or sell it. Having a camping trailer that you don’t use makes absolutely no sense. It’ll be a hard decision to make.
Photo taken in 2019, four years after Shannon’s accident
How’s Shannon doing?
I’m delighted to report that Shannon (my daughter) is thriving. It was touch and go for 5 years after her nearly fatal accident that resulted in severe brain damage (a TBI) but today her only remaining symptom of any significance is aphasia that takes a toll on her short-term memory. But she’s learned to adapt and today she seems happier than she’s ever been in her life. Her ol’ dad is extremely proud of her.
Are you married?
No, I’m twice divorced and have been since the late 80’s (can’t remember the exact year). Like religion, married life apparently isn’t for me. I prefer it that way – being single took a lot of stress out of my life. I have oodles of female companionship, including but not limited to my second ex-wife Diane who remains a very good friend to this day.
Are you pleased with your new camera, the Canon R5, after owning it for about a year?
Extremely pleased, when camera, lens and operator are all functioning at their best, which isn’t always. When I’ve had problems it’s usually been my fault. The R5 is a complicated beast and when it comes to electronics I can be pretty dense at times. But I’ll say this, I’m getting sharp shots that I had no chance of getting with any of my previous cameras.
In your posts you often make reference to cussing when you’re frustrated by birds or situations. Do you really curse a lot?
Hell yes.
Mormon Church President Spencer W. Kimball once said ““Profanity is the effort of a feeble brain to express itself forcibly.” In contrast, American author and humorist David Sedaris has this to say about one example of cussing and profanity in general: ““Shit is the tofu of cursing and can be molded to whichever condition the speaker desires. Hot as shit. Windy as shit. I myself was confounded as shit…”
I much prefer the linguistic flexibility provided by Sedaris’s philosophy over Kimball’s self-righteous proclamation. For me cussing, like being single, relieves stress. Besides, I’ve become emotionally attached to my feeble brain.
Ron
Note: Yes, I’m aware that Mormon (LDS) Church leaders have now dictated that their church, and its members, not be referred to as “Mormon”. Don’t get me going on that one.
I’m a bit late, but I love your comments. It is hard for me to believe where we live so far apart how similar we are in many respects. The big difference is that I married a wonderful woman 64.9 years ago and happy she stuck it out with me so far.
Great blog!
Ron, Interesting to hear what some people ask you. Most which is none of their Bees wax any way. Love your answers and Blog. The word different between a truck and pickup should be known by anyone raised in the West. It bothers me that my sister calls her small car a Truck instead of Car or SUV. Funny that way. She should know the difference! Oh well just go with the flow. Hey have a good day my friend.
Trudy, I live in the west and a lot of folks out here call pickups (even little ones and SUV’s) trucks too. I don’t get it but I hold my tongue. Maybe I’m the weird one…
Good morning from Down Under. I found your post of interest and it reinforced my opinion you are a straight-shooting fellow (as well as a bloody good photographer).
I am interested in your comment re. the terms ‘truck’ and ‘pickup. We southerners notice the North American use of these terms. It is only recently, since the arrival of the larger American utility vehicles, that the term ‘truck’ has entered common parlance here in reference to them. As an aside, in my earlier days, they and and other ‘large’ US vehicles, were often reared to as ‘Yank Tanks’. Down here, what we call Utes, smaller units, often with a dual cab, and diesel engines in the 2.8-3.2 L range, dominate the market.
I hope you get that camping trailer, aka caravan, back on the road.
Best wishes
Gary, I found your Down Under perspectives and observations very interesting. “Yank Tanks” was completely new to me.
I still have hopes of getting the trailer back on the road. How realistic they are, I don’t know.
I’m delighted to be known, at least by you, as a straight shooter. Seems to me that compliments don’t come much higher than that.
Ron, as your “Mormon” (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) brother-in-law, I just wanted to tell your followers the great respect I have for you because of the good person you are. We are not “birds of a feather” relative to religion or politics, but I am honored to be a member of your family through marriage. This world would be a much better place if all were as kind and thoughtful as you, your sisters, Shannon, your mom and dad. I love you all. You probably will not post this because you do not seek flattery, but I want you to know how much I respect you, even with all your faults. 🙂
Larry, it posted automatically because you’ve commented before. But if it hadn’t I’d have approved your comment.
And you’re certainly right about us not being “birds of a feather relative to religion or politics”. I actually half expected you to comment to make this point about the name of “the church” – “as your “Mormon” (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) brother-in-law” and you didn’t fail me.
I appreciate your kind words and miss spending time with you (as long as we avoid those two subjects, which for the two of us is almost impossible). I hope you’re doing well.
What a fun post. Not sure how but I saw your picture of a Bald eagle (my favorite) in 2010 and then a Kestrel in 2012. Again not sure how I came across your blog a few years later and recognized your name. Been a fan ever since😀
As for cussing, I give up trying to clean up my potty mouth❗️
“I give up trying to clean up my potty mouth”
Think of it as an asset, Diana. I do!
You have created such a fantastic blog family, Ron. How many bloggers can boast of not only becoming friends with their readers, but also fostering friendships between their readers? 💕 I really enjoyed your FAQ post today. Once a teacher; always a teacher (my highest praise).
Love the picture of you and Shannon (even if there’s no mockingbird “hat”) and am always glad to read of her progressing so well. I also understand butting heads between a father and teen daughter — must be necessary to have a close father-daughter relationship as adults. 😉😂 I actually think that you and my father would have become fast friends, especially if you had taught together.
Thanks very much, Marty. I came close to posting that “hat” photo instead of the one I did post. But it wasn’t a mockingbird hat, it was a magpie hat.
Thank you for the correction. I meant to type magpie (I said magpie in my head), but apparently mockingbird came out of my fingers and I didn’t catch it. I have those kinds of glitches more and more as I get older. 🙄
I guess I have been following long enough to know most, sad to hear about not using the new camper and it’s possible sale. Haley was the one to bring my attention to your blog when she was 13 or 14, wow that long, 16-17 years ago. Haley was in her first years both volunteering at Tracy Aviary and the wildlife rehab. She is 31 now and well into her life of birds. I have many friends and family members who I introduced to your blog who read and follow but do not comment. They all mention your blogs when we talk. My parents would frequently ask how you where doing after this last back surgery, I usually responded “I imaging slowly healing or we would read otherwise”. Thank you for taking the time to write the educational and beautiful blogs, and respond to readers. Thanks too for the friendship through the years, and building a great community. You done good!
April, I appreciate your kind words. And your friendship.
My first blog post was on August 18, 2010. It was about Loggerhead Shrikes. I actually got two comments on that post – one of them from a personal friend.
I guess Haley was older! She graduated high school in 2010. Well submerged in her birding experience by then. I thought she ran into your blog while looking for reference photos for art while in 9th grade. Too much time and too many birds, my brain has confused it all!
A day without FP is like a day without sunshine (and worse, no birds), don’t you know? You’ve built an engaging community here, and it’s not just about the photos that originally drew us in, it’s about how you share your fascination with and experience of the natural/wild world in ways that allow us to feel comfortable to do the same. Once a teacher, always a teacher! ♥️
“Once a teacher, always a teacher”
There’s some truth to that, Chris. With me I didn’t realize it until I retired.
A fun post today, Ron. So interesting that Shannon’s recovery began with music – there are so many fascinating stories about music and memory. This article was in the Washington Post the other day:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/26/songs-music-memory-connection/
It’s nice to see the whole Dudley farm. Not many trees! Maybe that’s why the owls you photographed roost in the barn! And I love the precision of “truck” vs “pickup”. Lorenzo Snow looks like it’d be important to him, too.
Echoing your commenters – FP is a special spot of joy in the email inbox!
Carolyn, thanks for the link. I’ll check it out. It’s possible Shannon never forgot the words to those songs at all. For the first few days she was intubated so she couldn’t talk. Who knows what she remembered at that point.
And you’re right – there’s very few trees on the farm. Originally it was mostly prairie.
Ron. With appreciation, you’ve explained the reasons why you and your posts have been part of my life for years…so thanks again.
Thank you, Susan.
What did your family grow on the farm?
Barley and wheat.
Thanks for this post. It’s always wonderful to be able to share with a real person. We’ve never met face to face but I still consider you my friend and am grateful for having discovered your blog.
Just to be different, I’d make a rude comment here, but I can’t think of one So instead, I’ll just say have a wonderful day!
“Just to be different, I’d make a rude comment here”
Dan, I get the impression you don’t know how to be rude. I could be wrong… 🙂
I try not to be rude but there are times… Once I was walking along the bike path next to the river. Two elderly women, using their walkers, from the nearby retirement community were walking ahead of me when someone came from behind and shouted “Get off my bike path, you old cripples”. I’m afraid I was very rude then. But it was ok. One of those women let out a string of language every bit as colorful as mine
Up close and personal, and thank you so much, Ron! Who says the internet is a cold, unfriendly place, where you can’t really have any meaningful engagement? You already had that with your many fans, and you just cemented it. Have a good week and have a good life. Thanks.
“Who says the internet is a cold, unfriendly place”
Ellen, if it was all that way I wouldn’t be here. I don’t understand why some folks apparently crave strife, discord and nastiness.
Thanks so much for not only teaching this botanist and pollination ecologist about birds and their amazing talents, but for providing a civil community space — the birds are the point, not this or that disgruntled commentator.
Excellent point, Mary. As you obviously know, “civil community spaces” are becoming an almost rare commodity.
So sad, isn’t it. 🙁
Thank you so much for today’s post. It gives super examples of appropriate questions and inappropriate ones or just questions that the only response needed is “why would you ask that?” The most pressing inquiry is the one I often think of, how is Shannon. It is wonderful to see her photo with you and to hear that she has recovered so beautifully. As for the consideration to post the rude comment or not, though not asked I vote No unless you feel a need to respond publicly. The way I deal with rude people is to write my response then sit on it for a day or more. Just writing it is a relief. I then usually destroy the response. I get the aggravation off my chest without letting the offender know that they got to me. Of course there are times when a response is necessary. I still write out my thoughts and sleep on them before contacting the offender publicly or privately. I am glad to hear that you have control over the posts on your blog. I always enjoy your responses to others comments and feel great when you comment on one of mine. I truly admire you and the candor in this post.
“As for the consideration to post the rude comment or not, though not asked I vote No”
Melanie, in part based on what you and Kris said, I’m leaning more and more that way.
Other than taking exception to the comparison between tofu and shit (you knew I would:)), I’m a big fan of Sedaris. Who could not like a guy who would walk 20 miles a day and pick up all the trash along the way? NPR always plays his Santa’s elf story at Christmas time. Never gets old.
I check into a few other blogs daily, but none have the personal touch that yours does. As Robert Frost said, “And that has made all the difference.”
Descended from English royalty and LDS priesthood. I’ll have to bow should we ever meet.
“Descended from English royalty and LDS priesthood. I’ll have to bow should we ever meet.”
Ha, those noble and distinguished bloodlines are tempered by my great grandfather, “Killer Joe”, remember him? If we do meet, you’re excused from bowing, Lyle… 🙂
Though not a frequent commenter myself I am a devout lurker and read both posts and comments . Our garage contains my husbands water ski which he hasn’t used in 20 years due to bad shoulders….. but can’t part with yet. He keeps saying “one more time”.. Won’t mention what I still have stored.
Catherine, I was water skiing when I was about 28 years old when I first injured my back. Took me a week to recover. Physically I thought I was Superman until that day. My life hasn’t been quite the same since.
Birder, Sedaris fan, recovering Catholic turned atheist, lifelong learner. Grateful for you, my friend, and the wonderful community that gathers on FP every day. Shannon won the “Dad Lottery”. So nice to see that photo again!
“Shannon won the “Dad Lottery””
Diane, there was a time in her life when she’d have taken issue with that statement. We butted heads when she was a teenager but thankfully that’s all been behind us for decades now.
Thanks Ron for sharing more about yourself. Hard to believe it was 50 years ago I took your Biology class as a sophomore at South High School. I am also amazed how much I remember what I learned and am still learning from my favorite teacher.
” it was 50 years ago I took your Biology class as a sophomore at South High School”
Come on Brett, I can’t be that old!
Thanks very much for your last sentence. Made my day.
Replies like that are what make my day too. Also many of my Face Book friends are former students, especially of my “Field Natural History” class I taught for non-Biology majors.
Just today a couple of my former students (from FNH) announced their retirement! A number are grandparents too. My how time flies!
This was a truly fun post. You probably experienced that with TBI, curses are often (I’d even say, usually) the first words to return, which always made me chuckle. They appear to be encoded differently and more densely than other language. I’d never seen the Sedaris piece – spot on!
Theresa, unlike her dad, Shannon was never much of a cusser so profanity wasn’t part and parcel to her recovery. For her, what came back first was the words to her favorite songs. Almost in an instant she knew them all. She also knew I was her dad but she couldn’t remember my name. Or the name of her husband or her son. Her failed memory really pissed her off but I don’t remember her ever cussing about it.
Thanks so much for this post today. I’ve always valued the aspect that you post–and respond– to your readers’ input, which frequently adds educational value to all you offer personally, with every blog. Because of that, I view
you as a friend, too, even though I’ve never met you in the flesh. And I’m GLAD that you don’t publish snarky and unkind commentary– not only is it a waste of space, it ENCOURAGES trolls, which this ol’ world definitely doesn’t
need. Like Michael, I’m tickled and surprised that you are a Sedaris fan– I always love to learn something new about a valued friend !
Agreed, Kris – encouraging trolls is not wise! But I’m sure tempted to lay into them sometimes.
I’m a fairly recent convert to the Sedaris fan club.
Thanks a lot for this – as a female photographer and avowed atheist who occasionally shocks my uptight British Canadian senior friends with my candid language, I wish I could join your cadre of real-life friends. Really enjoy your photography, and very glad you and Shannon have recuperated and can enjoy your lives. Thanks for the photos and the info and the friendly tone.
” I wish I could join your cadre of real-life friends”
I’m sure that would be fun and enlightening for us both, Burrdoo. Thank you.
Photographer, Canadian, atheist, “candid” . . . now if only you were lookinging for a fellow female photo buddy and were in Moncton we could give Ron matchmaking credits.
Granny Pat, I forgot to mention my Canadian roots in this post but I’ve alluded to it before. You have a good memory.
Since my mother was a Canadian citizen living in the US when I was born I “believe” I actually have dual citizenship. Or could get it very easily.
You would be an asset on this side of the border if you ever had the stamina to make the trip, Ron.
Wonderful post, Ron….. 🙂 Knew much of it from bits and pieces over time but getting it “consolidated” in nice and a refresher on much of what makes you you – some one I VERY much appreciate having in my life… 🙂
Your responses to comments on your posts makes the posts special and me feel “involved” in this great group of people that continue to educate me along with you.
What a nice comment, Judy. I suspect many of my regular readers will appreciate it too – especially your last paragraph.
Ahhh, you’re a teacher! That’s why your posts are so educational with a touch of humor and personality. Each post is a story that is easy to understand and features amazing bird photos. As for the swearing, that’s how I know I’m stressed! Cheaper than drugs.
“Cheaper than drugs”
Wish I’d thought of that…
As Terri said, we may be birds of the same feather. It is indeed good to know especially in this increasingly intolerant and polarized world. Your honesty, curiosity, attention to detail and patience, and even your predeliction for cussing make your “conversations” with readers something I can look forward to as I would an afternoon sitting on the porch, “jawing”.
Loved your comment, Granny Pat – especially your last sentence.
Chuckled out loud Granny Pat! Would love jawing with you on a porch!
Delightful to read your answers, Ron.
Much appreciated, Dan.
Excellent Ron. I have good retention and knew all this, but good to have a review once in a while especially for those of us in our 80’s and beyond. Like most followers I appreciate that you take the time to respond to our comments. That is one of the things that make the blog special. I post lots of nature and wildlife photos on NextDoor here in Prescott and I always read the responses and take the time to say thank you or answers questions.
Nice of you to take the time to put together this answer to questions today.
Thanks, Everett. I actually enjoy responding to comments. Most of them anyway.
Wow Ron. Thank you for the peek into your life.
Always appreciated how you reply to the comments.
Appreciating one’s ancestry is so important. While we might have it relatively easy, we are not all that far removed from a time when people in our families had to struggle with a lot of difficulties and unknowns. There is a lesson there. Knowing this history makes for a fuller life.
Re the camper. Know how you feel I have a few surfboards that I have not used now for over a year. At 68 I’m not sure I will ever use them again, but I’m not ready to part with them. Also have a motorcycle I have not ridden in I don’t know how many years, and I think I’m finally ready to part with it…maybe.
Did not know about your daughter’s health issues. Nice photo of the two of you. She has a nice smile and kind eyes.
I’m once divorced. Been with my second wife, Elsebeth, for 31 years. There are times when she can test me, but overall I cannot imagine life without her.
Never figured you as a Sedaris fan. He is brilliant. I feel as you do about cussing, but in recent years I have been trying to smooth out my sharp spots. So, I have been focusing on eliminating that from my communication tool chest. Has not been a complete success.
Thanks for you and your blog.
Michael, my camping trailer decision has been on my mind for quite a while now. I’m still hoping to eventually get enough improvement from my last surgery for it to make sense for me to keep it, and use it. But that may be a long shot.
Here’s hoping that circumstances turn in favor of keeping it.
We’re birds of the same feather!!
Good to know, Terri.
Love this post and your answers. That is a wonderful photo of you and Shannon. So glad to hear she is thriving and happy. Hope you are in the very near future as well.
Thanks very much, Mark.
As long as I’m in ‘honest’ mode I’ll admit that I’m vain enough to be ambivalent about that photo of me and Shannon because of all the keratosis spots on my quarter-acre forehead. I finally had them removed a couple of months ago.
until you mentioned them the keratosis spots were invisible to me and, I venture to guess, to all your other readers…but you probably knew that.
I enjoy FP immensely. Thank you Ron
Thanks, Frances. I should have had them removed years ago.