In 2023, I passed 13,000 observations on my account. Among that, I contributed to first identified living photographs of several species, which is always exciting …
Globemallow bee in New Mexico
Croton bee in New Mexico
Spring miner bee (visits Ribes, Rhus, and Salix mostly) in New Mexico
… and New Mexico first state records like this crane fly and this darkling beetle.
I passed 200,000 identifications for others including new determinations for several rare Penstemon in Mexico…
Observed 2009 and properly identified 2023
Observed 2019 with lots of back and forth discussion
…and continuing to find important records of wedge-shaped beetles.
Less conventionally, I used iNaturalist to plan 3 nature walks locally, organize a rescue for a local cactus with beautiful red flowers - they are not legally protected and going to be bulldozed for a solar farm next year, and talked about this community on a pollinator podcast.
In 2024, I want to reach 2,000 yard species and achieve more progress on my Ripiphorus research. I want to spend time in southern New Mexico, especially to photograph specialist bees like Ancylandrena larreae and this wedge-shaped beetle (expected but not yet documented in the state), and generally continue to explore the southwest with my camera when I’m not working or volunteering for the Xerces Society or gardening.