Wander & Ponder with Bill & Friends

06/23/2026

I will be helping with some of these again this season. Come join us!

Join us on the River!

On behalf of Waterman Conservation Education Center, I, your fearless captain, bring to you the launch of the 2026 Susquehanna River/Hiawatha Island River Tours! From early morning wildlife tours, to a guided, historical hike on Hiawatha Island, we have something for everyone this season. For more information, and to purchase your tour tickets, go to watermancenter.org/events where you will find our calendar of events with boat tours beginning Saturday June 27th. Take notice that we will be offering two tours on Saturday's (Early Bird Wildlife, and an afternoon Hiawatha Island Experience), and one Hiawatha Experience tour on Sunday's. There will also be a Friday evening Wildlife tour starting in July. I will update as we go in regards to any changes to the tours. Thanks in advance, and I'll see you on the river!
This photo from September of last year, shows members of the Hiawatha Island Purchase Committee, the legendary group of people responsible for saving this sacred Island. If not for them, we wouldn't be able to enjoy this local treasure. Spending an afternoon with this courageous group of people is a memory I will cherish forever.

06/21/2026

A bird's eye view of the Apalachin Marsh.

06/18/2026

This is a sneak peek of a larger project. We often talk about how spring 'pops' when the trees leaf out. In this case, it 'pops' in the water as suddenly open water is replace with lily pads and other aquatic plants. But if you look close, there are a few little spots of open water. Perhaps it's deeper there, or perhaps, some critter has kept it clear. 😃

06/07/2026

I've been working on catching that first jump/fling/launch as a creature takes flight. Some seem to dive, some seem to spread wings and flap. Some do both. But which ever method, it starts with choosing to move!

05/30/2026

I noticed the tree first. A large eastern white pine in an area where I didn't see any other white pines. Then I saw a number of cavities in the tree. I waited and saw this little white-breasted nuthatch and one particular cavity.

05/27/2026

Some birds from Pettus Hill Preserve.

05/23/2026

If you have never been to Pettus Hill Preserve, here's a glimpse of what you are missing. If you have bee there, here's a reminder of how fun it can be.

Earlier this month, an event celebrated the life of Charles "Chuck"...

05/22/2026

Three of my local friends. Can you guess where their names come from?

05/20/2026

The other week I was wandering at the Choconut Center Park and went by this beautiful old tree, when a little head popped out up high.