Michele

Um, I live here and am starting to get curious about estate sales. Share your secrets with me?!

a shiba inu dog is smiling and looking at the camera . ALT: a shiba inu dog is smiling and looking at the camera .

When you're BCC'd on an email from someone you admire with the text "copied a lot of other expert birders/strong leaders from the club"

Love it!! ❤️ Thanks for sharing. Looks like a beautiful day spent outdoors.

On this morning's birdwalk, we saw 7 eagles soaring together at the same time. Apparently, a group of eagles is rare (due to their solitary nature) and called a Convocation. #birds

YOLO

We've always been regular vet cat-owners. I'm of the mindset I'd like to maintain and know early if something is amiss. Our last pair went to cat only vet, but that practice is no longer an option. Fingers crossed for long healthy lives! ❤️

I agree.

Oh no! 😢 😭

Two cats on top of a person

Recently found and have been inspired by the How Long Does It Actually Take (HLDIAT) person.

Passport renewals:
How long I've been procrastinating=1 yr
HLDIAT?=54 minutes to renew two

Taxes:
Procrastinated=2 months
HLDIAT?=46 minutes

Now, I relax with cats. :)

Photo of eight colorful cut-paper art cards, each with drippy hand-cut lettering that reads "ICE MELTS", laid out on a black fabric background.

One of those cut-paper art cards, being held up in the artist's hand against a neutral background to show the smallish size of it. This one has marbled blue paper and floral printed green paper.

Another one of those cut-paper art cards, being held up in the artist's hand against a neutral background to show the smallish size of it. This one has fish-printed dark blue paper and solid-colored turquoise paper.

Another one of those cut-paper art cards, being held up in the artist's hand against a neutral background to show the smallish size of it. This one has damask/floral-printed red paper and hand-marbled blue-and-white paper.

Hey, speaking of art—I've made some 5"x7" art cards, and will gladly make more if folks are interested. $25 each (I'm not shipping outside of the Baltimore area unless you buy at least 4 of them, tho), with the proceeds going to support things that I ain't gonna talk about on public social media

Portfolio Selected recent works

I have to go do things now but I updated my portfolio page again in case any of you want to look at pretty art rn genuinesnips.art/portfolio/

I HIGHLY recommend commissioning art to commemorate Lifer experiences.🧡 And/or commissioning art from Emma!

eBird Checklist - 19 Sep 2025 - Notre Dame of Maryland University campus - 7 species Submitted by Michele Cookson.

& my ebird checklist for the CONI
ebird.org/checklist/S2...

For those who are curious! 😳 #birds

Person's hand holding lovely paper cut art featuring Common Nighthawks (3) on light blue background.

I did as instructed and held the art in my hand to appreciate the paper cuts and layers in different angles/light. 😊

(Un)Common Nighthawks non-traditional wycianci (cut paper artwork) by Emma Katherine Bilstein Art is framed in shadow box. Art depicts three Common Nighthawks, one central bird in flight, a second smaller bird in flight upper right and another bird roosting on a tree in lower left. Light blue background, various tree branches. Handout from artist visible below.

My genuinesnips.art by @actualkatherine.bsky.social !!

(Un)Common Nighthawks

non-traditional wycinanki (Polish cut-paper folk art)

To commemorate my experience seeing Common Nighthawks in flight for the first time.

It's so lovely, I'm overjoyed! #birds #art #folkart

It is amazing!! I love the whiskers and the nose and the eyes and the texture on the fur. :) Plus, the texture of the cushion!!

They weren't even listed on the bill. That's why you show up early. #proTip

Me! I was one of the deliveries! I'm enjoying my art immensely. ❤️ Will be sharing pics soon.

Red shouldered hawk perched on top of a pole.

Two red shouldered hawks sitting on a branch.

Saw my red-shouldered hawk friends again. 🧡 #birds

Texts between Dave and Michele. Dave shares bird photo and suggests it's raven or vulture. Michele replies.

Love getting texts like this from my sweetie @daveygandthe.bsky.social ! Pls know I will accept messages like this from anyone on here!! I love looking at any/all bird pics.

I tried to stop myself from tagging you @actualkatherine.bsky.social but then I asked myself why? Haha. I will always think of you when I see common nighthawk photos or birds IRL.

😄 🤣

Really loving the crows lately. They are so fun to listen to and watch.

It is really lovely!! I can see his playful spirit. ❤️

Wow, those are all so gorgeous!! I love all the flower prints on the animals, especially in the ears.

Crows in a tree at night

A reminder that magical experiences are all around. Sometimes, in your own backyard. I spent the evening watching the crows gathering to roost for the night. And that was pretty spectacular.

Thank you!! Added it to my list. ❤️ 🍕

Thank you! I was reading these replies out loud to @daveygandthe.bsky.social and he said Hell No to sections 32&33. Good tips, thank you!! 😊 I think having AF sections are a great idea, btw.

Yes, you all are amazing!! Thanks so much!!

Anyone got recommendations for Best Value seats at Fenway? Planning a baseball road trip for July. Mostly so I can check off a bucket list item this year - Whale Watching. It's a 2 for 1 trip to Boston.