Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Less than four weeks and I'll be back home in Rhode Island. I have the opportunity to spend a week in Papua New Guinea with a village outside of Port Moresby, the capital - flying out tomorrow morning at 3:30am. And then a week to study before final exams. And finally, a few days on the south island of New Zealand - driving around, experiencing, and photographing the breath-taking beauty of the island's wildlife and topography. It's hard to believe the semester is coming to a close - and my only regret is not being able to stay longer! On the other hand, it will be exciting to return to friends and family with a new-found enthusiasm for science and nature. Experiencing the wildlife throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory has given me a renewed interest in my own backyard wildlife in Rhode Island - I'll return an avid bird-watcher, insect-collector, "bush-hacker", and nature photographer! I can't thank the Shinn foundation enough for all these great experiences that have, and continue to shape my academic and personal perspectives!

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (taken from my room window!)