Understanding Herman

Understanding Herman

By Old-School Naturalist

Have you ever experienced the quiet joy of holding out a handful of birdseed and feeling the delicate touch of a chickadee landing on your hand? Moments like these remind us that the creatures around us are more than just animals. They are individuals with unique personalities.

In the summer of 2024, something wonderful happened at my house in the foothills of the Catskills. An injured porcupine started to visit a wild raspberry patch on our property every day. At first, he was just an observer, foraging and moving cautiously around me. But after a few days, I noticed he showed no fear as I approached. That is when I decided to test the boundaries of his trust. I held out a slice of apple, and after a few moments of consideration, he accepted it.

That small gesture was the beginning of a remarkable friendship that lasted three months. Every day, Herman, as I decided to call him, would visit, communicating with his gentle guinea pig-like noises, and I would have the opportunity to see his personality unfold. His curiosity, trust, and even his quirks came to feel like the traits of an old friend.

This exhibit, Understanding Herman, and the images you’ll find on this site is my way of sharing what I learned during those summer months. It is about more than just Herman. It is about recognizing that every animal we encounter is an individual, deserving of kindness, respect, and understanding.

I hope that through these photographs on this site, you will see a glimpse of Herman’s unique spirit and perhaps come to view the natural world a little differently.