Of all the multifarious daunting tasks that go into starting a blog, few are as fraught with peril as choosing a name. The figurative roadside of the information superhighway is littered with the wrecks of websites whose titles failed to seize the imagination. Our own corner of the world wide web, the nature blogosphere seems to favor truth in advertising. The list of previous hosts of I and the Bird leaves no doubt their collective position on nature. I guess that’s why I’m so taken with the name of James Brush’s blog. While there is a story behind Coyote Mercury, the moniker itself comes across as so cool and evocative that one feels compelled to explore the blog. Fortunately, the site lives up to the promise of its name. Find out after you explore James’ poetic presentation of I and the Bird #126.

While we’re on the subject of names, I invite you to cast a sidelong glance at our next host. Is it fair to judge the character of someone who blogs at The Drinking Bird? Nate alleges that there’s more to the name than a celebration of the interaction of alcohol and avifauna but I’m not so sure. You might want to ask Nate his secret for staying warm during the Super Bowl of Birding when you send him (naswick AT gmail DOT com) your link and summary for the next IATB! Submissions are needed by 6/8 for the 6/10 edition.

Also, we need hosts for August and all the months after. Step right up and claim your edition!