A Blog for Naturalists
The Common Naturalist is a blog for everyday enthusiasts of natural history and scientific exploration.
The blog started in 2014 as Corner of the Cabinet, a name that referenced the cabinets of curiosity of the 16th century – precursors to our modern museums. These “cabinets” were large rooms, often filled to the brim with all manner of natural object from gemstones to animal specimens.
While natural history has evolved a lot since the 16th century, it is still fueled by the persistent curiosity of naturalists and their unique approach to nature – melding the mind of the scientist with the heart of the poet.
This blog is here to share some of that spirit and I hope that you’ll find it a worthy companion on your naturalist adventures.
Thank you for reading!
Authors
This blog is mostly a one-person show. Most posts are written by me, Mark Rapoza. In May 2021, I began commissioning posts from other wildlife writers, so you’ll hopefully start seeing a variety of names around this blog as it continues to grow.
I’m not a scientist and I have the deepest respect for those who have dedicated their time, bodies, and brains to advancing our understanding of the world around us. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from UCLA and I have way too many field guides on my shelves.