This Vermont insect blog documents over 1,000 species observed in a single backyard ecosystem, including bees, beetles, flies, and moths, with a focus on behavior, pollination, and biodiversity.
Welcome to VtBugEyed, where the natural world meets thoughtful reflection and the curious eyes of an insect enthusiast.
I am, as my motto proclaims, a believer in: Laughing, Dreaming, Trying, and Doing Good
I’m Bernie Paquette, a Vermont-based observer of insects with a special fondness for the small, winged, and often-overlooked beings that buzz, crawl, and flutter through our world. My writing and photography explore the everyday wonders found just outside our doorsteps.
In short, I am an ambassador for insects. They talk for themselves, but first we must meet them, observe and listen to them, then we will be in awe!
“Seeking insects is like treasure hunting, and observing their behavior is like going on a wild safari".
My people are a community of people who care about each other, our planet, and all life on it.
My purpose is to help build, inspire, facilitate community, and to introduce others to inverting - the joy of observing insects. I am dedicated to building a community of inverters.
*Inverting is Discovering and Observing Tiny Wonders (insects) in Your Backyard.
Unlike scientist whose scientific work is valuable even if the work does not meet its goals (science is valuable even when the invstigations do not prove the theory or even find what was sought) - unlike science, my PR work to introduce people to INVERTING (The New Birding) - my work on promoting the joy of observing insects - is of no value unless it delivers - that is unless people are brought into the fold.
My vision is to have INVERTING be as big as birding is today. My vision is to have VES flooded with new members (of all ages). My vision is to have people in my neck of the woods, if not all of Vermont, observing and talking about insects like folks do (as I understand anyway) in the UK.
My vision is to see the Vermont Entomology Academy, the Vermont Entomology Society, and other like-minded organizations grow with members of diverse ages. My vision is to have many more people know more about insects so that more people will care about insects and the habitat insects need to thrive.
Why “Bug-Eyed”?
"Bug-eyed" describes both my fascination with insects and my way of seeing the world — with curiosity, attentiveness, and yes, sometimes a bit of surprise. Through photography and writing, I try to capture what’s often overlooked: a bee hitching a ride on the tail of a dragonfly, ants farming aphids, a butterfly slurping sweat off of my hand for the minerals it contains, or the so far inexplicable behavior of a bee observed landing then turning over onto its back and shuffling like a dog rubbing its back in the sand to ease an itch.
“I write to explore what I am thinking; take photos to see what I am looking at; both to find out more about life.”
“Bug-eyed” also means being alert to what’s happening around us — environmentally, socially, and personally. It’s about seeing more clearly, thinking more deeply, and acting with greater care.
What This Blog Is About
VtBugEyed.blogspot.com is part journal, part field notebook, and part reflection space. Here, you’ll find:
- Macro photography focused on insects, pollinators, and other tiny wildlife
- Personal reflections on nature, character, kindness, and community
- Poetry and prose inspired by the natural world and everyday encounters
- Environmental musings that explore the intersection of humanity and habitat
- Occasional thoughts on civic engagement, conservation, and local action
All rooted in the seasons and sensibilities of Vermont.
About Me
“I am old enough to have children and grandchildren yet young enough to have a curiosity that requires direct sensory experience.”
I walk slowly, look closely, and I believe in the quiet power of observing the natural world. You can often find me along Jericho’s and other Vermont trails, observing insects with my camera, or at home reflecting on what nature can teach us and the peace it can restore inside of us.
“I could not hear myself think until I heard, even before I observed, a pastel‑colored butterfly glide by — a quiet bona fide sound.”
I also spend time thinking about community — how we show up for each other, how we protect what’s fragile, and how we pass along a sense of wonder to the next generation.
“Kids get to chase things. And as parents, we’re happy when they do — even if they’re probably not going to catch all those butterflies. You know why? Because sometimes they will catch a butterfly. And, even if they don’t, the chase makes them happy. As we grow up, we chase a little less. Too often, we only run after the things we know we’ll catch. We stop taking those leaps of faith, and slowly we forget how good it feels to chase after something worthwhile.” - Chasing Windmills
I believe that by paying attention to the smallest creatures, we learn how to live with greater awareness, humility, and purpose. I am curious and passionate about insects, and about promoting inverting (observing insects) along with posting observations onto iNaturalist.
Why I Write
This blog is my way of sharing what I see, feel, and wonder about. It’s a record of the insects and ideas that cross my path — and an invitation for you to pause, notice, and maybe even marvel.
An Invitation
“There are likely hundreds, perhaps thousands, of species right out your back door.”
Look closely. Be curious. Meet nature eye to eye.
May inverting, birding, gardening,
and becoming closer to nature
- bring you joy and reverence!
What is inverting?
Inverting is the art of observing invertebrates. Inverting is being outside, observing, experiencing, the multitude, the diversity, the daily goings on of LIFE. No bones about it, I am an 'inverter'! Seeking to live a life of greater simplicity closer to nature, recognizing our bond with all living species. I have walked 100 miles in our 1.3-acre backyard, yet every day new surprises await me. Explore species of life in your yard; wonders await you. The World of Insects is the Greatest Show on Earth—an immense world of small, extraordinary wonders. And the best part? The show takes place as close as our backyards.”!
“There are likely hundreds, perhaps thousands, of species right out your back door.”
Discover the Wild World of Vermont’s Insects. Inverting is Discovering and Observing Tiny Wonders (insects) in Your Backyard.
