Writings & Publications
Selected articles, essays, and commissioned illustrations from outdoor, wildlife, and conservation magazines.
Featured Work
Cicada emergence offers Pennsylvania anglers a rare and brief opportunity
Outdoor News
There’s a buzz in the central Pennsylvania outdoor community – literally. For the first time since 2008, Brood XIV periodical cicadas have emerged en masse across the region. This rare appearance of large insects, with bright red eyes and black bodies, is a treat for naturalists – and a golden opportunity for anglers.
“It might take the fish a bit to figure it out,” said Brad Zeiders, a fly-fishing guide based in Blair County. “But once cicadas start hitting the water, the trout will gorge themselves.
Beware of contamination in morel mushrooms
Outdoor News
Prized globally for their taste, and elusiveness, the morel mushroom family comprises many different species, all identified by honeycombed caps and hollow bodies.
Equally appealing is this fungi’s adept ability to remain overlooked in crumpled-up leaf litter each spring. So highly preferred are these mushrooms, they are considered a delicacy in many countries, including the U.S. Here in Pennsylvania, mushroom hunters are lucky to live in prime morel habitat, inspiring a barrage of “shroomers” to get into the woods in search of them.
The Work of Winter
Juniata Valley Audubon Society
President’s Corner
As the last leaves fall and the air sharpens with the promise of winter, I’m reminded how nature has its own quiet celebrations this time of year. The fields and forests may appear still, but listen closely — the gentle “tseet tseet” calls of White-throated Sparrows return, the soft chatter of chickadees brightens the gray mornings, and the flash of red from a visiting Northern Cardinal reminds us that color and life persist even in the coldest months. I think we could all agree that winter bird have a little something extra …
Press
Artist draws inspiration from nature
Kensinger’s work named ‘Best of Show’ in state competition
Altoona Mirror
For artist Michael E. Kensinger of Altoona, spending time in nature, creating art inspired by wildlife and caring for a Tyrone-area wetlands bring him joy and purpose.
Most notably, Kensinger received “Best of Show” in the 2021 Pennsylvania Waterfowl Management competition for his painting of wood ducks titled “Sycamore Retreat,” which was made into a conservation stamp.
Michael Kensinger – Writer, Artist, and Habitat Conservationist
Fox 8
This edition begins with KC O’Day welcoming Writer, Artist, and Habitat Conservationist Michael Kensinger, and his Conservation Stamp, which helps fund the protection of Pennsylvania wetlands.
Michael explains how lead poisoning is causing issues with local waterfowl and his efforts in saving one swan suffering from these issues.
Kensinger Named Guest Juror for 22nd Annual Tyrone Art Show
Tyrone Eagle Eye News
The 22nd Annual Tyrone Art Show will be held in the Tyrone High School gymnasium on April 21st
This year’s guest juror is Tyrone Class of 2002 graduate and award-winning wildlife artist, Michael Kensinger.
He was also one of the first standout artists taught by current Tyrone High School art instructor Eric Feather when he began his career at TAHS.