Edited and compiled H.A. Brand

A field guide for the unknown, unexpected, and inconvenient

“I did not intend to write a field guide to the lesser known critters of the tidal region. This book only exists through happenstance.

Last year, I went looking for my husband. He was last seen on the Eastern Shore searching for a lighthouse that doesn’t exist. This has been a lifelong passion of his, and it has taken him to many islands, both real and hypothetical. This, as you may imagine, has led to some interesting marital adventures.

After three months of no contact, I eventually packed up my things and went down there to find him—as well as to observe several rare birds that live within the area. I have been trying to acquire some lifetime bird achievements, and thought this would be a good opportunity. My husband goes missing every 10 years or so. So my priority was the birds.

What I found instead of my husband was a strange and wondrous collection of creatures and locals. I immersed myself in their environment, and over the next two months interviewed locals, experts, tourists, and anyone I could get my hands on. I ended my two month exploration in the hospital, suffering from severe necrosis of my left ring finger, a rare infection, a bone parasite, and diminished visibility in my right eye.

Though I may have lost sight, I gained some wonderful memories and exciting new friends. What follows is part memoir, part field guide, documenting my time in the tidal region.”