J. Merrill Lynch

North Carolina, Watauga

I'm a lifelong birder and naturalist and have been interested in all aspects of natural history for as long as I can remember. I became seriously interested in moths about five years ago and began keeping records and photographic documentation. My home is located at about 3400 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Boone, N.C. I use both mercury vapor and blacklights for attracting moths, beetles, and other insects. I have recently upgraded my camera equipment to a Panasonic G3 and Leica 45mm macro lens. So far I've identified and photographed about 1,065 species of moths in my yard plus an additional 100 species at other N.C. locations.

My other interests include genetic genealogy and international travel. I'm a seventh-generation North Carolina native and I have traced my ancestry through deep clade Y-DNA analysis to my Lynch ancestors who lived in southern Ireland around 1,000 AD. I also have a passion for travel and try to take at least one international trip every year or so in pursuit of birds and biodiversity. And last but not least, I'm a proud father of a 3-year old daughter and a grown son who give me much joy.