With my summer "bug" obsession waning in these winter months, I'm converting
back to my "bird" obsession. It's quite nice - I had missed it really. :)
I returned a week ago from a vacation in Park City, UT where I experienced the
thrill of being surrounded by red-breasted nuthatches and hearing their (rather
funny) little sounds all around. The pine forests of the west can really be a
magical place!
But, back home here in VA, I went for a jog this morning and at the last minute
I ditched the gym treadmill for the chilly morning air and sidewalks. Ending
my walk behind our neighborhood in Loftridge Park in Alexandria (zip 22303), I
spotted my first of the year BROWN CREEPER. For some reason, there's few birds
that make me smile as much as they do. I don't see them very frequently
(probably because they're so quiet and camouflaged), and every spotting I
consider a particular treasure.
I'm sure they've been around, but I also only today noticed my first big flock
of DARK EYED JUNCOS. Winter is surely coming!
With that verbose explanation of my only significant bird sightings, I'll sign
off for now and hope for even better birds this winter!
-Renee Grebe
Alexandria, VA
