Great piece, Scot. Sounds like you had a fantastic big year. I enjoyed some relatable elements: noticing the kindness of other birders, the omnipresence of the Red-eyed Vireo's song, elusive Brown Creepers, and the way your year revealed itself to be about more than birds. Thank you for writing & sharing.
What a magical year! You are so lucky to have a young one to share your passion for birding with. I fear I will never see a Bachman’s Sparrow and now I’m thinking maybe I should follow your cue and draw one in my journal before I venture south this year to look for one.
I am so grateful for Darcy's presence whenever he accompanies me, it truly is a gift.
I hope you see your Bachman's! When I chased the Crested Caracara in Florida a couple of years ago, it wasn't until I had given up and really just felt the joy and gratitude for the adventures, that he appeared.
It's great to hear how welcoming and helpful the expert birders were to you. They recognized your enthusiasm and love of the birds. By the way, your hermit thrush painting is so expressive. Really made me smile.
It really is such a lovely community. The two of us are doing our first Christmas Bird Count on Saturday and we were paired with an expert that is excited to partner with novices.
Thanks for the feedback on my Hermit Thrush, I love painting birds. I did a Summer Tananger, Loon and Raven as Christmas gifts this year. I hope some small part of me comes through the paintings.
did you do all your "getting around" by car? How memorable that it was shared with your son and I imagine that joy will hold you for years to come. See you on the path
Yes, we traveled together as a family for 6 months in a small RV this year. It really facilitated both exploration and togetherness. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity.
Great piece, Scot. Sounds like you had a fantastic big year. I enjoyed some relatable elements: noticing the kindness of other birders, the omnipresence of the Red-eyed Vireo's song, elusive Brown Creepers, and the way your year revealed itself to be about more than birds. Thank you for writing & sharing.
I deeply appreciate that feedback!
What a magical year! You are so lucky to have a young one to share your passion for birding with. I fear I will never see a Bachman’s Sparrow and now I’m thinking maybe I should follow your cue and draw one in my journal before I venture south this year to look for one.
I am so grateful for Darcy's presence whenever he accompanies me, it truly is a gift.
I hope you see your Bachman's! When I chased the Crested Caracara in Florida a couple of years ago, it wasn't until I had given up and really just felt the joy and gratitude for the adventures, that he appeared.
It's great to hear how welcoming and helpful the expert birders were to you. They recognized your enthusiasm and love of the birds. By the way, your hermit thrush painting is so expressive. Really made me smile.
It really is such a lovely community. The two of us are doing our first Christmas Bird Count on Saturday and we were paired with an expert that is excited to partner with novices.
Thanks for the feedback on my Hermit Thrush, I love painting birds. I did a Summer Tananger, Loon and Raven as Christmas gifts this year. I hope some small part of me comes through the paintings.
did you do all your "getting around" by car? How memorable that it was shared with your son and I imagine that joy will hold you for years to come. See you on the path
Yes, we traveled together as a family for 6 months in a small RV this year. It really facilitated both exploration and togetherness. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity.