Nerds of a feather flock together

I have always loved birds. When I was a kid, I'd get up super early and sit in the backyard with a boombox to record birds. My intent was to study their songs and behavior so I could interpret their language. I didn't get very far with that. Still, I loved listening to the recordings over and over again. 

Our family owned zebra finches for a while. We raised at least 4 to 5 generations, until they died when we went on a long vacation. Our appointed bird sitter forgot to feed them. Sad story, I know! We never got birds again. The experience made it clear to us that birds need to be free. 

To me, glimpsing a swooping swallow or overhearing a family of bickering chickadees is like being let in on a delightful little secret. Tiny treasures, hidden in plain sight. It's truly a thrill! 

Thanks to the Merlin phone app, my fascination has become a full on obsession. Not just for me, but for Jeff, too. A couple of weekends ago during an outing with the kids in Golden Gate park, we heard the song of a Pacific Wren. We began creeping quietly through the redwoods, shushing Emmett and Ava as we tried to spot the little guy. Our fervor annoyed them. They started started taunting us (loudly): "Bird nerds, bird nerds!" We then remembered we were parents and put our search on pause. We did not spot the Pacific Wren that day.

Here's what it looks like: 

If you've been lucky enough to spot him, let me know! I'll be super jealous.

Some sightings this month: 

Barn Swallow
Black Phoebe
Black-crowned Night Heron
California Quail
California Towhee
Chestnut-baked Chickadee
Dark-eyed Junco
Double-crested Cormorant
European Starling
Great Blue Heron
Great Horned Owl
Northern Mockingbird
Pygmy Nuthatch
Red-Shouldered Hawk
Tree Swallow
Western Bluebird

-C



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