I was going to write this blog post yesterday but, after a circuit training class and walking 6.2 miles (9.97 km), I was really tired and I decided to let it go for the day. Which meant that today is the day for the kings and queens of the sky. Which are, of course, birds. As a human, I have always been envious of birds and of pretty much anything that could fly. Well, except for flies and mosquitoes because they are more annoying than awe inspiring.
Although I’ve always been amazed by watching birds in flight, I never saw myself as a bird watcher. Over the years, that has changed. Oddly enough, I have no idea of when I went from “birds are cool” to “Is that a red-tailed hawk or a cooper’s hawk?” sort of person. Nevertheless, it happened, which means that I am now a bird watcher. I don’t consider myself to have joined the utmost category, which is a birder. And, when I do become one, I think it will happen gradually, without any ceremony. So no popping champagne bottles or anything like that.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed seeing the birds. Aren’t they all so beautiful? They are truly the kings and queens of the sky. I love watching them, more than I ever thought possible.
The birds are beautiful. I also wish I could fly. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much. It would be so wonderful to fly and look down at the world.
6 miles is a long walk! That’s a lot of birds, Alice. Very nice. I haven’t been much of a bird watcher till lately. I’m paying more attention. And I can’t recognize many except for robins, crows and magpies. I’ve noticed I’m getting regular visits from a blue jay on my planters hanging from the deck.
It was a very long walk, especially because I walked about two and a half miles carrying groceries in my backpack! Oh, I was ready for my nap after that. And yes, there are lots of blue jays here. They can be very aggressive at the bird feeder, and they like to chase away the little birds. Watching the interactions of the birds is very entertaining!
I love watching the birds in my backyard, it is so relaxing. Just this morning there were cardinals, bluebirds, robins and morning doves all the same time. I smile when I see the birds because they are God’s creatures and to have them all show up on Sunday morning with a choir of signing was beautiful. We have most of the same shore birds in SC as your Florida ones. I love the blue herons and egrets, they both walk so slow like they know not to rush through life.
Isn’t it awesome? The great blue herons and the egrets are starting to return to Western New York now, so I get to see them closer to home, which is very exciting. I’m planning on getting a really good professional-quality camera so that I am able to take pictures of birds without causing them to fly away!!
Hi Alice, what do you use to identify the birds that you do not already know?
I have a friend who is a birder and I send him the pictures and ask him to tell me their names! I have heard that there are apps for bird identification, and I’m going to look into them. My friend isn’t always available for bird identification.
Great bird photos!!
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Thank you so much, Donna.
I enjoyed your bird photos, especially the Yellow crowned night heron.
Thank you so much, Maria.