Nothing Like Birding In Winter

This afternoon I had the pleasure of joining a local bird walk led by one of the state's supremo naturalists, Mark Johns. We had modest success, but found some winners (two Hermit Thrushes and a Great Horned Owl.) All in all, this is the time of year when I especially relish birding. Summer is fine, except for the all-too-frequent "warbler neck," but there is nothing like putting on the layers and savoring the outdoor offerings in the colder months. Is it that I feel warmer in spirit seeing those marvelous birds on a slate-gray day? Or do I take some contrarian pleasure getting out when others want to curl up by the fire? I'll take both and am inspired to plan a trip to the coast probably in early January. Woo Hoo!