By Michael Wright
I’m not an expert on birds by any means. I am fascinated by them and have accumulated a number of books and field guides over time.
From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, I was recently able to download a free app which identifies birds by recording their calls, and then produces a picture alongside their names.
When we lived in our Florida retirement community, the most prolific birds to be found were the Snowbirds, easily identified by their pale white plumage sometimes punctuated by reddish, blistered or flaky patches. When the weather warms, their homing instincts kick in and they fly north to their nesting grounds in Canada or near the Great Lakes.
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I’d never seen them, but I frequently heard some complaints about old Coots at the clubhouse during potluck dinners. I’m sure many hover about whenever food is readily available.
The only thing I need now is binoculars. I left three pairs at our last home in the rush of moving day.
One pair was gifted me by The Joy of my Life. Two pairs were given to me by my dear friend Kieth in North Yorkshire, England. An avid birder himself it was he who piqued my interest by sharing his hobby with me. I must say there are many beautiful birds throughout the United Kingdom (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
My very favorite bird is the peregrine falcon. One day while on holiday, I had my camera aimed as Joy, Kieth and his wife Jeannie were posing for me. Suddenly, far behind them and in the sky, I spotted a Peregrine in stoop. It literally took my breath away.
Mike is currently shopping for a decent pair of field glasses. If you have any recommendations or birding tips you want to share, contact him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.
