Winter Update #19: Dusted

6:40-7:30am, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
cool, fresh, a few cloud-wisps


After a full day of drizzle, drizzle, drizzle, it was quite a shock to see giant snowflakes coming down last night - a reminder that it is still winter, after all.

Today's landscape was pretty, if somewhat passé: a generous dusting made even piles of twigs turn into small works of art, and re-carpeted the paths to make way for fresh footprints.

On the other hand, there were a signs of spring's approach: a new bird, a falcon (or small hawk?) perched on a branch just above the path; a couple of geese settling into the now un-frozen marsh at the Meadows, and an adorable little chipmunk who darted out from a bush.

Today the chickadee orchestra took it away. I love their wavering "Hey Sweetie"s (sorry the recording is so faint)


Also, I am happy to report that last night, I gave my first official presentation/performance for "A Bird a Day", for a friendly audience at the Brookline Bird Club's Members' Night in Bedford, MA. Nice folks that allowed a novice like me to share!

I met many lovely people, all of whom know tons more about birds than me, including, excitingly, my first two human birdcallers for the human birdcalling chorus I am scheming up. Yay!