Birds

Lesser Goldfinch

Dear Readers,
The curious thing about birds is that they are all around. They are the constellation of a flock hidden in the branches of a tree, they are in a row above our heads underlined by the wire they sit on, and they are the unheard chorus of our lives, conversations, warnings, wars unattended to by the earthbound humans rushing through their day. We share a planet but exist in worlds of our own. Curiouser still is how awareness of their presences opens up that world, and you wonder how you could ever be indifferent to the rich variation of color, form, and song this world of the sky holds. My parents have always been bird people. For the safety of the masses, my mother really needs a bumper-sticker warning the unsuspecting that she does and will break for hawks and eagles. During my time home I discovered the pleasure of having a cup of tea and watching the birds with my dad. He knows all the names of his local flock and a pair of ravens have adopted him as theirs because he feeds them. Part of my goal for this year was to identify some of the birds in my part of the world. In order to feel more at home, how can you feel alone when you know the names of ever bird you meet, but also to be aware of more than the ground under my feet. Without further ado, here are four of my new acquaintances.
Love,
 The Hedgehog

Acorn Woodpecker

American Robin

A flock of Brewer's Blackbird

P.S. If I identify anyone improperly, please correct me. I am not a hundred percent on the goldfinch but the rest I am pretty sure of.