Well here we are, 2024. It didn’t feel real until I started a new folder for journal entries and labeled it 2024. …I’m not going anywhere, but I can still time-travel. Here’s looking back at August 8, 2023.
It was a few days before the first celebration of Chicago Portage Day.
Some of the local birds were not quite ready, but it was still good to see their summer selves.
Cedar Waxwings have a way of blending in, whatever the season.
There were some young Baltimore Orioles.
I never turn down a good-looking Downy Woodpecker, whatever the season.
It was a very good year for Eastern Wood-Pewees.
And European Starlings…
Indigo Buntings proliferated, too.
I managed to capture a Warbling Vireo, which doesn’t happen often enough even though I always hear several.
That day I was lucky to see an Ovenbird.
And I found a Yellow Warbler.
There was also the rare tree-perched Rock Pigeon.
Today, I hung the calendars that come in the mail all over the house. The sun came out for a rare appearance and I went to the Chicago Portage this morning, hopeful to see something. What few birds I could detect were heard more than seen. It’s much colder than it has been and it looks like we are in for even colder temperatures and some snow next week. As tempting as it is to stay under the covers, if you will, it’s all the more reason to keep moving.
I’ve also gone back to writing my book, which could distract me from posting even as infrequently as I do. And yet I may feel the need to time-travel through images again soon. I don’t know about you, but I have noticed the days are incrementally getting longer. Keep the faith.
Thank you for a year of great pictures and helpful information on so many birds, Lisa. Looking forward to learning from you in 2024!
Oh, thank you, Mary! I look forward to learning in 2024 from you too. We all learn so much from each other.❤️
It was good to see those sunny birds in these dark days.
Thanks. I will probably resort to this strategy again.
A very pleasant look back over the year. The warm sun and the colorful birds kind of enhance our cold January days, whether in Chicago or down here in Texas. Of course the lead photo of your indigo buddy sets the tone.
Thanks, Bob! Good to hear from you. I expect you are a lot warmer in Texas. You’ll have to tell me all about it when I see you again.
I can’t verify if that Indigo Bunting was Tadziu. 🙂
At least looking back at some bird photos can ease the reality of on-coming snow. The weather should give you some time to rehabilitate the knee prior to the Olympic swim trials. I’m sitting in southern New Mexico, Las Cruces, where it is 30 degree with snow predicted for later. Hope to see a few birds at Bosque de Apache. Be careful shoveling and rest that knee. Sorry I thought I was commenting on your most recent posting that I read on my phone. Thus these comments are in regards to your latest post.
You’re in one of my favorite parts of the world. Say hi to Bosque del Apache for me. There isn’t enough snow to shovel yet, but Tuesday there might be. Actually I’m feeling a lot better already – it’s easier to stand and walk than sit for very long – but I am giving the knee a rest today because there’s not enough light to tempt me to go for a walk and see if I can figure out where the birds are. There’s enough of a mob scene in my backyard.
You are welcome to comment anywhere you like. 🙂