Rural Rambles

One of the surprising things I learned when my husband and I were dating was that we both took ornithology in college — me the nerdy bookworm and him the athletic businessman.

Our camera shy heron

Now we sit at the kitchen table and argue amicably about birds we see at the feeders and on the pond. Don’t tell Michael I’ve admitted this but he’s usually right in his calls.

Patrick (now 6) quickly picked up on our tendency to stop in mid-sentence and identify birds as we spot them: “Oh look, a hawk!” He was no more than 3 when he shouted and pointed from his car seat: “Oh look Mom, a pterodactyl” as a heron made his landing on our pond. Close.

We’ve chased that heron (or his relatives) all over our neighborhood for years, trying to get the “ultimate” photo. He poses beautifully until I reach for my camera then he gracefully flaps just out of camera range. What a tease … it’s almost like he’s in on the game.

The Belted Kingfisher is another favorite. When we hear the kingfisher’s distinctive chirping rattle  we rush to see who can spot him first. What a fun bird to watch.