Confessions of a budding ornothologist

      As you may have noticed, I've been on a bit of a bird kick lately.  You may have wondered why, or not.  I suppose it's because in recent weeks, I've been thinking about birds.  I know a couple of bird watchers, I see their photos.  As it turns out, I've always been somewhat of an amateur bird watcher myself.  Sure, I've never specifically went on an journey, binoculars in hand, to track and admire them (although I have a strong suspicion that may change come spring), but I do notice them when I'm out and about.

​Birds are fascinating and beautiful creatures.  The mix of delicateness and resilience is a magnificent oxymoron.  Seriously, how can creatures, most quite small, with teeny tiny little legs, feet and bones, survive and thrive?  Many persistently survive our harsh Canadian winters while others fly south to avoid it.  Imagine that for a second ... they actually FLY all the way to warmer winter weather.  That's amazing. I don't know about you, but the last time I walked from Montreal to Florida was.... never.  And if I did contemplate it, I, unlike a bird, would have a mighty hard time finding my way.

​And of course, as an artist, I'm particularly struck by the wide variety of gorgeous colours birds come in, the brilliant red of the cardinal. the sleek blue-black of the crow, the regal blue of the blue jay!  I could go on and on, but I won't.  It's going to be a beautiful warm day in Montreal, so I think I'll grab a coffee, head down to the park and see what the ducks are up to.

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