Small Victories

 9:30 to 10:30am, 45 Degrees, Clear, Wind 4mph W, Bar 30.49 even

Yesterday was the first time in a good while that Merlin did not hear Carolina Wren. What a difference a day makes. I got some really good looks at a pair of them this morning. They were just on the other side of Fall Brook. A month ago I doubt I could have seen the wren on this dead tree. There would have been too many leaves in between. Also, On the way out I saw one way up the gulley, near where I used to sit. It is the first time I saw one up there. it will take a lot of time to learn the movements and habits of my more than human friends. 

I sometimes confuse the calls of the White-breasted Nuthatch with the Tufted Titmouse. They both have very guttural sounds. Today I heard a tufty call and new it. Then saw a bird fly from across the brook, over the bog, and up to the feeder at Number 2. I new it was the tufty. Confirmed on the feeder. A small victory! I love the little moments were I know I am right and then get actual confirmation. It just takes time and paying attention. Practice makes progress. 

I have come a long way since I read Jon Young's What the Robin Knows. I have learned a lot by sitting and paying attention. What I have learned the most is just how much I do not know. Maybe I do not realize that I know less than that!

Merlin Identified 20 species. I saw 9 of those. I also saw a Northern Flicker and a hawk. I believe it was a Coopers Hawk. Flying fast over The Little Forrest. It must have landed not to far out of sight judging by the Blue Jays calls. They were none to happy with a hawk being there.