13 Feb 2010 Great Backyard Bird Count

Sam and I are participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend.

After two 15 minute watching sessions, in two different places, our tally so far is:

30 Juncos
30 American Tree Sparrows
29 Northern Cardinals
9 Blue Jays
5 Grackles
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Sam spotted the Red-bellied Woodpecker first. “Mom, look, it’s the most beautiful bird!” It was striking: red head, long beak, and zebra-striped feathers on its body. I had no idea what it was, but we identified it with the help of Mom-Mom’s bird book.

As I type this, Sam is looking out the window for the woodpecker again. She’s sick today, and I expected we’d be watching videos, or the Olympics, but no, it’s birds, birds, birds.

“It was the most beautiful bird of ever.” Sniffle. Snarfle. “I found it because I’m dressed like a princess.”