IT'S A BIRD GIRL SUMMER!!! I loved this! DO NOT RUSH PAST WONDER is THE line for the rest of our lives. YES, I'M SHOUTING! Going to read this again and again because you've captured the magic of birds so masterfully. They mesmerize in such a way that you find yourself in a new station in life, almost wondering how you got there. Noticing them, lingering a little longer to witness their behavior and listen to their pleas for love. They are little magicians. Also, excellent timing.
A couple of days ago, I told Joe about the Merlin app, and he immediately downloaded it while we were sitting on the front porch (I cannot express how happy I am to be in this stage of my life...eating snacks on our front porch, reading, and talking about birds. BLISS!). Less than a minute later, we heard a monk parakeet (also called Quaker parrot) caw, and BOOM, there one was right in front of our house. I'd never seen one before, and I thought it had escaped from someone's house. 😂 Joe taught me that they came over in the late 1960s in a shipment from South America and just multiplied, staying, and are now residents of New York City. I was floored and in awe. What a wild world.
Bird girls unite!! We need more wonder!! They are wild and magical and don't give a fuck!! We're in awe and they don't even care lolol!! I'm obsessed!!
Merlin is a game changer! And it's how I knew it was breeding season (lol) because it was recognizing all these birds that don't typically live here.
Look at Joe, being a lil birder too! Bird Club is now in session!! Love you!!!!
We have some around here in my state, Minas Gerais, which is in southeastern Brazil. Quaker parrots are highly adaptable and have even established feral populations in other countries, including the U.S. and parts of Europe.
I was lucky enough to be raised by an avid birder (my dad) who taught me the names of all the most common species. I passed that enthusiasm on to my wife and even my teenage son. This is a little thrill, as you say, that doesn’t go away with time: watching even the most everyday of birds doing their thing.
“Some scream into the void. Relatable, honestly.” I love it. Since I moved to Hawai’i I have also become obsessed with birds. I can’t get over being able to see neon green rose-ringed parakeets and yellow/orange saffron finches casually on my morning walks. Birds are wild.
Giiiiiiirl. You’re speaking my language. My kids have dubbed me a bird nerd 🧐 and I embrace it.
Like you, I was late to the party. I just started admiring them one day when I let myself walk a bit slower. Then someone told me about the Merlin Bird ID app (do you have it? Oh you’ll love). It records birdsong in the area and immediately identifies the bird. I can now detect most birds fluttering around before I even see them, by their call. I’m all in. My dogs are not happy either 😅
This made me belly laugh :
“when I’m out walking my dog, I stop — frequently, dramatically — to squint at branches and power lines like I’m about to deliver a prophecy.”
Oh you sweet little bird nerd. I laughed so much reading this. I envision you in a some summery bird watching togs, perhaps something in taupe linen? Regardless, I love your perspective on paying more attention to the details. And Delilah giving you the "huh?" Guess she's not a pointer by nature.
Most inspiring, Caroline. Our neighbors have a big bird feeder on their deck and it's a big social spot for birds, of course. Sometimes I see birds that are clearly someone's pet cockatiel out on a day pass. Time off for good behavior? A lot of cardinals lately. Majestic. I could space out and look at them all day. Glad you're taking it to the next level. xo
Here’s to becoming that (bird) girl 😜😂 this post is so gorgeous. And so funny! I also had no idea that owls were bird deterrents?! What??? There’s an owl who lives behind my house - who I’ve never seen - but hearing that hoot always stops me in my tracks. In the mornings I sit outside and watch the hummingbirds drink sugar water. The way they zip around, their muscular tiny bodies, and something in particular about the movement of their necks is just astonishing. I’m nowhere near your level but I am always looking up in wonder 😊
Yay birds and bird girl summer. My favorite way to meditate or practice mindfulness is to go stand or walk outside and focus only on bird sounds. Also, today while driving to Wisconsin I saw a bald eagle (always cool to see) and there was a smaller bird (don’t know what kind) dive bombing it. Like that little bird’s not afraid of a bald eagle. So badass that little bird 🐥. Plus birds evolved from dinosaurs. How awesome is that. As you can tell I’m a bit of a bird nerd too.
just a minute before reading this id heard a peculiar screech from neighbors thru forest where earlier this winter 2 balds were fighting over a deer carcass and held out my merlin towards it...just a common raven but the sand hill cranes in field opposite make the most singular bird calls ....as for "hot bird summer" can't wait to see THAT video
IT'S A BIRD GIRL SUMMER!!! I loved this! DO NOT RUSH PAST WONDER is THE line for the rest of our lives. YES, I'M SHOUTING! Going to read this again and again because you've captured the magic of birds so masterfully. They mesmerize in such a way that you find yourself in a new station in life, almost wondering how you got there. Noticing them, lingering a little longer to witness their behavior and listen to their pleas for love. They are little magicians. Also, excellent timing.
A couple of days ago, I told Joe about the Merlin app, and he immediately downloaded it while we were sitting on the front porch (I cannot express how happy I am to be in this stage of my life...eating snacks on our front porch, reading, and talking about birds. BLISS!). Less than a minute later, we heard a monk parakeet (also called Quaker parrot) caw, and BOOM, there one was right in front of our house. I'd never seen one before, and I thought it had escaped from someone's house. 😂 Joe taught me that they came over in the late 1960s in a shipment from South America and just multiplied, staying, and are now residents of New York City. I was floored and in awe. What a wild world.
Bird girls unite!! We need more wonder!! They are wild and magical and don't give a fuck!! We're in awe and they don't even care lolol!! I'm obsessed!!
Merlin is a game changer! And it's how I knew it was breeding season (lol) because it was recognizing all these birds that don't typically live here.
Look at Joe, being a lil birder too! Bird Club is now in session!! Love you!!!!
Yes to all of that!!! Love YOU 💘🤗
We’ve got to think of a cool name for our bird club!
Bird club, you say? I’ll gladly claim a perch!
Woohoo!
We do…I’ll have a think on it 💭
We have some around here in my state, Minas Gerais, which is in southeastern Brazil. Quaker parrots are highly adaptable and have even established feral populations in other countries, including the U.S. and parts of Europe.
I learned that too! I immediately googled their story after Joe told me. So fascinating. 🤩
I love love love allllll birds!
I’m currently living with almost 90 year old Audubon people and learning so much.
So thrilled your senses are alive with birdness!
🦜
Yay!!! There’s a couple Audubon Society signs in my neighborhood! Go birds!!
I was lucky enough to be raised by an avid birder (my dad) who taught me the names of all the most common species. I passed that enthusiasm on to my wife and even my teenage son. This is a little thrill, as you say, that doesn’t go away with time: watching even the most everyday of birds doing their thing.
Ahhh that’s so cool!! A family hobby. Fingers crossed that I’m still excited years from now!
There’s a tenderness underneath this that doesn’t ask to be noticed, but still lingers. Very affecting.
Thank you so, friend!
“Some scream into the void. Relatable, honestly.” I love it. Since I moved to Hawai’i I have also become obsessed with birds. I can’t get over being able to see neon green rose-ringed parakeets and yellow/orange saffron finches casually on my morning walks. Birds are wild.
I can only imagine the stunning bird summer you’re having!!! 🤍
Really enjoyed this Caroline. We are birds of a feather!
https://open.substack.com/pub/sharonjoslyn/p/bird-lady?r=7tva4&utm_medium=ios
Thanks, Sharon!! 🐦
Giiiiiiirl. You’re speaking my language. My kids have dubbed me a bird nerd 🧐 and I embrace it.
Like you, I was late to the party. I just started admiring them one day when I let myself walk a bit slower. Then someone told me about the Merlin Bird ID app (do you have it? Oh you’ll love). It records birdsong in the area and immediately identifies the bird. I can now detect most birds fluttering around before I even see them, by their call. I’m all in. My dogs are not happy either 😅
This made me belly laugh :
“when I’m out walking my dog, I stop — frequently, dramatically — to squint at branches and power lines like I’m about to deliver a prophecy.”
Bird girl summer! Let’s start a club 🙃
Omg Merlin is everything!! It’s how I’m able to recognize different calls now. (Only a few lol)!
Thank you so much, fellow bird nerd!! Yeah we really need to get a club going…💗
Caroline what are your thoughts on the seagull that lingers waiting for an opportunity to attack, stealing your lunch right from your hands?🤣
Hahaha I guess I’m living in bliss because I haven’t been directly targeted
Yipee! Gonna re-install Merlin (phone was space challenged before) and bring on the bird girl summer. Magic in real time. ✨💚
Definitely get Merlin!!! 🤍💗🤍
Oh you sweet little bird nerd. I laughed so much reading this. I envision you in a some summery bird watching togs, perhaps something in taupe linen? Regardless, I love your perspective on paying more attention to the details. And Delilah giving you the "huh?" Guess she's not a pointer by nature.
Most inspiring, Caroline. Our neighbors have a big bird feeder on their deck and it's a big social spot for birds, of course. Sometimes I see birds that are clearly someone's pet cockatiel out on a day pass. Time off for good behavior? A lot of cardinals lately. Majestic. I could space out and look at them all day. Glad you're taking it to the next level. xo
Does it make it better or worse that I was wearing a Zepplin tee with a dozen holes?! lol
The cardinals are out and about!!!
SO
MUCH
BETTER
Thank you for your humour and delightful writing skills.
THANK YOU!!!
Here’s to becoming that (bird) girl 😜😂 this post is so gorgeous. And so funny! I also had no idea that owls were bird deterrents?! What??? There’s an owl who lives behind my house - who I’ve never seen - but hearing that hoot always stops me in my tracks. In the mornings I sit outside and watch the hummingbirds drink sugar water. The way they zip around, their muscular tiny bodies, and something in particular about the movement of their necks is just astonishing. I’m nowhere near your level but I am always looking up in wonder 😊
I know I responded to this comment….i guess not lol!
Thank you for standing in solidarity with me and being unaware of the power of owls! Thank you 🤍
If you haven’t, please watch “The Big Year.”
Yay birds and bird girl summer. My favorite way to meditate or practice mindfulness is to go stand or walk outside and focus only on bird sounds. Also, today while driving to Wisconsin I saw a bald eagle (always cool to see) and there was a smaller bird (don’t know what kind) dive bombing it. Like that little bird’s not afraid of a bald eagle. So badass that little bird 🐥. Plus birds evolved from dinosaurs. How awesome is that. As you can tell I’m a bit of a bird nerd too.
Eagles are always cool. No explanation needed! Maybe dinosaurs become my new obsession lol
just a minute before reading this id heard a peculiar screech from neighbors thru forest where earlier this winter 2 balds were fighting over a deer carcass and held out my merlin towards it...just a common raven but the sand hill cranes in field opposite make the most singular bird calls ....as for "hot bird summer" can't wait to see THAT video
AMERICANA
Shout out fellow birder 🙌
Woot woot!!!!