Counting Birds

The Great Backyard Bird Count ended yesterday, and as of yesterday morning here's how many birds I counted in the backyard of our new house:

That's right. Zip. Zilch. Nada. A big fat goose egg, so to speak.

I had set up the bird feeders a week or two earlier, knowing that it takes time for a new feeder to be "discovered". Day after day I could hear chickadees and jays high above in the giant fir trees across the alley, taunting me, but not one made an appearance.

Then yesterday afternoon, as the Bird Count was drawing to its close after four days of disappointment, I pulled into the driveway after doing an errand. What was that? Did I see a tiny flicker of motion near one of the feeders in the lilac bush?

Yes!! It was a chickadee!!! A chestnut-backed chickadee, my new best friend! Alert the Bird Count folks! Add one more chickadee to the Oregon tally!! I hope they are as thrilled as I am! Woohoo!

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INTRODUCING NEW "EARLY BIRD" GIFT ITEMS
Perfect for that bright-eyed and cheerful morning person or bird watcher in your life...
Now available in my Cafepress shop!

BLANK BOOK/JOURNAL: This wire-O bound, 160 page notebook has your choice of papers and measures 5" x 8", a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Choose your paper -- blank, dot grid, college-ruled, or a task journal.

JUMBO TOTE: The perfect bag for trips to the surf, soccer game or picnic. Roomy, it features side panels for extra support and an inside lining for water resistance and simple cleaning.

• 100% cotton (14 oz.) canvas
• Dimensions: 12" x 16" x 5¾"
• Outside pocket with Velcro® closure
• Inside pocket with flap
• Available in 3 colors

WOMEN'S ORGANIC FITTED T-SHIRT: A t-shirt that's earth friendly and fashion conscious.

• 100% organic cotton jersey
• 4.3 oz. 100% ultra-fine combed organic ring-spun jersey
• Fitted for a fashionable look

COFFEE, TEA, OR COCOA MUG: The perfect ceramic mug for your favorite cheerful morning person.

• Measures 3.75" tall, 3" diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Click on any image for more information, or view the entire "Early Bird" line at this link: EARLY BIRD ON CAFEPRESS where you'll also find notecards, aprons, magnets and more!

Enjoy!