Monday, Feb. 25, the western wind was gusting over 45, and a walk through the mountains and farmland fields was peculiarly devoid of birds. They were no doubt seeking shelter wherever they could find some. I did watch 4 Northern Harriers just resting out in the open tucked in the short grass while the gusts blew over the top of them. One male had it's eyes closed. A juvenile flushed as I walked by, battled the turbulent air to stay close to the ground and quickly relit. I could also see movement way back in the hedgerows, but birds were largely no-shows!

Tuesday, Feb. 26, was another matter. The weather was briefly sunny and calm in the morning. The highlight was not seeing a new bird for the year, nor making an unusual observation: it was simply coming upon the flock of Western Meadowlarks on Schmuck Road. There were about a dozen next to the pavement, so I stopped the car and eased out. One was taking a bath in one of the plentiful puddles. Four were on the nearby power lines, others on fence wires and an old corral, yet more in the surrounding fields. Immediately, I was enveloped by a symphony of song, including several in total meadowlark melody, some accenting with loud call notes, and others giving distinctly strange chords as if they wanted to participate, but were very rusty from lack of practice. The effort was a supreme contribution to an early Spring morn, and made me appreciate why I take the time to get into the habitat each day to look and listen. The world is full of beauty for those who take the time to appreciate it, and I would place a singing Feb. flock of meadowlarks right up there at the top!

Bruce Paige
Sequim, WA

spruceak at yahoo.com