Granted a summer-like day in the middle of March, I could find no excuse to avoid repairing our barn roof, damaged by a recent wind storm. Besides, as is common along the Front Range in March, it's expected to snow tomorrow.
As a long-time birder, I cannot help but notice the varied calls of our avian neighbors whenever I work outside; today was no exception. While the hysterical call of flickers dominated the background, noisy squadrons of Canada geese vied for attention and the raucous cries of blue jays, not yet assuming their musical tone of spring, echoed across the farm. In nearby trees, the distinctive chatter of bushtits and chickadees could be heard, a lone downy tapped along a dead limb and our resident pair of collared doves flew in to inspect my work. Of course, I stopped now and then to scan the clear blue sky, finding a pair of redtails riding the warm breeze and an occasional flock of mallards racing across the South Platte Valley.
Yes, birdwatching has many rewards, not the least of which is a pleasant diversion from outdoor chores. Within another month, that diversion will increase as summer residents arrive from the south, inflaming the frenzy of spring.
