I have spent time daydreaming about the birds of spring and summer recently because I have a touch of the midwinter blues. It has been a very gray winter. The grayest since I moved here in 2009.
Lazuli Bunting on a fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’ve daydreamed about hearing my first of year Sandhill Cranes, Vesper Sparrows, Yellow Warblers, Long-billed Curlews, and Green-tailed Towhees. While I daydream I can hear those birds on my mind. Pictures that I have taken of them flash in my mind’s eye.
I feel excitement when I think about finding my first of year birds. The return of swallows, shorebirds, warblers, wrens, and buntings.
And I’ve daydreamed of finding courting Red-tailed Hawks, spotting a newly constructed bird’s nest, and seeing young, bobble-headed birds.
The moments I spend daydreaming about spring and summer birds are never a waste of my time. Those thoughts brighten even the dreariest midwinter day.
Life is good.
Mia
The Lazuli Bunting in the image above was the last bunting that I photographed in 2022 high in the Wasatch Mountains.
Click here to see more of my Lazuli Bunting photos plus facts and information about this species.
I hope that your Spring comes quickly (and our Autumn). I am over summer.
EC, at this point I am over winter here!
I, too, have been daydreaming about seeing birds. The male Red-winged Blackbirds should be back in a month. Then I will know the other birds will follow.