January 19

This morning, I’ve chosen to work from the Rieck Center. I’m lucky to have flexibility in my occupation to work remotely, and why I don’t come out more often is a mystery. I was greeted in the parking lot by a Bald Eagle overhead, and I’m currently sitting at the bird windows, enjoying the sunlight streaming in as it reflects off the snow. I’m not great at bird identification, but some of the visitors this morning include Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, Goldfinches, Tufted Titmouses, and that gray bird with a white belly, whose name eludes me. The trees seem to be crawling with birds who drop down occasionally for snacks at the feeders. It’s quiet out here, and there are few disruptions (though the birds frequently capture my attention.) I should make it a habit to work from here more frequently. And maybe I’ll learn to better identify birds while I’m at it. If you’re looking for a good reason to come out this winter, Katie Mehlow continues to monitor birds weekly for Project Feeder Watch. Her monitoring schedule is online. Come join us out here!