My Commonplace Book

Oh my goodness, it went up to 63 degrees today! it's not a record -- it hit 76º on this date in 1937 -- but the average temperature for January 9 is 42º, so it sure seemed balmy, even though it was partly cloudy. Even the birds felt spring in the air -- I heard three cardinals singing today, for the first time this year. I'd think they were fooled by the warm weather, but I've already heard titmouse songs here and there for a week. They're not looking for a mate yet -- just getting their rusty voices in practice -- but hearing songs tells me spring is really on the way!

I went for a walk around the big lake (which still isn't all that big -- the lake is 54 acres and the pathway around it is 2.4 miles, although I probably do closer to 3 with all my detouring and back-and-forthing looking for birds), and saw some cool birds and an absolutely gorgeous sun dog that was reflected in the calm lake. I never missed my camera so much as I did then -- it was an exceptionally colorful one, something like this, and with the reflection in the water, it was glorious!

I walked around the opposite way today -- clockwise -- which is something I almost never do because it's more painful.

( Why it's more painful to walk clockwise )

Apart from my hip nagging me a little it wasn't too bad, but having walked hundreds of times around the lake in one direction, it felt weird going the opposite way. All the landmarks were backwards, all the hills went the wrong way, and I found myself going past the normal birdy areas and then  stopping to look back so I could check them from the familiar vantage point. But it was also interesting to get a different perspective on the park I know so well, so it was an odd but not unpleasant experience, and I had enough endorphins from enjoying the weather and the sights around me to keep down the pain.

All together I saw 22 species of birds -- not bad for a winter afternoon on my own. No lifers, but some were unusual enough to be exciting.

( Cool birds )

And I even got some exercise in the stretches where there wasn't much to stop and look at! It was a very good walk.