Dewdrop World

4/29 

My morning alarm clock of loud beeping California Towhees (like a smoke alarm low battery signal) continues early, early in the mornings–the Bewick's Wren trilling to add interest. By six, we have cedar waxwings, house finches, house sparrows, Northern Mockingbirds, acorn woodpeckers and mourning doves–in the distance are cooper's hawks, American crows and American Robins. And adding interest are the peacocks, red-whiskered bulbuls, and red-crowned parrots. 

My favorite bird of the season is hands-down the orange-crowned warbler, which we first chased around Anchorage along the railway tracks with Sulli Gibson. This is the only backyard bird that has brought me to tears. To me, it sounds like a rattle, but it is described as a "trilling sound of sweet, clear notes." Sitting in the back in the afternoons under the oaktree, their singing vibrates the air. They are so small to have such a district clear tone–like little bells. When we used callback, they practically flew into me!

Lemons from the tree

Black Grosbeak at the feeders!

A new neighbor!