March 2021 SOLC–Day 28
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
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I’m blaming the birds.
I had every intention of sitting down to write this post first thing this morning, but I kept getting distracted by them–the birds. First, there were the regulars– titmice, nuthatches–both rose-breasted and white, cardinals, blue jays, juncos, hairy, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, chickadees. But then the finches showed up, flashing their newly golden feathers and I was mesmerized watching them flit and sing. And, Oh, look! The house finches were back, too, sporting their lovely enhanced raspberry hues. What welcome signs of spring!
I tried to turn back to my computer. Honestly, I did. But next, the fox sparrow returned and started doing its scritchscratching dance in the leaves below the wisteria arbor. It was endlessly entertaining to watch its industrious, slightly comic efforts, and even more so when a flock of juncos joined in.
Then, just as I shook my head and settled in to write…a flash of blue! What was that? Not a blue jay… but a blue bird!!
Well, that did it. I could resist the feathered lure no longer. I gave up, grabbed my camera and snuck outside to take some photos.
After a while, I went back inside, sat down, focused, and started writing. But then… What! Another flash of blue!? Oh…it was brighter this time. Sure enough, a male bluebird had arrived! I mean, really, what else could I do?
Out I went again….
And then, oh, my, I swear, right now, just as I was writing this all, just after I attached the picture above, I glanced outside to see the bluebird again, and there it was, something long and dangling in its mouth! Could it be a worm? What a photo op! I jumped up to grab my camera and race outside, recognizing even while doing so that this was precisely the problem!
As I headed out, my husband, who had been aware of both my goal and my distraction, spoke up from the couch.
“There is a simple solution, you know,” he said. “You could pull down the blinds.”
What!? Is he crazy?
Nix the comfort zone 
Such a lovely distraction, the birds. I love them, too. Today, it’s raining, so, I don’t think I’m going to see any birds. I will think of them today as I recall your post. Thanks so much for sharing this Slice!
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I love this. Do you have a backyard like a forest? I am behind on knowing more about your local birds. Do you have feeders for them? I am becoming more and more enticed by you and Ruth from Haiti. You must have Amy LV’s Every Day Birds, right? I think my copy is in Penn. with my granddaughter. I need to up my recognition skills. Luckily we do not have a window that looks outside that I can sit by, or I might be finding another perfect distraction. Your photos are gorgeous. Do you use a camera or your phone and if so, what kind? Your husband is funny.
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I can’t think of a better way to be distracted. We have a bird feeder placed right outside our dining room window. Makes mealtime relaxing and fun.
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I wouldn’t be able to stop watching either. Lovely writing and photographs!
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That would be crazy! The birds are perfect inspiration for both photography and writing. Yes blame the birds—and thank them for me. I love seeing the variety and hearing all about their antics (and yours!).
Kim
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I love this! Every single one of your regulars seems exotic and wonderful to me. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Oh the distractions when we sit down to write! But these distractions are worth the time and led you to a perfect post. I love how the flash of blue alerted you to the bluebirds, my favorite spottings. Don’t listen to your husband. He means well, but don’t close the blinds.
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Is avian envy a sin? We did have a bluebird visit briefly.
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How do you get such great shots of birds? Whenever I try they jut away before I can snap. Your habitat must be perfect for bird watching.
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