[EBB Sightings] the vigil begins

Dear Birders:

Usually I don't begin the annual ritual of the early morning walk out to the end of the street searching for the first Golden-crowned Sparrows until the middle of the month.  But this year with reports of early sightings, I decided to start early.  Sparrows or no sparrows, it's a perfect way to begin the day before the sun rises over the hill.  Small sounds, coolness, under the sky instead of enclosed under a roof -- my spirits rise to meet the new day.  Two Western Tanagers calling reminded me of pine-scented summers in the Sierra.

After breakfast, I treated myself to walk at the UC Botanical Garden  No place is lovelier on a warm morning with the rainbird sprinklers throwing their wands of water over the thirsty plants that crowd the slopes.  A small flock of silent Warbling Vireos came and went from one of the fruit-bearing trees in the Asian section.  And at the top of the garden in the Mediterranean section, I didn't have to wait long for a glimpse of a California Thrasher.  One dashed from shrub to shrub above the path while another ran for cover below the path -- both reminding me of roadrunners with their long, raised tails and their preference for running over flying.

What gratitude I feel for this beautiful garden so close to home -- no better time than to become a supporting member and with a certain flourish I presented my check to the young woman at the kiosk window.   

--Phila Rogers