YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Writing Eco Mysteries 9
For those who have been following my blog on the process of writing eco mystery, The Return of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, this blog moves from the first blog at the height of the summer to the depths of winter. I hope I can use this trip to capture the experience of bird watching in winter.
Then bravely donning thermal underwear, Boris and I headed out to join the Birmingham Audubon Society birders on the field trip to East Lake Park. As we strolled around the lake with gloved hands shoved deep into our pockets, we admired the ducks and coots, paddling serenely on the cold water, creating a perfect portrait in silver, white and grey.
On an island in the lake, five plump Black-crowned Night-Herons, sitting very still on a dead branch, warmed themselves in the wintery sun.
I searched for birds calling to us high in the trees, but found them difficult to spot. With the help of our expert guide, Helena, and a pair of good binoculars, I spotted a busy Red-headed woodpecker, hopping up a telephone pole, and glimpsed smaller birds camouflaged in the trees. Even sans birds, the bare branches of the sycamores wove a lovely, lacy filagree against the pale winter sky.
Despite our red noses and cold hands, I felt invigorated by the other birders who freely share their love of birds and their zest or life. Indeed, birds of a feather do flock together!
For more details about the birds seen visit:
Birmingham Audubon Society
The Adventures of The Sizzling Six, eco mystery series.