Gee It’s Good to Be Back Home

Going on vacation can remind you just how special home is. I loved my trip to Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California, but I also came home with a new appreciation for the Pacific Northwest.

I was reminded just how much I love it here by Friday’s trip to Belfair. Even the ever-present Song Sparrow’s

Song Sparrow

song seemed refreshingly new.

A Northern Pintail is just as beautiful at Belfair as in Sacramento.

male Northern Pintail

The common House Finch may not compare to the flashier Pyrrhuloxia, but red feathers still shine against a gray sky.

House Finch

A seldom seen Fox Sparrow is nearly as welcome as a never-seen Cactus Wren.

Fox Sparrow

The flashing Cooper’s Hawk still thrills the heart

Cooper's Hawk

and who could ignore Red-tailed Hawks circling over head

Red-Tailed Hawks circle overhead

rising ever and ever higher?

Nothing better than making new friends unless it’s meeting old ones.