Last (bird) day of the year

My friend, Beth, and I went to Antelope island in hopes of seeing one of three possible birds that have been reported there. Upon arrival, the causeway to the island was foggy and the temperature in the high 20's. The brilliant colors of the island  silenced by the fog and white frost that coat it. There was no wind.The dense morning air clung to us; containing the heaviness of winter. This is one of my favorite places to go. I am always in awe of its beauty.

We started out, as we do all trips to the island, by slowly driving down the causeway and stopping to look at anything birdy. Today the causeway was mostly Killdeer; working the edges of the lake and the dry areas in between. Occasionally, the group of killdeer would diversify with one or two different species. The first group to do so contained the first bird we were hoping to see. A Ruff!

The Ruff is a medium sized wader; usually considered the only member of its genus. More recent research (Thomas et al, 2004)though, indicates that the Broad-billed and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers may belong there too. Their breeding habitat is bogs, marshes and wet meadows with short vegetation in northern Europe and Russia but Ruff are migratory, wintering in southern and western Europe, Africa and India and is a rare migrant to North America.

We watched the Ruff for some time (along with a dozen or so other birders) then moved down the causeway for a weak attempt at finding our nemesis bird, the Snow Bunting.  We continued our slow drive down the causeway searching through the fog for the occasional group of Killdeer (for another Ruff- there have been sightings of two) and for flocks of Horned Lark and a possible Snow bunting. The sun was starting to break up the fog. A small halo in the sky. Creating moments of light and moments of dark.  Beth sighted a "peep". At first, I could not find the peep but kept seeing strange horned larks working the shoreline.  The peep turned out to be a Baird's Sandpiper and the strange horned larks were Snow buntings! OMG! They are freaking cute little plump things.  

Our nemesis bird finally conquered, we headed out to the Ranch to see the Varied Thrush. Upon arrival we were greeted by the Ranch host who informed us abut the Great Horned owls in the Barn. We went to see them before heading out to the wooded area behind the spring house. The spring is one of the few available fresh water sources on the island. Creating a hot spot for migrating passerines. 

The area surrounding the deciduous trees were covered in snow. A white blanket of winter, peace, and silence. We barley spoke to one another; enjoying the spiritual lessons winter has to offer. After some time working through a foot of crystallized  snow (Beth in tennis shoes) and checking out the known "hot spots" in the area we finally located the birds working the leaf litter at the south edge of the wooded area. Here the snow was melted at the base of the trees giving an area of food to the species that overwinter here. Spotted Towhees, Song Sparrows, Northern Flickers, and American Robins thrashed through last seasons leaves; in search for a warm meal. Here we also saw the female Varied Thrush keeping company with the local Robins.

We left the Ranch chatting about how we “never see the bird we are looking for… let alone all three with ease and with time to spare.” I saw two new birds today and Beth three. It was a rare day of birds and friends and a good end to a great year. 

 

Christmas Parties; number 10

Party number 10 (12/26 -27/2008) was at the Branch Family home in Logan.  We arrived after a long 3 hour drive, through the after effects of the storm. Everyone else arrived later and when they did the party was officially started. Some of the highlights included Sledding, a gift exchange, a snowmobile, and story time which involved the kids wearing Santa hats (Aww!). 

For story time the parents told the story, making up each part on the fly,  and the kids acted it out. Our story ended up about Santa who ate too many cookies and got stuck in one of the homes he was delivering to on Christmas eve. Luckily the home was that of a physical trainer, who after a months time was able to slim Santa down enough to get back home. Of course, the reindeer waited on the roof. Santa upon arriving home was not recognized by anyone so they tied him up and tortured him with cookies until, of course, they realized who he was. 

Christmas Parties number 9

Party number 9 (12/25/2008) christmas day. This is my favorite day of the christmas holiday. The kids, Nate and myself finally get to relax and enjoy each other. 

As usual, the kids, woke up late. I dont know what is wrong with them. By 8:00 a.m. we were up and going.  I got my tea ready, boots/slippers on, and stubbled down the stairs trying to keep up with the eager kids. Cassidy was pretty excited to open up her pressents. She usually is. This is balanced out with Tanners much more laid back approach. 

Casi's favorite gifts were a cell phone with an unlimited texting plan and a Nintendo DS.  

Tanner loves his guitar 

and his gift from Casi (her old Nintendo Game boy).  From the pictures it is  hard to tell who's more excited. 

Nate recieved an Ipod Nano and A arms for his 4-wheeler.

I got a pair of boots and bose ear buds along with a lot of gear for cold weather. Perhaps for next years CBC! Nate and I both got new climbing shoes and backpacking gear too. Sounds like Santa thinks we like to be outside.

When we were finished opening gifts, I went upstairs and made breakfas; waffles and bacon. We didnt have much food around. I never did go to the store or plan Christmas breakfast. Everything worked out though, since the kids ate too much candy, they hardly ate anything healthy.  We spent the rest of the day laying around and in no way preparing for the next christmas party in Logan

Christmas Parties 6, 7, and 8

Wow! This year has been so full of friends, family, and a high level of Christmasiness. So much Christmasiness that I pondered the benefits of being Jehovah's Witness. But honestly, I can't truly complain. OK I can complain. It was hard keeping everything together; the house clean (kinda), purchase and wrap gifts, working full time, keeping the kids up on homework, sending out Christmas cards (still getting these out), doing laundry, and prepare for the upcoming Christmas parties. We all felt like we were going and going and going. Constantly. But that being said we also enjoyed seeing everyone and enjoying the holidays with those that we love.

Party number 6 (12/20/2008) was a small UPS party at a friends home for the feeder division of the SLC hub. Nate and I after spending the day tromping outside in 23F weather for the CBC, went home to clean up before arriving late to the party. I was exhausted and spent most of the party without much to say and wishing I could go to bed. The one thing that stood out was the food (do I say this a lot?).  It was my first time eating gumbo and I think I am hooked!  I pretty much like anything that includes sausage. 

Party number 7 (12/22/2008) was supposed to be held at my home for Beth and Erin, my now out of state college friends. After spending Sunday, the day before the party, recovering from CBC and party number 6, I opted to go out instead. It ended up pretty laid back which I needed. We meet at my home  and exchanged gifts before going to Rubios for dinner.  I wish I had taken pictures...

Party number 8 (12/24/2008) was my family's Christmas eve party. I had to post the above picture. My niece went through a "no stranger" moment and this is the first time I have been able to hold her for months without her sharing the full wrath of  her vocal abilities.

The "twins" gave a "program" singing the songs they learned in Kindergarten. One of which was this song:

"I tell you about the time that Santa flew down the chimney.... he slipped and he slopped and he oozed around until he hit the floor.....poor old Santa bruised and sore next time you outta use the door. Yeah!"

The kids also received the traditional Christmas Jami's. Tanner LOVES his PJ's!

Christmas Bird Count (CBC) 2008

This is a late post but I wanted to write about the CBC  so I could review my notes before planning next year. Blogging it seems the best way to presserve my thoughts, since I tend to loose any notes I write. Last years notes are yet to be found. :)

The CBC  is an essential part of conservative efforts; providing scientists with 109 years of data regarding bird population fluctuations, migration, northward range extensions, and declining species. The state of Utah currently has 21 count circles and observes between 181-189 species of birds. The SLC circle. the one I count for, usually counts about 100 species with a high of 106 species in 2007. I started the CBC last year. I froze my tooter off. I was unprepared and shivered for 9 straight hours, yet I have looked forward to going again all year. Even when the weather was predicted this year at 18 F as a high and 4 F as the low. Brr! That is cold. Luckily, that is not how it turned out.

Nate went with me this year. I asked him if he would go and take notes and drive me around. I wanted to concentrate on counting the birds. He gracefully obliged. My friend Erin also joined our group. It was nice to have them both there and I hope I have converted them. Nate to work with me in my circle and Erin to join a circle in California, where they not only enjoy higher numbers of birds but warmer weather too.

We started out our day (12/20/2008) at 8:00 a.m. at Decker Lake. A small natural lake next to I-215, in the middle of  a large group of businesses. The lake has been "beatified" with the addition of grass and a few pine trees. A paved sidewalk  surrounds the lake; giving access to all sides. Today the temperature was 23 F, the sky cloudy, and the lake  surrounded with snow.  We saw 15 species of birds, including: Yellow-headed Black birds, Greater Yellowlegs, and 3 female Hooded Mergansers. 

We then went to the largest lake at Stonebrook golf course. Here I was hoping to see a Merlin that was observed a week earlier. It is also a great place to see a large number of gulls: California and ring-billed. Most memorable, however, was a large flock of Northern Pintails that flew high overhead. Next was Salt Lake community College. Last year, this location, has a hot spot and gave us quite a few species. This year it was a bust with only 11 species; all of which were pretty common. This could be in part to the Coopers Hawk we witnessed being harassed by 5 Magpies.  For next year, I don't think I will plan these last two stops till the end of the day and only if we have time. 

By now it is about 11:00 am and we are ahead of schedule. We decide to stop at Germainia park. One of the many parks along the Jordan River. Here we saw 21 species, including a Great Blue Heron, numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 White-crowned Sparrows, and 2 Hermit Thrush. It is noon and we stopped for lunch. 

We started birding again at 1:00 p.m. after filling ourselves with coffee and food.  We spent the rest of the day along the Jordan River. Visiting  Holm, Workman, and the Jordan River Park at 4700 S.  Observing 12, 17, and 13 species respectively, including: American Pipet, Bufflehead, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, and an amazing number of Borrow's Goldeneye. We reached the high temperature for the day; 28 F, and the sun sort of peaked out for a few minutes. 

We counted a total of 43 species. A low number compared with the 48 species our section saw last year.   I was a bit bumbed about this till I read the literature surrounding last years count. It was noted that the Midwestern states recorded unusually high numbers of species in 2007. A lot of circles, including the SLC, broke previous records. I can't wait to review the data for 2008. I am curious to see if the large number of Barrows Goldeneyes and Pintails we saw were seen in other areas. Perhaps indicating a trend regarding these species of bird.  

Update: There was a report of a possible Willet at Decker Lake so I went back (12/23/2008). I spent 2 hours there. Walking. Sitting in the snow. No Willet was seen.

Dark eyed Junco- a life history strategy

A friend showed me a recently published paper regarding Dark-eyed Juncos. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share it. Besides winter is here and so are the Juncos. Twittering in our yards and at our feeders. I look forward to winter if only for the Juncos that visit.

A sparrow found in the northern reaches of the Rocky Mountains of North America shows a trade off between lifespan and reproductive period according to the elevation it lives.  Populations of dark eyed juncos are regularly found living as high as 2,000 meters above sea level. Heather Bears at the university of British Columbia and her colleagues monitored the song birds at 2,000-meter sites and  1,000 meter sites. They found the juncos at higher elevation would live longer and produced 55-60% fewer offspring than those living at lower elevations and when these high altitude birds did reproduce  their chicks were 15-20% more likely to survive into adulthood and weighed on average 11% more at 25 days old.

You can find the abstract to this paper here.

Just say "NO"

I get coffee from the same place a couple times a week. They ask me the same questions and I give them the same answer...

"What would you like today?"
Me: "A 12 oz soy late and a plain bagel."

"Do you want cream cheese on the bagel?"
Me: "Ahh.. No thank you."

"Any flavorings in the late today?"
Me: "No"

"Do you want the bagel toasted?
Me: "Not today. Thanks."

"Would you like the bagel cut in half?"
Me: "No"

"Would you like a sleeve or a straw?"
Me: "Nope."

"Do you want a receipt today?"
Me: "Nope!"

By the time we are to the last few questions we are both giggling. She is giggling while she asks the questions and I am when I answer them. She knows what I will say and I know what she will ask, yet we go through the motions every time. I really don't mind the questions, in a time where there is a general lack of good customer service and consumer options, its nice to have a place with both. But today while going through the monotonous questioning, I was thinking of the movie "yes man" and the theme of "yes is the new NO." I wonder, am I missing something by not getting any of these "extras"? Would my life have more oomph! with the overwhelmingly sweet hazelnut flavoring in my latte? Should I try drinking my coffee from a straw? I mean, why not? Maybe it IS better... 

Me: "Uhmmm, No!"

It's time to update President Thomas S. Monson's résumé

"Q" Salt Lake, Utah's gay and lesbian magazine has announced the recipient of its "person of the year" ward. Recognizing Monson for having the biggest impact on the gay community in 2008. Mainly for his letter urging Mormons to donate of there "means and time" to help eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry within the state of California in support of proposition 8. By giving Monson this award, Q magazine has recognized Monson, this letter, and the activity's of the LDS church in not only successfully winning prop 8 but also in igniting a new wave of gay-rights activism.

I think we have seen this before...

Christmas parties 4 and 5

We normally don't have this many Christmas parties. At least I don't think we do...

Truth is I have never counted the number of parties each year. I guess, to appropriately validate the last statement I should have at least done that. Well, whether its an accurate statement or not, writing about them certainly has made me realize just how much our lives revolve around this holiday. 

Party number 4 (12/12/2008) was an appreciation party give by Landstar (a trucking company). Nate's company, UPS, uses them occasionally to move goods. I rather enjoyed myself even with the conversations ending up either about sports or moving boxes. I guess I am pretty happy with an open bar and lots of great food! We left early though, in order to make a stop at the down town liquor store.

Tomorrows party (#5) is a wine party with  our friends, Brandon and Kate, Nick and Kendra. Brandon and Kate, who were giving the party, assigned us with finding a wine from Italy and France. A friend recommended villa Antinori from Italy and Nate and I picked out a bottle from France based on price and label. Its what us uneducated people do.  

That night Nate couldn't sleep so he searched the Internet and learned more about his wine from France. The reviews stated that it went well with lamb and so he went to Smiths, open 24 hours, and bought lamb to prepare a side dish for the french wine. Picking out lamb recipes and shopping is NOT what I do when I cant sleep. I am never that productive in the middle of the night. 

The wine party is certainly one of my favorite Christmas parties this year. It included all of my favorite things about the holidays; friends, good food, and great wine.  Oh, and Nate's lamb was fabulous and, as suggested, brought out the flavors in the wine. He has been surprising us with some great food lately. The pictures above are of my favorite wines from the  party.

Things I overheard

Tanners class recieved a camera from a grant that Mrs Shaffer (his Kindergarten teacher) applied for.  They take pictures to document their classroom. ThenMrs Shaffer writes the story with the pictures and sends it home with a child, each day, to read with their family.

Tonight we read about what the class was thankful for. Tanner was thankful for "the whole world and even candy". No way! We continued reading. The kids in Tanners class  were thankful for their parents, cats, dogs, and siblings. Then one little girl said she was thankful for the "whole earth". Tanner seemed deep in thought so I stopped turning the pages (Tanner is reading!). I looked at him till he could tell me what was on his mind.

Tanner: There are mean people on the earth.

Me: Really Who?

Tanner: Nobody we know.

I feel better....

The big THREE-5

I have enjoyed getting older. I enjoyed turning 21! Yeah legal drinking! I enjoyed turning 25 and reaping the benefits of cheaper car insurance. I even enjoyed turning 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34. But now I am turning the big THREE-5 and suddenly I am freaking out. 

Its not that I am sitting in front of the mirror, stretching the skin around my eyes and pondering the benefits of plastic surgery.  I am proud of my age. I deserve to carry every wrinkly on my face, grey hair on my head, and mark on my body with pride. Besides who has time to ponder such things when you are having a mid life crisis or rather married with a job and two kids. 

I think this line of thinking surfaced when I had a conversation with Casi. She is beautiful, intelligent and can hold her own when discussing everything from politics to clothes. I love the conversations we have. Yet, these conversations made me realize her age and then in return my own.

Ive heard the warnings. The connection between a mothers age and her child. I would guess from my own mom. It was inevitable. Certain to happen to me too. That one day, casi's age would make me feel, well old. 

Disapointed by its size; it mattered

The moon was its biggest and brightest last night. Did you notice? 

The moon's average distance from us is about 238,855 miles. Friday night it was just 221,560 miles away making it 14 percent bigger in our sky and 30 percent brighter than some other  full moons during the year. It has not been this big since 1993 and will not be again till 2016. 

I wanted to see this big bright moon so I created a phone tree.  I was to call Cyndee and Cyndee was to call me if/when we saw it. OK its more like a phone stick. Either way, we didn't want to miss such an occasion. 

At 5:23 pm, I sent Cyndee a text "do U C the moon?" She called me back and we discussed how we were not seeing the moon. "perhaps we are too close to the mountains" 

Then at at 6:37 pm I saw it! It was a full moon, as expected,  and the clouds wisped around it. It was beautiful but was it bigger? or brighter? Cyndee text me "I saw it." I replied " I saw it 2. I was disappointed. :(" Cyndee replied "me too I thought it would be bigger."

Things I overheard

I was picking Casi up from school. I had Emily, my niece and tanner already in the car. When we pulled up Casi was involved in a very aggressive game of "Oh Marium" (a game she learned in Greeece) and didnt notice we were there. I sent Tanner to go get her. He went and told her we were there. She stopped her game and Tanner and Casi holding hands walked away to get her things.  Then Emily, who is 5,  says "Where in the Hell are they going?" 

Christmas Tag

I was tagged...Yippie! Thanks Tami!

1. Egg nogg or Hot chocolate?

I remember liking hot chocolate and Egg nogg as a kid but since I went off Dairy products eight years ago I haven’t drank much of either. Then the other day I noticed soy based Egg nogg at Albertson’s and I’m hooked. I’ve spent many evenings spiking it with different things and I have enjoyed EVERY one. Mmmmm! Definitely soy based Egg nogg. Time to get more!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

I wrap… EVERYTHING! Gosh, I hate wrapping. Why didn’t I think of sitting them under the tree with a big bow?

3. Colored lights on a tree/house or white?

White, definitely White lights.

4. Do I hang mistletoe?

Yipper, it hangs over our door every year. Never been kissed under it though. I guess I should spend more time there. Do you think that will increase the odds?

5. When do I put up my decorations?

When “the kids are bugging me” level gets too high to tolerate.

6. What is my favorite holiday dish?

Then: pink salad (for you non-Utahn/Mormons; pink colored jello mix (your choice), cool whip, canned fruit. Mix and serve.) Don’t knock it till you try it.

Now: I don’t know why but I always look forward to sweet potatoes.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?

I loved going to our grandma’s house in Mona, UT. We would arrive and the house would be full of family, the fire would be blazing, and the air would be filled with the scents of Christmas. It was ALWAYS too hot in their home and we usually made jokes of having the Christmas party next year in our swimming suits. Santa would visit while the reindeer quenched their thirst at Mona reservoir and he would tell us the story of how Rudolph go this red nose. It usually snowed and if it did, someone would be tossed in it before the night was over. And even though my mother would say the drive to and from grandma’s home was torture and always involved bad weather, I miss it too.

8. When and how did I learn the truth about Santa?

Dunno, but I am sure my brothers ruined it for me. J

9. Do we open a Christmas gift on Christmas Eve?

Yes! Growing up we were allowed to open a gift on Christmas eve. The gift was PJ’s “so our Christmas morning pictures would be cute”. I remember being excited to open the gift EVERY year and EVERY year being utterly disappointed. Ha! My mom has continued the tradition by making all the grand kids PJ’s and I continue it by giving them slippers on Christmas Eve. Got to have cute pictures and the kids will thank me for it later.

10. How do I decorate our tree?

Quickly and with usually much arguing with the kids. Yet for some reason I always look forward to it. :)

11. Can I ice skate?

Some might call what I do ice-skating….

12. Can I remember my favorite gift?

I remember getting this huge Barbie doll house that my mom and dad made. I don’t know if it was my favorite gift but it certainly was memorable.

13. What is the most important thing about the holidays for me?

Getting rid of Christmas Carols and mall Santa's.

14. What is my favorite holiday dessert?

Pie! Pie! I love Pie!

15. What is my favorite holiday tradition?

Then: Definitely the Christmas eve party! There is so much anticipation building in the kids, the shopping and preparations are finished, and I finally get to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Now: Nate is not always around for the Christmas eve party since he spends most of the evening on the phone working. Because of this most of my recent memories are of Christmas day. There is that spark of excitement to the holiday and both Nate and I get to relax and enjoy the holiday together.

16. What tops my tree?

A star but I am looking for a replacement. Any ideas?

17. What do I prefer - Giving or receiving?

Both! I love to give; especially when it’s a gift that is loved. But receiving a gift has importance too. I love the story, John Steinbeck, tells where he is given a telescope instead of a microscope. He accepted the gift with thanks and appreciation even though it was not something he needed or wanted. Christmas is not just about giving. So I think Both!

18. What is my favorite Christmas song?

Eww! Don't make me go there. At our last Christmas parties (all three) we noticed that only the older generations were singing the songs. The younger kids squirming in their chairs; wishing the singing would end. It was our analysis that singing Christmas songs was a dying tradition.... thank god!

19. Candy Canes?

I am pro Candy cane for decorations and food storage but I don’t like eating them. Most of the candy canes I have tend to be used as emergency food for the car. Since, I will eat them during rough times. For instance, when birding takes longer than you expect, or when the kids are yelling at each other in the back seat, or when the drive home from work just seems too long. One candy cane will usually last me all year. Time to restock! Bring me some candy Santa!

I tag Doc Ern and Casi

Tanner's Heart

Tanner gave me his heart today.

December parties 1,2,3... and 4?

This weekend was FILLED with Christmas Parties. It started on Friday with a work party from Echelon for Nate and I. We enjoyed great food, drink, company, and conversations. I even won a drawing for $50 gift certificate to Bed Bath and Beyond! Whoop! 

We then moved into Saturday with two extended family party's. Both parties including visits from Santa, dinner, and gift exchanges. Tanner enjoyed see Santa but, Casi would have been happier without having to sit on an old mans lap and she answered every question with good old honest sarcasm. 

Santa: "Have you been a good girl?" 

Casi: "Sometimes"

Santa: "Are you going to help your Mom?"

Casi: "Uhmm, I wasn't planning on it."

Santa: " Do you have a clean room?"

Casi"  "Not really"

Luckily the Santa's took it in fun and gave her the gift anyways. We also came out strong in the gift exchanges. Winning an exercise ball, a pen with Santa on it, a used monopoly game, and a 2$ game of tick tack toe. This after we spent $100 on gifts for the exchanges.  Dam, we are stupid.

We had a great time at all the parties, but it was quite overwhelming and by the time we arrived home last night we were ready for Sunday and the "parting" to end. Then this morning an unexpected party began.  I guess Casi and Tanner had different plans for our quiet Sunday morning. They walked into the kitchen and sang me this song. 

"We wish you a merry Christmas.

 We wish you a merry Christmas.

 We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday! 

Good tidings we bring to you from your kids. 

We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday!!"

Uh hm its not quite my birthday...

I can understand how they would think my birthday was today. I received a birthday gift at one of the parties and they knew my birthday was on a Sunday. So they did the math:

1 birthday gift + the correct day of the week =  HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

"Oh my gosh! A birthday! We must sing!" 

Even though it was on the wrong day I will take the song. It was a very nice surprise and I loved it!

Thanks Casi and Tanner!

Why I bird

"Nomina si nescis, perit et cognitio rerum."  Linnaeus, 1707-1778.

"If you don't know the names, even knowledge of the things themselves will pass away." 

The very first moment I can remember feeling a tinge of love for birding was during a college birding course that I took during spring break in the year of 1999. There were 12 students, 2 TA's and Dr Dale Clayton, the professor. We drove in vans to Madera Canyon and although, Madera Canyon is well known in the birder world, to the 12 students in this group it was just another location and access to upper division biology and lab credits. 

The first morning in Arizona, we were woken up early to see the colors and sounds of the birds in Madera Canyon. The sun was just peaking over the mountains creating bad lighting for bird watching, yet I remember the brilliance of the red Cardinals, the energy of the bright yellow warblers, the deep brown sulkiness of the thrashers, the red eye of the black Phainopepla, and the overwhelming feelings of impossibility as I tried to identify them.

I still wasn't hooked however but I would leave Arizona with the seed of birding planted.  The rest of the trip in Arizona was split between two agendas. The first was to share with us the diversity of the area through its amazing bird life. This was accomplished with daily field trips to the areas surrounding Madera canyon. The second was to collect data for the class.  For this, we were split up into teams and sent to different areas of the canyon.  It was through these experiences that I developed further appreciation for the sport of birding. On one occasion, I spent and hour or so at a "spring” in the middle of a shady clearing with Beth (my partner).  We lay on our backs in opposite corners of the clearing trying to see the color of toe pads on a bird smaller than the palm of my hand. Enjoying each other’s silence and the simplicity of the moment. 

There was also the time Beth and I were tired of walking our assigned trail. We sat down on a bench by the river, talking and laughing.  Breaking the silence of the trail and the rules of birding. When suddenly we noticed the form of a small hawk sitting about 5 feet, at head level, in the tree next to us. He looked at us and we looked at him forming a new conversation to be broken when the hawk silently glided away.

Although the seed was planted, I still don't know if I would have been hooked if it had not been for the weekend trips with the friends I made on the Arizona trip. I loved our way of birding. We were not the Elmerfuds of birding, but the Buggs Bunnies instead. We are loud, obnoxious, sometimes crude, but always laughing. You can’t tell me that we were out for the birds. The birds were just there to keep us occupied till the next outburst. These trips taught me that Girlfriends still exist but between these moments of finding friends, the birds began to wiggle into my life and I started birding on my own.

One of my favorite times birding was when I went out alone, one crisp morning in January. The trees were without leaf, the morning air was cold and foggy, and the snow crunched under my feet. I had
noticed, with much enjoyment, that the morning doves had returned. There figures dimly seen, silhouetted by an early morning sun, snuggled against naked branch. I decided to go off course this morning and walk through the trees.  I was totally wrapped up in the silence, the air seemed dense and cold, a ringed neck pheasant simply glided effortlessly over my head and the whole world stood still. No sound.  It was quite exhilaration.

But birding is not just about the birds. Birding is an experience with nature. During one birding trip to the foothills of Ogden, I witnessed thousands of flying ants recently birthed. They would fly off with each gust of wind in groups of 100's. Their white wings giving them the appearance of angels. I stood among them, my legs spread over their nest, and their soft wings fluttered against my skin. I am officially hooked. The seed of birding planted and growing.

Happy Thanksgiving

May your turkey treat you well!

Do no harm

I know. I know I cannot help myself. But here I go again......

For those that are sick of the subject of Gay rights please don't read on. I have a few e-mails (from previous posts) that I would like to resolve. Besides till the war is won a person must keep fighting ( I learned that from good old George). Also, since the e-mails I received were from LDS saints I have curved my post toward them. 

 Mormons are sheep not bigots

 I have a cousin who was arrested for standing next to two men who were selling drugs. She went to jail and she has a criminal record.  According to her testimony she was not selling drugs. She did not know who they were and she did not have any drugs on her person when the arrest was made. 

 The LDS church contributed 75% of the dollars spent in marketing Prop 8 to California's citizens. Some, all, most (insert your preferred adjective) of the marketing selling this proposition was based on unfounded statements regarding religious freedom, adoption laws, education laws, and the moral standing of those who support gay rights and gays themselves.  These statements bashed gays and their lifestyle and the laws enacted limited their lives and happiness.  Mormons, bless their hearts, made a stance regarding this and they will reap the reward. Be it heaven or hell (once again your preference) or just some good old name-calling.

 So if you are Mormon, people MAY think you are a bigot (insert chauvinist or prejudice if you would like). If you are Mormon and didn't vote for the legislation, people MAY think you are a bigot.  I may even go as far to say, if you associate yourself with Mormons, people MAY think you are a bigot. But seriously are Mormons bigots? No! They do not hate and this is a key ingredient to being a bigot. So if you are one of the above people and someone calls you a bigot, please understand they might be angry. They just had their rights taken away.  

 Gay is a choice - Nature vs. Nurture

  I could care less about this argument; genetic or choice it doesn't matter to me and honestly being gay could involve one, the other, or both depending on an individual.  I love diversity. I love that people are different and as long as you do no harm to others I could care less about what you do in your home and with your heart. But this seems to matter to some so here goes.

Most researchers believe that behavior generally is affected by both genes and life history. Course there are scientist that would argue both sides of this argument.  Furthering this complexity is the fact that something as complex as a behavior, if predetermined by the genome, would utilize more than one gene.Making it even more difficult to pull out the specific genes necessary for a certain behavior.  I hope everyone can understand the difficulty resolving weather being gay is a choice (what ever that means) or genetically predetermined.  That being said I did find this article, published this year, regarding some research being done in Italy. It describes how, if gay is genetic, the gene(s) would survive through evolution.

 "A team of researchers found that some female relatives of gay men tend to have more children than average. The scientists used a computer model to explain how two genes passed on through the maternal line could produce this effect. In 2004 the researchers studied about 200 Italian families and found that the mothers, maternal aunts and maternal grandmothers of gay men are more fecund, or fruitful, than average. "These genes work in a sexually antagonistic way — that means that when they're represented in a female, they increase fecundity, and when they're represented in a male, they decrease fecundity. It's a trait that benefits one sex at the cost of the other."

 This theory does not explain homosexuality in females.

Gay is a choice (?)... and so is the religion you follow

Even if gay is a choice, I do not think this validates discrimination.  The hypocrisy of this statement stands in our faces, especially for those that choose to follow a certain religion. Religion is a choice. It is also a freedom given to us by the founders of our country Our founders knew and the LDS church knows how CHOOSING a religion can cause persecution from others. They know this through their history. We know it through the history of our country. A history of death and loss, and choice. These experiences should strengthen understanding and acceptance of others and should give strong testimonies to not persecute others based on differences.  Even differences of choice.

 Homosexuality is not "Natural" 

 I grew up with bisexual mallards. We had one female and two males and a goose of unknown gender. When the female mallard was on a nest or two quick for the male mallards they would take turns with each other (or the goose if he/she wasn't quick enough). If you want to see "natural" homosexual action just visit your local aviary or park pond.  Course you may also witness duck rape. They do that too. 

 Homosexuality happens in nature and has "been documented in almost 500 species of animals...the closest living relative to humans, bonobos are not shy about seeking sexual pleasure…They copulate frequently, scream out in delight while doing so, and often engage in homosexual activities. About two thirds of the homosexual activities are amongst females." I had the opportunity to see videos of these animals in a woman's lib class in college. If I have to listen to one more person say homosexuality is not natural I may puke or rather try physically beating sense into them with a thick piece of wood.  You can see more of these wonderful and very endangered animals here. 

Do no Harm

 "The LDS church as well as those who founded our country were persecuted based on their belief system. This history has affected our families, religions and country. These experiences should strengthen our understanding and acceptance of others and should give us strong testimonies to not persecute others based on differences." 

I received this response to the above statement. "'I don't think that the "discrimination that the LDS church went through in its early days' is the issue here. It was the assassination, physical persecution, and the actual destruction of property that was Unacceptable. If someone hates you, that is okay. If they, because of their dislike, kill someone in your family and physically force you out of your home... that is a totally different thing."

I agree with this response but I would argue that WE DO HARM to the gay community when we do not accept them. 

An excerpt from an e-mail Nate never sent (hope he doesn't mind):

"This weekend I plan to share a glass of whiskey with my good friend Jonathan, and quietly remember the passing of his long time boyfriend Asher who slipped away last year, a week before Christmas. His tragic death was due to an overdose on anti depressants, prescribed to help him deal with his deep depression, mainly caused by his inability to deal with his parents and family disowning him. We will try and help Jonathan remember the good times, and forget the sadness and anger he felt as he arranged a Christmas-eve funeral that the young mans family refused to attend…because their boy turned out GAY"

"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated ₃ that "as many as 30% of completed youth suicides each year" are performed by gays and lesbians" This number is staggering when it is estimated that only 5% of the total number of  youth are gay. 

From this website:

The Guardian, an English newspaper reported on a study by Dr Ian Rivers, a senior lecturer in social psychology at York, St John College in England. He suggests that there could be as many as 46,000 young people being bullied for their real or perceived sexual orientation in British secondary schools........Rivers has looked at the effects of homophobic bullying on young gays and lesbians and found that more than half considered suicide because of aggression at school, and that 40% of that group had actually tried to kill themselves; three-quarters of these had tried to kill themselves more than once.

Considering that:

• Homophobia is largely based on religious beliefs which among Christians are derived from about 6 quotations from the Bible.
• Three out of four Americans identify themselves as Christians
• Most Christian churches have actively taught hatred of homosexuality for decades.
• Conservative Christian churches are currently leading the fight to:
  • Prevent gays and lesbians from enjoying rights and protections equal to the general population,
  • Prohibit marriages for loving, committed same-sex couples,
  • Oppose adoption by gay or lesbian adults, and
  • Keep accurate information on sexual orientation out of the public schools.

we estimate that Christian churches are responsible for at least 40% of the homophobia in the United States.

Another way of looking at this is to imagine what would happen to the acceptance of homosexuality in North American culture if all religious institutions were as active in promoting equal rights and acceptance of gays and lesbians as the Unitarian Universalist Association and United Church of Christhave been for many years. After a few decades, children would no longer grow up hating homosexuals. After puberty, when a minority of children became aware of their own homosexual or bisexual orientation, they would accept it as a normal expression of human sexuality. They would be far less liable to commit suicide to avoid a life of same-sex orientation.

Assuming that external and internal homophobia is a main cause of suicide, we believe that churches can be conservatively assigned indirect responsibility for about 496 youth gay/lesbian suicides per year. This rate is greater than the witch genocide rate in Western Europe during the witch burning times in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.

If we include, suicides by homosexuals over the age of 24 (like Asher was),  and youth suicides which are reported as accidents, then the churches' (and our) responsibility is much greater.