I'm
going...
to
Mary Gray
today!
It's the
annual
Audubon
Birding
Weekend!
I'm not
actually
much
of a
birder.
I prefer
the
capture
with a
camera....
to the
blink
of
binocs.
But I
join
the morning
bird
walk...
...anyway.
We have
700 acres
to
explore!
These
birders...
...are
very
intense!
I look.
I try.
I can't
see
anything.
- Try
listening,
Rob
tells me.
Good birders
use
their
ears....
As well
as
their
eyes.
Is
that
a
yellowthroat?
What
a
sweetheart!
Check
your
bird
book!
Write
that
one
down!
I kinda
miss
the birds.
I get
distracted
with
wildflowers.
But
there's
a
problem.
Taking
pictures
so
low...
wreaks
havoc
with
the
wardrobe!
Meanwhile
back
at
the barn...
What
are
the kids
up to?
Learning...
about
bird
adaptations...
and
how
to tie
shoes
without
thumbs.
They
play
games...
that
help
them
think....
about
the plight
of
a
migrating
bird....
when
the habitat
is
all
gone.
I'll leave
them
to play
their
games...
while
I go
learn
photography...
...from
The
Master!
Take
a
picture
of the barn,
he says.
Get
the
reflection.
How
do I
focus?
The
main
lesson?
Use
a
tripod!
Always!
Time
to
practice!
on
flowers
that remind me
of
a wedding
bouquet...
on
hugging
trees...
and
how
about
birds?
Luckily
Return
to
the Wild....
brings
us
a
raptor
show!
They
show
off
magnificent
wings...
Quirky
personalities...
Amazing
eyes!
I call
him
Dobby.
They
love
these
birds...
all
rescued
from
certain
death...
in
an
uncertain
world.
It's
time
to go
home....
There's
plenty
to
think
about...
after
a
long...
wonderful
weekend...
at
Mary
Gray.
