A reflection on Sonoma County’s wild birds of winter

December 10, 2006 on 6:08 pm | In Daily Local Birder |

Greetings!

The first real storm of winter seems to be upon us here in the North Bay. In my valley, the clouds are immense, fat, and the slate blue of a Kestrel’s wing. The torches of the autumn trees have all been snuffed, and all at once, our landscape is plunged into a wet dimness. We will walk around in this world of mist and water for several months to come.

Yet, nature has its way of evening things out, for those who have an eye to seek joy in the small things. Indeed, it is almost as if the backdrop of the world is purposely made leaden in order to allow bits of life to gleam. If you have ever watched a flock of American Robins alight in a persimmon tree, you will know just what I mean. The accompanying image is one I painted for the creation of a Christmas card several years ago. My dear mother and I once took a winter stroll under just such a tree, and the sight made so permanent an imprint on my mind, I was impelled to capture it - to see if others could divine the Divine hand in this pairing of shapes and colors. Which are the fruits and which the birds? The orange, plump roundness of each is brilliantly set off by the lowering sky.

Perhaps you have drawn refreshment from the sight of a tiny American Goldfinch balancing on a weed, it’s yellow 50 shades a richer version than the wheaty hues of last season’s grasses. Or, you have seen the Great Egret, like a cut-out of white blankness on a newly greened hill. Warblers in the pines and finches on the frosted home roofs are the ornaments of what too many people mistake for a dull time of year. Sharpen your vision, hone your eyes on the small riches. Amassed, they are wealth.