Walk with me? And a Birthday...

It’s been a week since I walked the campus. There’s always something new for me to see and admire lately. Robins walk along side of me and I even saw Blue Jays today. They aren’t very common here.

My camera was with me whenever I ran an errand to the next building. I haven’t photographed my Bluebirds lately. Isn’t he just lovely? He’s hanging too close to the building for my comfort, though.

I would have never imagined I’d see a Great Crested Flycatcher on campus! Its song made me stop, look, and listen and my instinctive stalking mode when into action. I was determined to find this bird and it wasn’t difficult at all because of its loud song. A lifer! CHECK.

Here’s another view. Look at its raised crest. It’s obviously unnerved in this photo and very curious of the goofy woman standing under its tree.

Every time I walk the campus, Spring offers more surprises and new growth. Wild flowers intrigue me, especially when they are smothered with insects. I just love the bugs.

These are growing wild? I want to take a spade to work next week and dig them up and bring them home!

Oh, what the heck. He draws attention to himself in color and sound. He’s worth it.

Another sound intrigued me. I’ve seen Male Towhees before but never heard their “Drink Your Tea” symphony. Awesome!


This evening, I heard some commotion behind me in the yard. About six small birds were chasing down a hawk.

Gaining composure: “Holy Moly! What happened?”

“Are they gone?” (Striking the Linda Blair pose)

"I think it's safe to get out of here!"

I spent too much time with my field guide and browsing Cornell to ID this bird. The dogs were jumping all over me and the phone was ringing while I flipped through the pages of my field guide. I finally yelled, “Shaaat aaap! I’m trying to ID a freaking bird here!!!!” I know it’s an accipiter. I only had two minutes to observe it. It’s immature, I think. A Northern Harrier? It’s a wild guess and I know I’m probably way off, as usual. SUSAN?????

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I can’t end this post without reflecting on a special person. Billy is Gina’s boyfriend and they’ve been together for a few years. Today is his 26th Birthday.

Billy grew up in Austin, Texas, and other than an older step-sister who he refers to as his sister, he doesn’t have family there. He lost both of his parents during his pre-adolescent years. The circumstances were grim and Billy faced some terribly difficult and challenging times as a young child. He spent several years in foster homes before his step-sister took him in during his senior year of high school. His love of playing football and basketball fueled him to graduate.

After graduation from high school, Billy entered the U.S. Marine Corp. I believe his battery was the first to fire shots in Iraq back in the spring of 2003. He rarely talks about his time in Iraq, but I know he was willing and proud to serve.

He moved to Charlotte along with Gina last summer and he’s prospering. My husband is helping to guide him in the electrical construction industry and Billy is proving to be a highly skilled second-year electrician apprentice. His work ethics are commendable in comparison to many young men his age.

Billy’s an independent individual but I think perhaps this might be the first time in his life that he has real mentors, encouragement, and support from “family”, here in Charlotte. I think he likes it. We are his cheering section.

Happy Birthday, Big Tall Texan!