How to pick up women...

Always show them your best side...

I was thinking about all the young folks out there struggling to figure out the meaning of life...or more precisely, the meaning of the fairer sex. Youngsters always seem to have difficulties with dating, so here you go, the answers to the deepest questions of life.

Good luck.

A nice little peck on the cheek is always appreciated.

As you can see, women are NOT impressed with fighting.

Make sure you wave politely when you see an attractive prospect.

You can always impress them with a great singing voice...sort of...

Practice smiling.

Always speak to them nicely.

Or maybe just a quiet time together.

Women always love the bling, nothing like a nice gold chain...

Special hint to my nephew, drag racing doesn't work...

Show off your flashy outfit.

Show them your impressive new home...it will be theirs eventually...

Just be careful what you're getting into!

If it's raining, it must be spring...

When American Goldfinches are in the rain too long, their colors begin to run.
Or it's really spring and he's molting...

March showers bring April flowers. Since my camera doesn't like birding in the rain...this is all I got. Of course, as soon as the sun starts shining, I have to go to work...nuts.

We had our first two Common Grackles of the year on Saturday...
followed soon after by 200 or so of their kin...can you say "Empty Feeders?"

This is the smartest Song Sparrow in our yard.
He knew enough to get out of the drizzle.

This is one of the less smart Song Sparrows in our yard.
Please note the blank stare in his eye, caused by water on the brain...

Yippee (said sarcastically). All of the Chipmunks are back again.
At least they'll clean up the scrap seed on the ground.

This is Mr. Casual.
He hangs out UNDER the pond in the back garden.
Not the brightest bulb, but cute.
Yes, he is standing on his tail and he did trip over it when he tried to run away. Like I said...

Sensational!

Where's Waldo?
There's an American Bittern trying to be a reed...

Sensational is the right word to describe the upcoming "Shreve Migration Sensation" birding festival. Held every March in Shreve, Ohio, this festival has something for every birder.
There are always great speakers throughout the day, vendors selling everything from art to optics, and area bird groups such as the Greater Mohican Audubon and Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

But, best of all...there are many great locales for excellent birding! Volunteers are at all of the major spots to help point out the latest migrants. The birders in this area are some of the most helpful folks we have every met. Please think about making the trip to Shreve...they have Amish baked pies...what more could you want?

If you look in a tree and see a big nest, it's probably a Hawk or an Owl.
If you look in a tree and see something the size of a Volkswagen, it's a Bald Eagles nest!

You never know what unusual birds will be spotted from year to year.
We were lucky to find a Horned Grebe last year.

We don't see Ring-necked Pheasants along the lake!

Every year a few Sand Hill Cranes are spotted on their migration.

By the way, be sure to bring a spotting scope! Many of the lakes and wetlands are quite large.

Maybe you should think about bringing a pair of waders also...spring thaws sometimes bring a 'little' extra moisture to the area!