12 Comments
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Micki's avatar

Excellent suggestions for helping birds! Avoiding balloons is so important, and there are alternative decorations, like paper fans, flowers, and lanterns!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Great suggestions, Micki! Thanks again for letting me use your beautiful photos!!!

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Michael's avatar

Here in southern Arizona, the baby quail have hatched! They are silly little guys. Thank-you for the article. I enjoy watching the birds, makes for a pleasant day. Just my humble opinion of an old hermit.

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Lisa Koitzsch's avatar

I saw my first one with you in 1996 in MT! But I don’t think I have seen one since. Love the watermelon 🍉 description 😃 I was surprised to hear that they have flycatcher behaviors - who knew! I am so glad you mentioned Merlin 🐦 and SEEK 🍃…..great tools for figuring out what is around us in the natural world!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

I'm so glad we shared your first Lewis's Woodpecker sighting! We'll have to try for another one sometime. 💙

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Dick Hutto's avatar

Yes, those were fun field trips to see the watermelon bird!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

I am so glad you found me! I hope it's gratifying to know how many lives you enriched with your words, wisdom, and enthusiasm about birds! I'm trying to do my small part to pay it forward. 💙🦉

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

It was nice to take an evening's walk with you and your dogs.

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

So glad you could come along! : )

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Natasha Osborn's avatar

Seeing a Lewis' always feels like a special treat! They're unique and gorgeous. Kudos to Dr. Hutto - watermelon bird is an apt description! Another great read!!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Thank you! Three cheers for Dr. Hutto! And three cheers for the beautiful watermelon bird. 💗💚

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

I have baby California Quail for the first time ever on my Montana property this year! They're adorable. I'm so glad you enjoy watching the birds. They're a tonic for us old hermits! : )

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