I would not say I’m a regular birder, but I do enjoy watching the occasional avian friend — especially at this time of year.

I live in an area of the country blessed with a number of fowl neighbors, many of which are just now making their return home from winter habitats.

Some species of birds are plentiful here, like ducks, geese and waterfowl — so much so that some have their own hunting season. Other bird species, like cranes and swifts, have fewer relatives in their family genus but thrive here nonetheless.

I do have my favorite birds. The northern cardinal, our state fowl, always captures my attention with its flashy red body and regal black masks. So does the downy woodpecker with its steady drummed pecks. And, perhaps my favorite, the American goldfinch, its bright yellow breast aglow in backyards...

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