Cathy

Activity 1.  I really enjoyed the wall of birds, and especially enjoyed the video which showed how the artist developed the mural.    The last few years, in my down time, I occasionally color birds in an adult coloring book that I have.  But I do not have the talent of drawing them as this artist does.  It was inspiring.  I like all types of birds; none so far rise to favorite.  But it was interesting to read about the big, flightless birds, pelicans and toucans.  And the birds of paradise are amazing.  I found the map very interesting and hope to go back to it. Activity 2.  I was surprised to learn that there is a category of bird called buntings, and that a cardinal is a member of that group.  Cardinals are quite common in my area.   We also have a large number of blue jays which like the tree outside my apartment.  It seems that many hatched not too long ago.  I'm not sure which category these fall in to, as my book classifies them in the jay, magpie and crows.  (Are they considered songbirds?)    As I completed the lessons I also started a life long bird list, and was surprised but happy to receive what seems to be validation of a painted bunting sighting last year.  I live about a state North than it's normal range, (in Maryland) but I do believe that I saw 3 of them hanging out under an awning during the bird count in 2017.  Unfortunately I could not get a good picture at the time. Activity 3.  I was thrilled to see a pileated woodpecker in the tree out my window a few days ago.  This large woodpecker with a crested, pointed red head stayed a very short while, but it made my day.  The birds outside my apartment do not tend to stay in place long.

Hello,  Oh what a beautiful bird!  I have been keeping an eye out for birds during my walks for years and have never seen such a deep blue colored bird.  Thanks for the picture.

What a nice scene.  It's always fun to watch hatchlings and these seem special indeed.  Thank you for the description of the Dad teaching the young ones to fly.  That was really enjoyable and interesting to hear about.