WINTER BIRD WATCHING IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

As Fall carries on in upstate New York, the leafs inevitably change color then float to the ground covering the lawn (new homeowners and city refugees need not worry, they do grow back in the Spring- unlike those fingertips you lost clearing that obstruction in the mulcher); and most birds will fly south for the coming Winter and the hot Latin music.

Those avian remaining behind- perched frozen to bare branches and telephone wires- were the subjects of our northern expedition- and not surprisingly the object of concealed ridicule by the more affluent members of their flocks.

Treking into the deep forest, Kelly, our guide, raised high hopes of sighting a Frigid Twitch chattering away with icicles affixed to its beak or a Redheaded Doxy sucking a stiff worm; but, alas, the outing was abruptly halted after accidentally traipsing into a frosty creek- we were soaked up to the ankles (why did I leave the house wearing bunny slippers?)!

It came to pass that only a Blue-Faced Screamer was observed: attempting to land on an icy birdbath, it skidded off and embedded in a snow bank- leaving a deep imprint in its exact shape much like the Coyote in a Road Runner cartoon.

Later, sipping hot cocoa in a cozy Mom & Pop hospital emergency room somewhere in Togatoga, our sniffles were quelled, but not our dream of someday hearing the mournful call of a Canadian Loon: "Coo- roo- coo- coo, Coo- roo-" aak-choo! (those last two notes were de trop- somebody "geshundteit" me- and toot sweet!).

Perhaps one will fly down for the Fountainbleu's Salsa Weekend May 6, 7 and 8!  Hot-cha cha-cha!

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ED SPRINGSTEAD, JR.