December 7, 2022 This morning, a male Cassin’s finch materialized in a winter-bare chokecherry tree and stared at me, as if waiting for me to make eye contact and understand that this gesture was a greeting. The blushing finch, bright as a Christmas ornament among the leafless twigs, is a rarity for my yard—and for this part of the world. In fact, today it will be only one of three Cassin’s reported in Arizona.
Oh, Ken, thank you for Richard’s fabulous birding piece! I heard him read it, with a straight face, at a Tucson Audubon event some years ago. The birdwatcher audience exploded in laughter. It’s unforgettable, as was Richard.
Spent many hours with Dick making up those crazy names, and you wouldn't believe the names of birds that are already official! Like the Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler--yes, a real bird!
Thanks for this, it made me smile and so reminded me of how my dad would often do something very similar with visitors to our house in the rural part of Massachusetts.
What a wonderful, apt, not to say ingenious entry after Dick's death. Thanks again, Ken.
Oh, Ken, thank you for Richard’s fabulous birding piece! I heard him read it, with a straight face, at a Tucson Audubon event some years ago. The birdwatcher audience exploded in laughter. It’s unforgettable, as was Richard.
I’d forgotten about that section on birding. It all came back to me as I read, though. Thanks. I look forward to his book on birding!
Ha ha - love it: the Greater American Regret!
That’s hilarious!
A lovely tribute. He dad a great sense of humor. Don't forget to send me your contact info by email. Thanks, Ken.
Spent many hours with Dick making up those crazy names, and you wouldn't believe the names of birds that are already official! Like the Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler--yes, a real bird!
Thanks for this, it made me smile and so reminded me of how my dad would often do something very similar with visitors to our house in the rural part of Massachusetts.