Ridgefield is one of my favorite places to go birding. Several years ago, a friend took me there early in the morning. Edi was my birding mentor if you will. It was early spring and cool. I was beginning to get a little bored - I wanted to see something new!

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something stir…and then it was gone…but was it? I stood looking at the stand of reeds for the longest time…and then I saw it…an American Bittern. Normally they stay well hidden amoung the cattails and bullrush, so I was delighted to see one.

Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge | American Bittern

Have you ever thought about having birds as pets? I once worked in a place where there was a large cage of small birds. I was told they were finches. I loved listening to them. Well they had some babies, and one day I arrived at work and was gifted with these birds.

So I went out and purchased a large cage. I learned lots about finches during that time, but was missing a vital piece of information. These little birds like to stay busy! That means they reproduce…it seemed as quick as rabbits! Every week there seemed to be new eggs present in the nests I provided.

It was quite a lesson!
And I still loved hearing them wake in the morning…
Read more about Finches and Canaries.

What a splendid article on birding in Uganda. One can feel the excitement, the awe of seeing new and unique (and rare) birds. Here is an excerpt:

Slowly, an enormous bird circled above. It had long, broad wings, an extended neck, long legs trailing behind, and an outsized bill that looked like the shoe part of an L.L. Bean boot. The bird spiraled down and landed in the marsh, and we got good looks at this rare bird.

Read more: Adventures in East Africa