One of my favorite movies is The Big Year. I saw it years ago, and it’s now my go-to movie to watch while doing chores. I’ve watched it so often that I don’t need to pay close attention, as I know many lines and scenes by heart. The scenery in the film is beautiful, but it’s one of my favs because the movie got me interested in birding.

This past May, I thought it would be fun to do something similar on a much smaller scale: take a month to count the bird species I see or hear in my area. I started in my backyard and neighborhood, then traveled to some wildlife refuges in Oregon and Washington. I counted 62 species. Woohoo!

While many seasoned birders may see nearly 62 species in one day, it was a big win for me. I went out into nature daily to look for and listen to birds. Will I eventually do a Big Year? Maybe? But for now, I will certainly go to another little Big Month in the future.

My town experienced its inaugural winter storm, a medley of snow, sleet, and ice. Amidst the picturesque winter setting, a bird stole the spotlight with its striking orange and black plumage – the Varied Thrush. Despite being a summer enthusiast, I found joy sitting in my backyard, immersed in the sounds and sights of the avian residents. However, my enthusiasm waned quickly, and despite my well-insulated jacket resembling a sleeping bag, I retreated indoors after a mere hour.

Let’s focus on the star of the scene – the Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius). These birds frequently inhabit the dense coniferous forests bordering my backyard during the winter months. Their notable feature is a distinctive call, reminiscent of a hauntingly beautiful flute, resonating through the crisp winter air.

Varied Thrushes tend to be most active during the early hours of the day. So, if you’re inclined, consider indulging in a tranquil morning birdwatching session with a cup of coffee in hand.