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Marita Prandoni

Marita Prandoni photo courtesy of Marita PrandoniMarita Prandoni has a passion for exploring different cultures and worldviews. She draws inspiration from her family, tutoring extraordinary youth, meeting unexpected heroes and from the stunning natural beauty of her home turf in and around Santa Fe, NM.

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The Feathered Friends I Never Would Have Noticed
Friday, 28 January 2011  |  Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry

Red-breasted Nuthatch photo by PbonenfantMy husband gave me a gift that I first thought very unromantic, even dull: a birdbath warmer. I realize now that this floppy, horseshoe-shaped device has softened my dread of winter.

The winter songbirds are a spirited bunch, and watching them from the breakfast counter as they drink and bathe is almost as stimulating as that first strong cup of coffee.

There are the little juncos that look like golden- beaked eggs dipped in chocolate, the fearless tiny bush tits, the mountain chickadee with his little bike-racer cap, and the dapper northern flicker with his black bib. An occasional nuthatch is a special guest.

If you don't watch birds from your window, you might never notice them. They're even trickier to observe outside. But from behind the glass, you can enrich your world exponentially.

Seeing a new bird at your birdbath is like sampling a complex chocolate elixir--when you take in the beauty of its markings, the behavior of its mate and the peculiarity of its movements. And, if you step outside to hear its unique song, you receive an even greater reward.

Updated 1/28/11; originally posted 2/7/09.

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Eco Tip

Take a “stay-cation” or vacation closer to home. Reduce your carbon footprint by staying home for vacation. If you do travel, stay as close to home as possible and use public transportation to reach your destination.  >More tips...

Eco Quote

Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge. - Thomas Edison  More quotes...