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We need to talk about the weather

Writer's picture: kaydee777kaydee777

No need for a crystal ball to predict that there will be avian unhappiness today. The birds, including bossy Curve Billed Thrasher, are going to have to wait until after noon for access to unfrozen birdbaths.

A chill has descended on the country, and maybe not all of it because of polar bear magnanimity with their frigid arctic air. Metaphor and Shakespearean portent aside, these are the coldest temperatures we have experienced in this little patch of desert in years (at least since I have been here recording). Above: the current status and short term outlook in Fahrenheit, below Centigrade.

Though the generally blue skies help, extreme cold like this is so not my best thing. Some plants outside are blanketed. Inside I am in retreat too, under layers of every blanket I’ve ever collected from far flung place, wishing I had a fireplace in this breezy old stone and adobe structure. Wind chill outside is seriously harsh.

A recent visitor to the birdbaths cheered me up no end.

A Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) was spotted enjoying the facilities which I maintain in the Garden of Earthly Delights, including that unrestrained (some might argue unmaintained) bird friendly exuberance of wild vegetation on the western edge: mesquite, cactus, yucca and rabbit brush, as well as three birdbaths

This avian roommate (no way to easily tell male from female) stayed around a while, allowing me to celebrate their beautiful plumage and soft desert appropriate color palette of creamy white, charcoal and rust: spots, stripes and the rusty red blush on underside. What sartorial splendour!

A feature of the Cactus Wren is the white eyebrow stripe giving it a comical cartoon character frown or pouty look. I love it!

After a close encounter, one could never call this bird, endemic to this region, just another LBJ. Cactus Wren for the win! Bird of the Day! A little milagro of the day in an enchanted life of milagros.


By Saturday farmers market, the daytime high looks to be bearable again.


Talking about the weather is sometimes a way to deal with hard harsh things.


Life goes on.

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