DALLAS CO., TEXAS — Fjord, Schmorgan, Courtney, Miki, Spence, and Lynn all came to Dallas for the weekend. I knew that birding with such a diverse assemblage of people would be a challenge, but I also knew that they’re all intelligent and appreciative folk. Surely it wouldn’t be a total loss.

Upon our arrival at Courtney’s house, I scrambled around trying to finalize directions to some East Dallas birding locations.

We made our way to White River Lake — my first visit to the place — and spent quite a bit of time wandering around trying to figure out where to go. We finally arrived at a section of waterfront and piled out of the vehicles to look at birds.

Coots and Mallards were cooperative, and I got a cormorant in the scope so everyone could admire its emerald iris. Great-tailed Grackles strutted up quite close, and starlings in the trees were speckled with white — it’s how they got their name, I said.

Schmorgan had never been birding in his life, and Miki and Spence were more interested in the beautiful day than in the birds. Lynn and I saw a yellowthroat, but everyone else had wandered off.

On another side of the lake, we scoped a raft of Ruddy Ducks and shovelers, and a few pelicans even farther away. By then, some people just stayed in the car.

Heading north, we finally managed to find Spring Creek Park Preserve, and we started down a trail through the autumn-colored woods and falling leaves. The day was warm and sunny, and the trees were silent.

Somehow, we located a Ruby-crowned Kinglet who sat still in the underbrush. A still kinglet? Not a good sign. Nonetheless, the bird afforded Fjord a good look, and he even saw the bird’s scarlet crest.

We wandered around a little more, hearing one or two little birds but seeing nothing more. Before we parted ways, we all got Blizzards at Dairy Queen. I hadn’t seen a life bird, but I try not to let technicalities stand in the way of dessert.

I don’t think we converted Schmorgan, but I believe that Fjord is a goner. While we were still in the restaurant, he carefully noted the day’s sightings on his electronic life list.

ydhttmwfi: Monks Singing Chants …, The Day Nothing Happened, Wycliffe Weekend

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