Happy President’s Day. Sort of.
Anyway, if you have the day off today… good for you! If you don’t, I am so sorry. It is supposed to be simply glorious today in Pittsburgh with temps approaching the 60’s!
It was just amazing to head out with Sherman this morning to hints that the day would be sunny and bright and with just a sweater on! The air was full of birdsong and it was simply glorious!
Speaking of Birdsong… my favorite app has had some recent updates that are quite spectacular. You can now record the birdsong and it will identify the birds it “hears”. I have tried it out and find it to be insanely accurate! (This morning’s chorus included House Finches, Robins, House Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Crows, and Blue Jays!) Some of the birds I could see but many I could not see at all! If you are a “birder” and you have not discovered The Cornell Lab’s Merlin…well, you are missing out! And! Right now there is a bit of a Bird Count going on and you can help by noting the birds you see and hear!
Over the weekend the Great Planning of All The Trips began… oy. Why does something that should bring such joy create such friction? I think we have our trips to Erie worked out and I am still waiting on some schedule confirmations from my kids. (It’s times like this that I wonder if a single child might have been a better idea, lol) The meshing of multiple schedules is not for the faint of heart and it was so much simpler when at least 2 of them were in the same state. That luxury is one I took for granted…sigh.
The single thing on my agenda for today… The Great Closet Shuffle! Yes, we have reached that time of the year when you need to have a 4-season wardrobe so I need to pull a few warmer weather things out.
My treat for getting this promptly done? Agatha of Little Neon! I am almost done and am simply loving every single thing about this little book! (That and turning that heel of my Vera Socks!)
Happy Monday everyone! See you all back here on Wednesday!
I’m looking at what can be done outside today as it’s supposed to be in the 50s and sunny here today. I’ll probably pick up all the sticks and branches from the high winds last week and enjoy the warmth! Merlin sounds wonderful especially with the record-a-bird update. That will be fun to try during my walk. We can barely plan things with two kids that live close by, so I wish you luck!
I love that you and Steve continue to return to Erie. I think of you whenever I cross paths with Presque Isle (as you know!). Can you tell me, again, the name of the bakery you like there?
Looking forward to our discussion of Agatha…because my reaction to the book was a 180 to yours, and I think that makes for particularly fantastic discussion.
Good luck with The Plans and The Shuffle!
I am going to try that app! A goal for this year is to learn more bird songs beyond the few I know. And Agatha sounds interesting. My google lead me to a review by Maureen Corrigan that was also positive. (She and I are cultural soul sisters.) Enjoy the mild weather.
Going to get that app! We are hearing eagles and their call is so different than I would expect!
I am just back from my morning walk and can’t wait to get out there again — we’re dogsitting today, so we have a good excuse for another walk! It certainly doesn’t feel like February, but I will take it.
I started using Merlin when we were in Florida in December, and it certainly was more useful there because there was a much wider variety of birds. That feature that allows you to record the birdsong is so much fun!
The Merlin Bird App is great. I wasn’t aware of the new feature that records songs so thank you. Best of luck meshing all the schedules. It is a challenge.
It’s been pretty chilly here lately and supposed to get even colder tomorrow. Hope the little plants that have been peeking out survive. On our walk yesterday, we saw some wigeons for the first time. A fun surprise! Enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures!!
I’ve tried a few “bird apps” and I LOVE Merlin! I think it’s the best one — so complete and user-friendly. 🙂 Good luck with your coordination and planning. It will be worth it in the end. And I’m so glad you’re enjoying Agatha! XO
What a weird time of year! Thanks for recommending this bird app. Matthew is tracking all of the birds we see/hear and I think this will be helpful. Birds are so hopeful, aren’t they? Our maple tree and feeder were full of them yesterday. I hope they return today!
And I hope you have a great week, Kat!
I love when the closet gets shuffled for warmer weather, that makes sure we get hit with one more snowfall and then we are done! I put away the heavy coats and boots knowing it was premature but whatever.