Golden-crowned Kinglets at Col. Sam Smith: January 8, 2022

It is amazing to think that a few Golden-crowned Kinglets spend the winter with us. Some even winter in Alaska. This tiny bird, about 4 inches in length and weighing about 0.20 oz, is able to find enough seeds to survive. Their feathers make up 8% of their body weight, equivalent to the weight of the clothing of an arctic explorer.

We found two this morning at Col Sam Smith Park. The 8 am temperature was -12 degrees.

Other birds:

This morning’s group:

MAILBOX

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fartanddesign%2Fgallery%2F2022%2Fjan%2F04%2Fswooping-nesting-preening-australian-birds-in-the-wild-in-pictures&data=04%7C01%7C%7C99cfc4c9f9434c96088d08d9d00923a7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637769559945191302%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=twxwWc4SccpCIbq0fDbtcS2z6fR10hlgfKNrgcl4EW0%3D&reserved=0

NATURE POETRY

January brings the snow,

Makes our feet and fingers glow.             – Sara Coleridge (1802–52)

Miles Hearn