A Good Day to Go Birding

I stand in my kitchen, coffee cup in my hand. Like many mornings, I beat my alarm. No, I didn’t use a hammer. I mean that I’m awake before it goes off. I’m already dressed, boots and birding vest on. The vest pockets are already filled with my field guides, checklist, notebook and pen, compass and map. My binoculars and spotting scope already carefully stowed in the car. Coffee’s good this morning. I need to get my hat and coat. I checked the weather forecast last night (the internet is my friend): cool crisp morning will give way to sunshine and a bit of wind. I’ll grab my sunglasses just in case.