New Bird on the Block

It was one of those magical days out. Ahhh, man, it just felt like winter’s grip was finally loosening and wildlife was shipping up from the South. Arriving fresh, daily! I had the pleasure of being out for a hike with my best mate. There’s a local highway that closes for 6 months every winter to allow the wildlife a respite from vehicle traffic. You can hike up this mountainous road during the closure and enjoy some genuine solitude.

The snow was deep, so progress was slow. Eight kilometres in and we’d already spotted multiple critters. The snowy, foggy atmosphere was making for some fantastic background - and foreground! Truly, I’d have this over a blue-sky day every time.

I heard a call I didn’t recognize and for the next 10 minutes I knelt in the snow filling a memory card with this Golden-crowned Kinglet.

A day like that just keeps me coming back. Not every trip will yield some epic one-on-one encounter with a rare bird, but when it happens I’m so grateful!