This meadowlark (Western?) was running around a rest stop in western Texas which was near the end of my journey back home. I’ve returned home from a 2-week vacation (road trip) and am still recovering! This meadowlark brought my adventure full circle, because the first bird I saw when I reached my destination was also a meadowlark – and a “lifer.”

This trip was also my first 2-week vacation, my first time to drive all the way to the California coast, and my first time to see the beauty of the American Southwest.

Like all birders, I am extra-excited to see a new bird species for the first time. I was also thrilled at all of the new plants, the new geography, and different weather. I was less excited by the new sound my car was making, the new head cold I caught, and the new dog bed I had to buy after my dog got carsick.

I witnessed my nephew walking across a room for the first time, my friend fulfilling her skydiving quest, and smiling visitors from other countries gazing out across the Grand Canyon.

I saw many new “lifers,” including a roadrunner, raven, quail, pheasant, sandhill crane, snow goose, green-winged teal, and northern pintail. I was able to get pictures of most of these birds, and will be sharing them soon.

Upon my return, I was happy to see that “my” cardinals, chickadees, titmice, carolina wrens, and various sparrows had not deserted the Bird Lounge in my backyard. The black oil sunflower seed that I had stocked up for them was gone, but I guess they knew that I would be back.

My trip to new and exciting places was great, and it has even enhanced my appreciation of my everyday surroundings. I learned from my trip that stepping out of my comfort zone was a small price to pay for all of the sights, memories, and experiences that I have enjoyed.

I lived a little. And I heartily recommend it!

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