Golden-crowned Kinglet: Matthew’s favorite

 My son Matthew honestly is to credit/blame for the start of these bird drawings. By age 6, all he wanted for Christmas was a really good pair of binoculars – which Nana and Papa were only too happy to supply. The ponds and marsh at my parents’ make for extraordinary birdwatching and he had used their binoculars from the time he could physically stand and lift them to his eyes. By age 8, he was drawing and writing reports for school on Scarlet Tanagers–which were his favorite until this spry little Kinglet came to town. They flick their wings as they move about, and are known to be quite tame and approachable. At almost 17, Matthew still loves to spot a new feathered friend, learn its name and ask for me to draw one. This little guy is especially for my little guy. Mine is not so little, but he is our youngest and last to fly the coop. Blessings on your day, dear ones. If your nest is empty or full, I pray your binoculars are ready and focused to receive fresh joy at the site of something new!