It’s been raining in my corner of Orange County for most of the week. I think this might be the wettest November since the early 1980s. Yesterday, the clouds finally lifted and the sun broke through. After being cooped up inside for days, I figured a walk in the park would do me good. I grabbed my camera and headed out.
The park was flooded. Every low spot was filled with water, ducks, and coots. I stuck to the walking paths because the rest of the park had turned into one big series of puddles. I noticed an unusually large number of people fishing, at least fifty. Most were young men, quiet, focused, and clearly there with purpose. When I asked one of them what was going on, he said the pond had just been stocked with trout.
As I walked, I hunted for anything unusual. It wasn’t easy with hundreds of mallards, coots, and geese blending into the landscape. Even so, I managed to spot a green-winged teal, a Cassin’s kingbird, and a vermilion flycatcher. My checklist showed thirteen species and 342 individual birds, but nothing new for the year. At least I got a photo of every species I recorded.
People sometimes ask if I’m a bird watcher or a birder. I’m not sure which fits, but I lean toward birder. I’m actively building my list, working on lifers, and focused on bird photography whenever I can. I’ve recorded 200 species this year. The vermilion flycatcher I saw today was number 127 for 2025. I’ve seen one eight different times this year. My first sighting was August 8th, my most recent was yesterday.
Vermilion flycatchers (Pyrocephalus rubinus) have lived in my area for as long as I’ve been alive. I like to think I’m aware of my surroundings, but the truth is I was oblivious until I started birding. That has been the big lesson of this first year. The world is full of beauty if you slow down and look for it. My walk today was a perfect example. An hour spent wandering, and every so often something stunning appears right in front of you.
I really like retirement.
Peanuts In My Pocket 
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