What do you know about the 350 species of birds that find southern Utah attractive? Where are the best and most scenic places to have a ‘feathered experience’? And are bird watchers really nice or really wacky people? For answers, read on.

        We are supposed to get our first cold front arriving next week, where temperatures will drop into the low 40s. The leaves of trees are changing color and the city is looking like a beautiful rainbow of reds, greens, and rusty colors. We love this time of year, and we love winter when leaves fall from the trees . . . because then we can see all the birds.

        There are birds like Finches, Flycatchers, Warblers, Grosbeaks and many, many more species that come in a multitude of colors. The colors are striking and brilliant and should be easily seen . . . but that is hard to do in the summer months, for the colors blend perfectly with the cast shadows of the leaves. Beautiful bird songs may lead you to a tree, but even with the best binoculars . . . you may be listening to a symphony and never spot the performers.

        This winter go outdoors and enjoy our delightful weather and scenic country of southern Utah. Did you know that there are several Christmas Bird Counts coming up and we would love to have your company. Try something new. Add a little spice to your life. Spend a whole day outside with the Red Cliffs Audubon and learn all about our feathered friends. Get acquainted with where the birds hang out. Find out why those wacky bird watchers love to watch birds.   Call 435 673-0996 for information of all the upcoming Christmas Bird Counts, or go our home page, redcliffsaudubon.org.  The public is always welcome to our meetings and field trips. Marilyn Davis is the artist this week.