Sayornis phoebe

I walked outside this morning and found that I was surrounded by phoebes. This has been happening for a few days now. Everywhere I go there's a phoebe. Now, it's one thing to see one, and listen to it sing determinedly, and to watch it wag its tail as you go about your business (Phoebes always seem so insistent to me, "PHOEBE!!!"). It is entirely different to see six within the span of half an hour. Or two at once. Again and again! For days! Perhaps for some this may be a common occurrence, but for me it’s absolutely notable. Phoebe! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I'm thrilled. Phoebe!

Actually, this IS unusual, because phoebes are known loners. Even mated pairs don’t spend much time together. This must be a migration thing (phoebes winter in the southeastern U.S.). Maybe I happen to be in a phoebe hotspot? PHOEBE! It’s a mystery.

This morning I walked through the rain down to the river, and played a game with the mist. See, when you’re IN the mist, you can't see it. When you head a few hundred yards away, the place from which you’ve just come is completely obscured. Phoebe!