Black Wings Back

February 13, 2011: The ride today was under the wings of Buzzards again! Also called Turkey Vultures, Chicken Hawks, and just plain Vultures, these gliders grace our sky when it is warmer. I don't see them in the winter. For this area, these big black birds leave around the end of October or early November. They are almost always back in our sky during February. For me they are indicators that Spring is just around the corner. Yes, there will be more of February, with it's cold. And there is always March to get through, with all the gray sky. But, the wings and sounds of summer are already hinted at.

As I rode out of town a voice hailed me from a doorway, saying, "No fair, I'm jealous." She was referring to the fact I was on my bicycle riding. I waved and yelled back, "Come on!" There will soon be more of us bicycling. I anticipate the restart of our weekly rides. Melt snow, melt!