Just over two years ago, I wanted to write my first "Bird Watcher" column on the troubles that Red-shouldered Hawks were having trying to nest.

The editor, in her wisdom, suggested I write about something more upbeat.

Two years later, I am finally writing something upbeat about the Red-shouldereds.

The link is here.

(Photo by Jerry Barrack. Thanks, Jerry!)

Congrats to Netanel and Jeff for the great ID work -- Blane Muzio's feeder and environs had an Indigo Bunting and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the same time. Pretty cool.

I somehow missed this shot when Blane Muzio e-mailed it to me more than a month ago. It has two amazing birds in it.

I know IDs are tough, given the limits of the blog, but can you name two primo birds?

(Thanks, Blane!)

Because I work in the Meadowlands, The South Bergenite asked me to send in any memorable advice that I got from my father. They printed a story with plenty of people's memories in their latest edition. They quoted me and ran the accompanying  pic -- of (from left to right), my father, me, my brother and our awesome snow sculpture of Santa.

Jim Wright: "My father was an Army combat veteran and an artist. He died before my ninth birthday, so I don’t remember too many of his words of wisdom, but he always told me: ‘Straighten up and fly right,’ and ‘Always take high road.’ I didn’t realize until I was older what either meant, but I have always tried to follow his advice."

I know it's not about nature or the Celery Farm, but today is Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there!

Blane Muzio got this great shot of three Green Herons in Rio Vista today. (Thanks, Blane!)