Birder-Bloggers and Friends

Although my first post focused on the birds I saw at Cape May, some of the best memories I will carry with me are of the people I met. Here is just one story about them.

The Flock and company descend on the C-View Inn

The Second Annual meeting of the Flock, fall migration, convened at the C-View Inn in Cape May on Saturday night. Founding members Susan (Gets Native), Laura (in NJ), and Delia (of Beginning to Bird) welcomed new Flock members Lynne (Hasty Brook) and myself. Conspicuous by her absence was Susan from Lake Life. (Do you have a doctor's excuse, Susan, or at least a note from home?)

Invited guests included John from A DC Birding Blog, This is the best view I could get of shy John

birdJam founder Jay,

and the original party animal herself,
Sharon, aka BirdChick.

Just try to catch a candid, un-posed shot of the BirdChick.
I swear, it can't be done.

A wonderful surprise was meeting Beth. You've never heard us mention Beth, have you? That's because Beth is our groupie, a lurker who reads our blogs every day and never leaves a comment. Lynne and I met her on a 7:30am bird walk at Cape May Point State Park when she called out, "You're Hasty Brook, aren't you?" We invited her to dinner, and she fit right in with the rest of us. (I'm not sure if this is a compliment or an insult.)

You've been outed, Beth. We will all be expecting comments now, followed by your own blog some day.

Isn't this a lovely group of ladies? from left to right: Delia, Sharon, Beth, Susan, Lynne

I handed out lucky buckeyes to the group, hoping to assure an Ohio State victory over the Nittany Lions. (Alas, it was not to be.)

One of these buckeyes will never be the same
(and you know what I mean!)

When the table of Penn State fans behind me noticed my scarlet and gray sweatshirt, I gave them a buckeye, too. I thought perhaps a gift of a poisonous nut might be appropriate.

Some candid shots of the evening (and some not so candid):


Laura, looking relaxed, contemplates stealing John's fries.

Ever hear the phrase, "Eat like a bird", Sharon?

Susan showed off her talents, among other things:

Our waitress looking shocked, Delia looking bored, and Sharon looking for that lost buckeye.


All too quickly, it was time to wrap up the evening.

Delia, sad to leave so soon

Reminder to all current and future Flock members: Spring migration happens at the New River Birding Festival in West Virginia in just six short months. Have you made your reservations?