Birds, my dearest feathered friends.  There is nothing like the hobby of birding, it's additive and heart-warming.  The thrill of seeing a new species to the patience of getting up close and personal with the amazing plumage and behaviors of so many gracious avian companions never dulls.  I have had the privilege of learning and documenting the life cycles of many of our local Virginia natives and love the intensity and reward of finding migrating species.  This love has brought me closer to understanding the critical need to care for their habitats and be ever vigilant in our conservation endeavors.