I met a red fox on a forest path once. We were all alone, the two of us, and we paused and stared for a moment in silent surprise. Then he moved on, like a red shadow, into the trees. That was 40 years ago, and his image still lives in my brain.

This black necked stilt roams the wetlands and coastlines of the Americas, plying his trade in hidden invertebrates, small fish, and insects. He migrates far south in winter, unless he lives in Baja, California. Despite the red stilts, he’s only about 15” tall.

The boat billed heron with his crazy crest is an exceptional fellow who lives in the mangrove swamps of Mexico and South America. He’s nocturnal, so rarely seen by most people except in captivity. I am continually amazed by the variety of bird life on this planet.

Beautiful wrappings for your Christmas presents

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving pie?