By Celeste White, Photos by Jim Dowling

Western Tanager, March-April 2022, Volume 88 Number 4

*House-hunters extraordinaire*
*Everybody’s favorite*
*Cheery cerulean bluebirds*
*Class up the neighborhood*

*Petite owl occupies*
*Woodpecker’s home*
*Filling the dark*
*With his trill of soft hoos*

*Bobbing head feather*
*Sleek exclamation point*
*To quail’s “Aha!*

*Bright black eyes*
*Upswept hairdo*
*Spunky little bird on a branch*
*Performs the titmouse swivel*

Celeste White is the author of three novels, two memoirs, a short story collection and a children’s book, all available on Amazon. She lives in northern California where she enjoys the proximity of wilderness and wildlife. She can be contacted at ecelestewhite@gmail.com

Jim Dowling, ex-railroader and retired teacher lives near Old Shasta where he combines photography with a love of the outdoors. Many of his photos are taken while hiking or kayaking in the Whiskeytown National Recreation area.