Critters, us and daily courage

The Golden Crested Kinglet is a bird that winters in Vermont foraging in little flocks for the insects that are its only source of food. He weighs as much as a nickel. Dressing in drab camo, he's somewhat hard to find, unless he is riled up and then he sports a crest of brilliant lemon yellow that magically appears on his dusky head. One of his specific survival adaptations to deal with his Siberian winter home is his ability to reduce his heat loss by minimizing his surface area at night. He cuddles with his mates. Snuggling together they handle sub-zero windy nights. And they weigh exactly as much as two dimes.

Big deal you say. Well, this guy is my new hero. Picky, brave, resilient, choosing to stick around rather than move to Miami. Dapper when he wants. Efficient. Sings now and then. Sticks close to the family. If I grow up I want to be like him. Happy Holidays all you fine people. Love, hugs, warmth and may a bounty of bugs to eat come your way in 2015.

Oh yeah, and buy more art. It's part of what makes us humans humans.