I can’t say that I’m a fan of 4:45am. Really. Who gets up at 4:45 in the morning except birds, wild things, and parents of small children?

I bumble down the hallway, change my clothes, and drive to the Audubon Center at the foot of Casper Mountain. When I get out of my car the sound of the birds is a symphony beyond all written expression. Unless you’re a total curmudgeon, it’s nearly impossible to not be affected by the sound and flurry of life taking place before sunrise; to not be engulfed by the crisp air, dew on the high grass, the smell of wild flowers and damp earth.

The sun still hasn’t risen, I’m slowly waking, and I head out with a team of 8 other citizen scientists to set up bird banding nets. On the third net check, I retrieve a Yellow Warbler. Holding this wild bird, I’m reminded of how lucky I am; that we are surrounded by miracles and beauty everyday. Today, I get to watch the sun rise holding these blessings in my hand.

Jess holding a Yellow Warbler after recording data

Why I Wake Early

Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who made the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories,

and into the windows of, even, the

miserable and the crotchety –

best preacher that ever was,

dear star, that just happens

to be where you are in the universe

to keep us from ever-darkness,

to ease us with warm touching,

to hold us in the great hands of light –

good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.

~ Mary Oliver ~

Jess collecting data on a male Yellow Warbler

Lazuli Bunting- Male

What are you going to do on this amazing first day of summer?