Welcome to my website!

My name is Linda Hendricks Spence and after living in the Piedmont region of southeastern Pennsylvania and in the mountains of southeastern West Virginia for many years, I now live in central Illinois where the land is mostly flat and filled with huge agricultural fields of corn and soybeans – very different habitats for birding.

When I became a birder – and a gardener – I found my true callings.  The peace and contentment I find when I am outside is what I wish for you.  A time to let go of stress, breathe deeply, and to have some fun.  And at the same time – as Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot said over and over – exercise the little gray cells!

Look at the website menu and you will see that I write a blog.  Besides telling you about what I am observing here in our yard and neighborhood and also when we travel, I will also share with you what I learn.  Even though I have been birding for over 40 years, it seems I learn something new every time I sit on our deck, take a walk in a woodland, or stroll on a boardwalk through a wetland.  I will also pass along things you share and will post your photos.  In that way, we can all learn from each other.

I have written several eGuides that are available to you.  Just click on Birding Beyond the Field guide series in the website menu.  The first one is free.  My purpose in writing these was to help you identify more birds and to increase your knowledge of specific species of birds.  All the eGuides contain many beautiful photos which are mostly by amateur photographers in Illinois and Oklahoma who have spent much time and patience perfecting their hobby.  All are an inspiration to me.

Next is a section for your poems and essays about your experiences in nature or even looking out a window.  There is a section called Everything Bird! which is a collection of articles I have written on all sorts of topics from bird feeders, to understanding and using binoculars, to getting a hummingbird out of your garage or shed, to albinism and leucism.

We have two livestream cameras on our bird feeders and bird baths.  One is seasonal, the other runs all year.  Both run day and night so besides watching birds during the day, you can often see raccoons and occasionally a possum at night.

Welcome!  Please click on the buttons throughout this website to comment or ask questions.  I would love to hear from you and I will answer.