Flying South
Yes, I’m a bit bird obsessed. My posts about great-horned owls, great-horned owlets, barn owls, hummingbirds, ravens, vultures, hawks and kestrels prove it.
To see further evidence of my bird obsession, read my recent guest post with Christy Peterson, over at Tweets & Tree Frogs. She asked me to share a bird common to southern Arizona’s backyards, and I chose another of my favorites: the comical cactus wren. Christy’s delightful blog explores backyard wildlife, outdoor excursions and sightings, and kid-friendly outdoor activities. Thanks, Christy, for having me!

Cactus wrens are notoriously difficult to capture on film because they are always moving. Click to enlarge.
But before you head on over to Tweets & Tree Frogs for a little educational dish on the chug-chugging cactus wren, note that I’ll be displaying some of my own bird-like behavior.
Just like migratory birds (and bats) that fly south, I’m going to dip into my bat cave for a bit. OK – I don’t have a bat cave, nor am I nocturnal, but I will slip behind my computer monitor. You’ll hear nary a chirp from me in the social media world.
I’ll see you back – hopefully in May or June – after Melissa’s EditPalooza! (I’m taking notes from author Sarah McCoy, who is participating in her own social media break, titled Hermitage 2013, while she writes her third novel … one I can’t wait to get my hands on!).
Like a migrating bird coming back for the warmth of spring and summer, however, I, too, will return.
February 8th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Heading over to Christy’s, as a fellow bird nerd, I can’t wait! But first, I just wanted to say have a wonderfully productive EditPalooza. Still, now I’ll be looking forward to the return of spring/summer for more than one reason…
[Reply]
February 8th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Like Julie, I’m flapping my wings over to Christy’s now! Have a wonderful EditPalooza!
[Reply]
February 8th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Melissa, thanks for contributing to Tweets & Tree Frogs before your migration. 🙂 Hope your time off is productive and restful.
[Reply]
February 8th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
I’ll be mourning your departure, but since I can’t wait to see what you’re writing, I’m right behind ya, sister. Edit away!!!
[Reply]
February 8th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
We’ll miss you! But we’ll still be here 🙂 Have a wonderful editpalooza!
[Reply]
February 8th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Gosh, it’s good to see others have to do the same thing. I don’t know how anyone gets a novel written and keeps up a blog too! Good luck with the edits, Melissa. You know if you need a reader, I’m here. 🙂
Heading over to your guest post!
[Reply]
February 8th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Heading over to Christy’s. Love the idea of going on a hypernation or flying south trip though. Seems so freeing, doesn’t it? Good luck with your writing!
[Reply]
February 9th, 2013 at 8:22 am
I love the idea of a spring retreat! I’ll look forward to seeing you again next summer. Happy Writing!
[Reply]
February 10th, 2013 at 11:47 am
I love Sarah’s idea, too! Enjoy the time in your bat cave, Melissa; I can’t wait to get my hands on your book! 🙂
[Reply]
February 11th, 2013 at 10:06 am
It must be something in the air, Melissa. I too have been itching to get away, and plan to take a small break of my own soon. I hope you get lots of work done during EditPalooza and come out the other side feeling refreshed. See you then!
[Reply]
February 12th, 2013 at 7:20 am
You are so wise, my friend! It takes unplugging, it really does–and you know we will all be here anxiously awaiting your return. In the meantime, I’ll head over to your guest post–excited!!
[Reply]
February 12th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Cave time is so important. You’ve done it before and you know we’re always here when you get back@
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2013 at 11:22 am
I’ll be soaring over to Christy’s blog to read your guest post. I hope you have a very productive EditPalooza!
[Reply]
February 28th, 2013 at 7:53 am
I’m late to the table again! See you in May or June! LOVE the picture – as always.Best of all to you until you are back on here again!
[Reply]