Happy Valentine’s Day, from the Birdcouple.

It is, of course, one of our favorite days. And today was especially special, because Princess and I saw a life bird:

This Varied Thrush has been hanging out in a very bird-friendly backyard in Herndon, Virginia, far from its normal climes in the Pacific Northwest. This is only the third state record for Virginia for this bird. Mr. Thrush happened to pick the backyard of a serious birder to hang out in, and the serious birder and his spouse happened to be very inviting to all birders who wanted to see it. There was even coffee in the kitchen, while we waited an agonizing hour for the Thrush to come back. (Others had seen it moments before we arrived). People have come from as far away as North Carolina to get a gander at this gorgeous bird.

And gorgeous it is. Our little hand-held digital camera shooting through a window doesn’t do it justice. Check out Dan Haas’ photos here.

What a day it’s been so far. Time for some music, dinner, wine, romance. Honey? Honey???