I accepted a new job offer, and my last day at Cloudflare was two weeks ago. I decided to take a short break before starting my new role, so I haven't started quite yet. I'm finding the timing to be a bit of a shock. Layoffs hurt. I hope for the best for all of my old colleagues – those still at Cloudflare, and those no longer.
Anyway, the spring weather has just been incredible during my little hiatus, and I have gotten to enjoy some sun on my back deck while trying to spot birds identified by the Merlin bird app. My backyard seems to attract a lot of Dark-Eyed Juncos, which I enjoy, but last week I saw a woodpecker of a species I could not identify, and I got a few cell phone shots that turned out better than expected:
My best guess is that this is a Northern Flicker, however, I am uncertain. Merlin's Photo ID says that's what it is, but I am no expert, not even a novice birdwatcher, I'm just a software engineer taking a short vacation. Just a guy, really. But maybe I should get a camera better than my phone, and then I can be a real novice birdwatcher. We all have goals and aspirations. I just like to dream bigger than most people.
I also met this duck recently. This did not take place on my back deck, however. This was a streetwise inner-city duck.
She did not have the fear in her. She was very bold, and strolled up within inches without invitation or, frankly, permission. Someone has fed this duck, but it was not me. I just said hello, and enjoyed the rest of my coffee. Sorry duck, I haven't got any grapes.