I'm starting a new job and a new chapter in my life. I'm going to work for Eagle Optics, a binocular and spotting scope company (I have to include that because I told a couple of non-birder friends and they looked at me quizzically and asked "But I thought you loved birds, why are you going to work for an opthamologist?").

Part of me is a little sad about about leaving the All Seasons Wild Bird Store, I've been there 8 years, I've made some great friends and Al and Dave have been great guys to work for. Since I won't be working there though, I do plan on being a regular customer. The job at Eagle was simply an offer I couldn't refuse. Part of the job will include traveling to bird festivals and talking about birds with people from all over--I can't believe I'm going to get paid to do that--I feel like I've won the birder lottery. I'll also have the opportunity to work with Mike McDowell whose blog I have always been a fan of and I'll get see the friends I've made from around the country a little more frequently.