Meet the Neighbors
When my husband and I moved to a condo on Monterey Bay several years ago, we knew it would take time to meet the neighbors. We had no idea we’d have so much fun doing so.
Some of the area’s most famous celebrities were easy to identify: Gray Whales, the magnificent Blue Whales, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. With the exception of the Blue Whales who were only occasional visitors, we saw the others daily on our walks.
But many were flighty, elusive, and difficult to get to know though they lived within steps of our front door. We were patient, letting them set the pace. Now, after living here full time through all the seasons, we know many of them well. We look forward to their arrival and sorrow when they move on.
Here are a few of our new best friends: (all photos by Mary Feliz)
Blue Heron
Snowy Egret
“The Neighborhood” and the setting for Cliff Hanger—the
shore of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Green Heron
Curlew
Sanderlings
Red-legged Stilt
I’ve grown fond of the Yellow-rumped Warbler, also known as
a Butter Butt. Stifling a snort, I when visitors ask “What’s that wading bird
with the yellow legs called?” The answer: “It’s a Yellow Legs.”
So far, most of the hawks look alike to us, as do the
sparrows and finches, including an adorable one that looks like it’s wearing a
bicycle helmet.
We’re learning and having a blast. It turns out some of our
human neighbors like the avian visitors as much as we do.
What kinds of unusual neighbors do your readers have on
their blocks? Do they change with the seasons?
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Cliff Hanger (A Maggie McDonald Mystery) by Mary Feliz
About the Book
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Lyrical Underground (July 16, 2019)
Paperback: 215 pages
When a hang-gliding stranger is found fatally injured in the cliffs above Monterey Bay, the investigation into his death becomes a cluttered mess. Professional organizer Maggie McDonald must sort the clues to catch a coastal killer before her family becomes a target . . .
Maggie has her work cut out for her helping Renée Alvarez organize her property management office. Though the condominium complex boasts a prime location on the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, aging buildings and the high-maintenance tenants have Renée run ragged. But Maggie’s efforts are complicated when her sons attempt to rescue a badly injured man who crashed his ultra-light on the coastal cliffs. Despite their efforts to save him, the man dies. Maggie's family members become the prime suspects in a murder investigation and the target of a lawsuit. Her instincts say something’s out of place, but solving a murder won’t be easy. Maggie still needs to manage her business, the pushy press, and unwanted interest from criminal elements. Controlling chaos is her specialty, but with this killer’s crime wave, Maggie may be left hanging . . .
About the Author
Mary Feliz writes the Maggie McDonald Mysteries featuring a Silicon Valley professional organizer and her sidekick golden retriever. She's worked for Fortune 500 firms and mom and pop enterprises competed in whale boat races and done synchronized swimming. She attends organizing conferences in her character's stead, but Maggie's skills leave her in the dust. Her first book, ADDRESS TO DIE FOR, received a Kirkus Star and was named a Best Book of 2017 by Kirkus Reviews.
Author Links: Website – Blog – Facebook – Twitter
Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo Google Books
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We have some new neighbors. They are short and always have a song to sing but I don't think they know the words. They seem pretty busy too because they are always in a hurry. There are at least 3 of them, maybe a 4th, and are very charming. Always asking for that cup of sugar. ;) I am referring to the hummingbird. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the hummingbirds...especially when they get territorial and seem like they're reenacting a scene from TOP GUN or STAR WARS. Anna's Hummingbirds are resident in our neighborhood, but Allen's and Calliope visit annually.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteWe've been watching around our bird feeder and we get some non birds too like racoons, squirrls, chipmonks, along with wild turkeys, morning doves, about 5 different kinds of woodpeckers (really big to small) robins, cardinals, bluebirds, and more. The ash trees are in trouble because of beattles and that has drawn the woodpeckers and most ash trees here are dying. We only feed during winter because there are lots of wildflowers and woodlands around us. Need to go, but we just had a squirrel crawl up our window screen.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great read - thanks for the contest - trwilliams69(at)msn(dot)com
ReplyDelete