Certhia americana
Why do I do this? Does the world need more pictures of finches, doves, sparrows (our most
common seed-feeding visitors)? No, occasionally, an unusual bird will pop out of the trees
and present himself for a nice photograph, like this Brown Creeper did today.

Usually, these well-camouflaged birds are content to circle the tree trunks, looking for
morsels. And while sitting outside watching the finches and doves, I saw some movement in
the pine tree next to me, and it wasn't quite "right." By its circling motion, I suspected
the Creeper, but it never got into the clear for a picture. Then it dropped out of sight
-- where?

To my surprise, right in front of me on a rock, of all things. He didn't stay for more
than two seconds, and he was off for more familiar surroundings. But encounters like this
is why I sit outside for hours -- occasionally, something good happens. Call it luck.