It has been too long since my last post. Sometimes there is a need to grow in new ways and try new things. Sometimes, what is expected does not happen and what is not expected presents itself. A famous French philosopher wrote: “He who risks nothing gains nothing.” We were in Denmark this past September and my daughters had eaten at a little sandwich shop and fish stand, a “greasy spoon” by Danish standards, and they wanted to return for fried flounder and french fries. I obliged them, but the fish stand had been replaced by a neat little sandwich shop offering salmon and chicken sandwiches. But this shop was different. At this shop, the owner, Søren Brinch, top Danish birder, offered bird tours. We started to talk. He displayed some great photos of the birds of Fanø Island, Northern Denmark, and Sweden. He was available to give a tour. For some reason, his lively and knowledgeable, friendly and natural way of talking about birds revealed a kind of passion for birds. I set up a tour and a world quite different from the beach and golf course revealed itself one cold and windy September morning. As I watched the sun rise, the waves of the North Sea calling their rough morning roar, I felt at peace. The birds were migrating from Sweden or Alaska and going all the way to Morocco and Southern Africa. We stood on the southern dune, waiting, listening, and with a spotting scope we could see White-tailed Eagles. One had captured some food and stood guarding it. The smaller birds had pulled away to give the “King” some space. Søren generously loaned me a pair of binoculars and we saw Sparrow Hawks, Crows, and smaller birds. The crown jewel of the morning were five European Cranes making their way south. We walked out to see the Seals resting on a sandbar away from the Orcas. We talked about tides, quicksand, and fog, amber and storms. We met other fellow birders, talked about bird life in Denmark, the migration, and other places to visit. An old cemetery provides shelter for migratory birds. A wooded area too. He also could tell where the airplanes (another kind of bird we saw) were going - Glasgow, Scotland, Stockholm. When you travel, do not be afraid to try something that spontaneously presents itself. Be safe, but also try something new.