💌From My Nest to Yours

Hello Reader,

January always feels like a fresh slate to me—not in a loud, start-over-from-scratch kind of way, but in a quieter, more reflective one. There’s something about this month that invites a pause. A moment to look around, take stock, and reset without erasing what was already good.

Out in the yard, that feeling shows up in small ways. I’m refreshing the garden, getting winter seeds started, and enjoying the subtle shift in pace that January brings. It’s a month that feels new while still holding onto what’s familiar—and I love that balance.

🌿Nature Right Now

While the garden continues to transform into its winter version, some of my favorite seasonal visitors are becoming more and more regular. The Painted Buntings and Chipping Sparrows have been steadily increasing in number around the yard, adding flashes of color and movement to even the quietest moments.

I’m also keeping an eye out for American Goldfinches. None just yet—but the feeders are ready, and I remain confidently optimistic. 😊

And of course, the squirrels are very active participants in all of this, fully convinced that this is the month they finally inherit the feeders.

✨Reflections of Wonder

While so many people think of winter as a dormant season, it feels comforting and familiar to me. The air softens just enough to notice things more clearly—the birds that return each year, the rhythms that stay steady, and the quiet reassurance of knowing what to look for when you step outside. That steadiness slows me down and helps me focus on simply appreciating what’s right in front of me.

This mindset is part of what inspired my Backyard Birdwatching Starter Guide. It’s meant to support a simple, approachable way of enjoying the birds already around you—without pressure, overwhelm, or overthinking.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you can find it here:
👉🏾 https://naturallycourtney.me/products/backyard-birdwatching-starter-guide

👀Behind the Binoculars

I’m currently working on another backyard birdwatching vlog—my first one in over six months. The last time I filmed this kind of video, my garden was in full spring mode. Now, things look different, but the feeling is exactly the same.

The marigolds, which absolutely stole the show in spring before bowing out during peak summer heat, are back in a big way—bold, bright, and unapologetically cheerful. Alongside them, my vegetable garden is settling into its winter rhythm too, and I’m finding just as much joy watching everything grow and change from day to day.

Between the birds, the squirrels, the flowers, the plants, and the occasional butterfly that make up this little cool-weather ecosystem, the yard still feels just as full—even if it’s expressed a little differently.