I'm on vacation as I write this column. It's purposely not a birding trip; it's a hiking, resting, eating great food and relaxation kind of trip. A week alone at a resort in the north of Mexico is the perfect respite.

I love my work. Owning Wild Birds Unlimited, talking to customers about their birds and writing about birds is great, but a break is always good. I resolved not to bring work or think about business on my trip. The birds, however, aren't cooperating with my "no bird-stuff" plans.

On my way to lunch, a raucous California thrasher noisily announced his presence. While hiking the other day, I was greeted by a flock of Lawrence's goldfinches hanging out among some barren grape vines. While lounging on my little private patio, some type of warbler briefly perched just feet from me. A California quail scurried across my path while I was strolling one morning. The birds are forcing themselves on me, so what am I to do?

I brought my binoculars just in case. Maybe I was secretly hoping to see some cool birds. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm on vacation and have more time to notice them or because of the dense, native foliage all around my casita, but the birds have been everywhere. My only frustration has been getting a really good look at the birds before they flit away. I wish I had a small birdfeeder and birdbath to strategically place on my patio. There's nothing like a birdfeeder or bath to focus birds' attention and bring them out in the open where I can get a good look. One morning, I sat very still on my patio lounge chair and made the pishing sound that some birders use to bring birds closer, but I had limited luck. I don't think I have this pishing thing down.

All the bird activity I'm witnessing, combined with my wish to have the birds "just come closer and stand still," is what compelled me to write. It caused me to reflect on watching birds — and believe me, I've had plenty of reflecting time. At home, when I place my baths and feeders I'm trying to help the birds, but I'm also trying to lure them to a spot where I can really see them. Think about where you are when you watch your birds. Are you doing dishes? Are you on the patio or at your dining room table? Position your feeders and baths where you can see them best and often, even if that means adding a new crook pole or hook to bring your birds into view.

I remember vacationing in northern Minnesota years ago, deep in the woods on a lake in a tiny, stone cabin. It was May and peak migration. The leaves were barely buds — spring comes late up there — so I could see the birds well, no leaves to block my view. This too was not a birding vacation, but the birds are what I remember most vividly. I brought a little bird seed on the trip because I wanted to see if I could coax chickadees into eating from my hand — which I did. I sprinkled seed on the windowsills of the cabin and for several days watched as a red crossbill and her new babies lined up just on the other side of the glass and feasted. I'll never forget it.

I guess my "non-birding" trips have a way of ending up rather birdie.