I can explain ecologically how important some species are to us in keeping a balance in nature, and how devastating it could be without them. So it is easy to understand why we work hard to try to restore the bat population, for example, knowing their value at catching many nocturnal insect pests.

I imagine the best example is trying to maintain the honey bee population knowing how invaluable they are in fruit and vegetable pollination. We know why nature "put them out there for us" or so it appears. But sometimes species don't fill such an important niche (its job in nature) and I wonder if their value to us may simply be their beauty or aesthetics. I'll use the four bird species in this week's article to see if you agree.The wood duckis rather common along many of our streams locally and breeds here as well. Some waterfowl hunters would tell you how important they are to them as a game species, but really if they disappeared from this state, would we or ecosystems suffer in their disappearance? I believe it is one of the world's most beautiful birds and if its only value was to offer us a little "rush" when you see one, I would hate to see them disappear. Wood ducks offer a beautiful mosaic of colored feathers which I hope you have a chance to see for yourself.A red-headed woodpeckeroffers a stark contrast of basically three different-colored feathers. But, unlike a dove or sparrow trying to blend in to avoid predators, these colors make it a sighting you really don't want to miss. A bright red head, black back and tail, white belly and then in flight the beautiful big white wing patches that really draw your attention. They are not as common here as the wood duck, but if you're lucky, one may cross your path in its spring or fall migration. To see more of them, you may wish to try to Lancaster or Adams counties to enjoy this beautiful bird.The rufous sided towhee (usually referred to as the towhee) is common in our area. It spends most of its time scratching in the leaves along forest edges or brushy areas looking for insects or seeds. The malein spring will usually alight on lower tree limbs or tops of shrubs to sing "drink your tea" over and over again to attract the less colorful females. It is then when you can appreciate its appearance.The cedar waxwing is probably overlooked when a small flock zips overhead looking simply just like another dull bunch of sparrows. But if you are a fly fisherman drifting a dry fly on the Pohopoco Creek, you may have had some up close and personal opportunities to savor their beauty when they dart near you gobbling up the emerging mayflies lifting off the stream. If you have a mountain ash tree full of fall berries oryour ornamental crabapple is still holding shriveled fruit, you may be able to approach one closely and see their regal look. The neat crest, the black mask, the yellow-tipped tail, and the red wing secondary feathers will really offer you another little thrill. If you wish to savor these four species' plumages, you may want to invest in a decent pair of binoculars and keep them handy. Maybe a few hints around December may find you with a pair as a gift, rather than the usual sweaters, scarves and ties. Bottom line; get out there with those nature eyes open.Answer to last week's nature question: City/town growth throughout America with the subsequent coal burning furnaces resulted in brick and mortar chimneys almost everywhere which were unused during the summer (nesting time). However, today's newer homes often without chimneys (or metal ones) offer swifts few nesting opportunities. Slatington's or Lansford's chimneys offer swifts ideal nesting sites.Test Your Knowledge: It takes a robin four days to lay her four eggs. Why doesn't she lay all her eggs in one day and begin brooding them immediately?Contact Barry Reed at

breed71@gmail.com.