I have now penned well over 100 columns, and as most now realize, birds and their habits have been the topics of many of them. They may have been highlighted because of their special adaptations or how valuable they are to us.

Some columns identified particular species of concern and man’s effects on them. Most of my columns however, whether birds, plants or other animals deal with species we might find here locally. If not locally common, I may have intended to bring your attention to species threatened, species that have benefited by our concerns and actions, or those that are rather common but often overlooked by us. Most of today’s photos are birds right here in our own Times News coverage area.

For today, I would like to present to you a variety of birds that grace us with their plumage. Some are so colorful we might think they are actually birds we might find only in the tropics. No matter, take a look at my selection.

Even though most of these in some ways help us, maybe their real asset is to simply bring some color to our fields or forests. Maybe they will pique your interest enough to want to find ways to preserve them for our future generations to enjoy as well. Hopefully you’ll find some of nature’s best versions of avian beauty here today in my weekly column.

Remember that the beautiful male bird’s colors were not intended for us to enjoy, but for their potential mates. But, hey, I certainly don’t mind playing second fiddle and reaping the benefits of these bird beauties, too. Enjoy, Enjoy.

Test your outdoor knowledge: The short-tailed shrew _________. A. lives entirely underground, B. is a type of rodent, C. is the only poisonous mammal, D. all of these.

Last week’s trivia answer: Falco peregrinus is the scientific name of the peregrine falcon.

Contact Barry Reed at breed71@gmail.com.