With the appearance of fall conditions and the resulting loss of leaves on the trees, I have found a new “Life” bird … the Brown Creeper (Certhia americana). According to my birding field guides, this bird is commonly found in my area (west-central Missouri) as part of their wintering range. I discovered this little gem last week while kayaking. If the leaves hadn’t fallen off the trees, I doubt if I would have seen this little guy! As it was, I spotted him as he “creeped” up a tree in front of me. He is so camouflaged against the tree trunk, that one can easily be overlooked!