The peeping in my office...

Mama Jay tends to her four hungry babies.

I seem to have a bird theme invading my life lately. Dana Mentink here, and I'm excited to announce that my newest Love Inspired Suspense is out right now. It has got a bit of a bird theme running through it as the protagonist, wounded parole officer Mick Hudson, helps run a sanctuary for raptors. The heroine, Keeley Stevens, is a wildlife avian photographer. Here's the blurb below and a wee little bio.

Secret Refuge http://bitly.com/1LMRj12

HIS CHANCE AT REDEMPTION
Former parole officer Mick Hudson blames himself for the death of Keeley Stevens's sister. If he hadn't paroled a criminal, she might still be alive. When he hears that the suspected killer has been spotted in Keeley's hometown, he worries she might be the next victim. Keeley doesn't want to take help from the man who could have prevented her sister's death, but she has more than herself to worry about. She'll do anything it takes to protect her family. And Mick will risk his life to make sure that the past does not repeat itself.

Wings of Danger: The path to love is treacherous
 
Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and a two time ACFW Carol Award winner. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired, Harlequin Heartwarming, and Harvest House Publishers. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

So, since I've got a bird theme going on this two book series, it thrills me that from my seat in the garden where I penned these stories, I have lately been treated to the blessing of watching the kites start their new families. They are loud, big bodied white hawks which can hover (earning them the nickname of 'angel hawk'. In addition, there's a little nest of scrub jays in the tree just over my fence. What a pleasure to see these bird families grow and thrive from the seat in my "outdoor writing room!"

So what little birds are common to your area? What is your favorite bird to watch? Post your comment and I'll pick a winner on Sunday to receive a free copy (print or Kindle) of Secret Refuge and a little bird themed treat!