Naples has a transient population that appears in late fall and disappears around Easter. Not the poor or the homeless folks, just the opposite! This group of arrivals brings in the big bucks–they own multi-million dollar houses, condos, yachts and fabulous winter retreats. They donate mega bucks to local charities, attend events at Opera Naples, dine at exclusive restaurants and blitz the exclusive shops and spas of 5th Avenue South, stocking up on jewelry, designer duds and other luxury goods.

The first inkling that the Snow Birds ae beginning to flock from the northern climes is the appearance of car haulers laden with expensive vehicles. The increase in traffic is the next indication and I find myself honked at and cut off by Mercedes and BMWs flaunting New York license plates. Folks from the northeast don’t just drive their cars with aggressive abandon but also  won’t hesitate to ram you with a shopping cart at the upscale grocery stores and curse you with a New Jersey accent.

Unlike our thuggish Muscovy duck population, however, we are blessed that the Snow Birds’ time with us is temporary.

That is, until they decide to move here permanently