For the Birds

It seems like you cannot travel around town anymore without hitting major road construction projects. This results in what seems like endless hours of traffic gridlock. You have heard about all the controversial and sometimes amusing things that drivers do to make use of this "down time". There is that endless talking on the cell phone, which truth be told, folks do way too much--everywhere. There is the painting of fingernails, the shaving of a five o'clock shadow, putting on more (?) makeup, trying to fix that bad hairdo, and of course that perpetual texting. I'm sure the list of things goes on and on.

Moi, I like to stare into the tree lined hillsides or the landscaped front yards. I've discovered where the naturally occurring waterfalls spring up after a heavy downpour. And yes, I keep my camera nearby, although it is usually stashed deep inside my big bag, hidden underneath the watercolors and brushes. So, imagine my delight when this time, as I was staring into the purple blooms of thistle that I saw what I call a little yellow wild canary. Oh, I have seen them before but I always get excited. When I was a child, yellow was my favorite color and I still enjoy it. Especially when it is found in nature. I am watching this tiny guy whirling about and then I see it. Another one. As my eyes zoom in and focus, I realize there are hundreds. This must be their hot hang out- spot; the place to be for a write up in the scene column of these wild spirits.


Traffic is now at a total standstill and I am compelled to dig through my bag on the back seat, fighting the seat belt harness that is now strangling me, and wrenching my shoulder to get to the camera. In a flash, my hand is out the window, clicking away. I wonder what the driver behind me must be thinking and I am sure the yellow birds are glaring at me for the intrusion. I, of course simply giggle at my quirkiness.

Despite all these machinations, I still don't think of myself as much of a bird person. However, I remember one Christmas visit to a pet store about 20 years ago when a giant parrot and I became fast friends. He was sitting on a perch, cage free but I do not recall if he was tethered. Nonetheless, I started prattling away to him and it was like the first time anyone was ever really listening to me. Like I had something incredibly important to say. Did you know that when parrots listen their pupils actively enlarge and dilate? I later read that somewhere when I was trying to understand our bonding behavior. I remember how the parrot followed me around the store with his eyes as we continued our conversation. I simply attributed his strange fascination with me to the red sweater that I was wearing. I have no idea whether he even saw in colors. I was so sad that I could not take him home with me because I know that parrots are incredibly high maintenance. Aside from their seed cracking, seed flinging habits, they can live forever so you need an understanding attorney to draw up your will. They also require an inordinate amount of social interaction to keep them happy and healthy. I actually would be all over that requirement but one perched on my should may pose a problem for me gaining entrée to oh...let's just say my job. Don't think there is a "take your bird to work day" yet. Or maybe there is and I just don't fly in the right circles.

"Originality does not consist in saying what no one has ever said before, but in saying exactly what you think yourself." - James Stephens, Irish poet and novelist (1882-1951)