We are all guilty of concentrating on the exotic and sensational to the exclusion of “trash birds”, but occasionally something mundane, or close to home has the ability to make us catch our breath.
It might be the setting. Perhaps it’s the light.
Maybe the character of the individual makes it stand out from the rest of its ordinary family. Could it be the bokeh?
This mockingbird had me entranced as it gave a small snatch of song from a cactus at Irvine Regional Park, Ca. It played peek-a-boo in the warm morning light, hiding behind the fruit and then popping back up for another quick song. Despite my 57 years on this planet, I giggled!
Embrace the familiar. It can be very rewarding.
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.
Your post really resonated with me. Thank you! Lately I’ve been appreciating the abundant and very common Dark-eyed Juncos in my garden more than ever, watching how their white tailfeathers flash as they fly into the trees.
This is a beautifully written, very poignant essay, especially given Audubon’s recent report warning that what’s “common” today may become scarce in the not-so-distant future. Thank you. Right you are about character, My favorite bird. Go so far to say it has soul. How I wish I could hear them 24/7–a nightmare for some, but a dream for me.