Birding

Where Are You Birding This First Weekend of May 2015?

May 1, 2015 by Mike 1 Comment

The Greeks had their sacred groves, the Druids their oak worship, the Romans their games in honor of Floralia. In Scotland the herdsman formed circles and danced around fires… how will you celebrate the beginning of May?

This, according to The Incomplete, True, Authentic and Wonderful History of MAY DAY, is the time of year when those who struggled through winter celebrate spring:

Everywhere people “went a-Maying” by going into the woods and bringing back leaf, bough, and blossom to decorate their persons, homes, and loved ones with green garlands. Outside theater was performed with characters like “Jack-in-the-Green” and the “Queen of the May.” Trees were planted. Maypoles were erected. Dances were danced. Music was played. Drinks were drunk, and love was made. Winter was over, spring had sprung.

I’ll be a-Maying up by Braddock Bay watching raptors fly north. Corey claims he’ll be birding NYC this weekend, but I’m not sure dancing around a maypole isn’t also on the itinerary. How about you? Where will you be this weekend and will you be birding? Share your plans in the comments below.

Whatever your plans this weekend, make time to enjoy SkyWatch Friday. Also be sure to come back Monday to share your best bird of the weekend!

Written by Mike
Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but he's also a traveler who fully expects to see every bird in the world. Besides founding 10,000 Birds in 2003, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining but now extirpated nature blog resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network and I and the Bird.