THE THING WITH FEATHERS *

Another coincidence: Memorial Day weekend was as much about birds as it was about appreciating that summertime was upon us in that wonderful, unofficial way, as well as hiking into Shenandoah National Park, relaxing with friends, very hospitable friends at that, watching Isaac play for hours on end with friends with no schedule whatsoever. Glorious. Where the birds came in is thus: I met a new species, an Eastern Phoebe, which I found irrestible. They have this way of looking at you, as well as a pattern of flight that resembles that of a hummingbird, at least momentarily, when it's in a holding position. I heard but did not see a Pileated Woodpecker, another first. We passed one in the car at one point, but I didn’t look quickly enough when my friend pointed it out to me. And at night, I heard an owl. But I forgot its name.

There were butterflies and frogs, tree frogs, bull frogs, green frogs, so many frogs that it sounded like the rainforest. This was central Virginia, not Central America.

Last evening, I was clicking around looking for area bird clubs. As it turns out, the Audobon Society is sponsoring a sweeps with a prize of four nights in Chesapeake, Virginia, at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, Chesapeake/Greenbrier, plus the following: “car rental for duration of stay (restrictions apply, including driver must be at least 25 years of age and have a major credit card in their name), a kayaking trip with Kayak Nature Tours, LTD, a sunset sail in the Chesapeake Bay on Schooner Serenity, free tickets for public skating at the Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex, a free round of golf at the Chesapeake Golf Club, free admission into the Virginia Living Museum, and free admission to the Norfolk Botanical Garden.” Not exactly a bird themed package, despite the sponsorship and the name “Bird’s Eye View of Virginia,” but I'm sure if we won, we’d manage to have a few bird moments.

To enter, click HERE. Then click on the photo of what looks like a male Hooded Warbler.

Note: Isn’t it enough that D.C. residents don’t have representation in Congress? With this sweeps, if you live in D.C., you can’t enter online. At least I couldn’t. Someone apparently forgot to include D.C. in the list of states. I’m mailing a postcard to:

“A Bird’s-Eye View of Virginia” Sweepstakes
1878 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14610.

One time entry only. Closes June 30.

* You know the reference. Here’s the source:

"Hope" is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I've heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of Me.

-- Emily Dickinson
(Poem # 254.)