Bird Lessons 101

Musicians can learn a lot from birds. We would like to share some of our recent bird moments and what they have taught (and continue to teach) us.

From the Anhingas: spread your wings

Anhingas are cool, and we can’t help but smile every time we see them spreading out their wings to dry. They aren't the most beautiful birds, and they squawk instead of sing, but still, they spread their wings proudly when they find a good spot to stand and stretch, expanding and holding up their full wingspan for long periods of time. We have even seen them do it in the proximity of alligators! Seeing them stretch out like this reminds us that it is okay to stretch ourselves, even if it is scary to spread our wings.

From the Pelicans: stay steady

Pelicans have this amazing ability to fly just above the top of the ocean breakers, over the ebb and the flow. We learned that they catch air currents over the waves, and it is always exciting to see a group of them flying low, in a graceful line, just above the crests as the waves come crashing in. When they hunt, they dive-bomb into the water, surfacing to bob right-side up. Their ability to stay steady and above it all amidst the constant shifting of the surf is inspirational.

From the Roseate Spoonbills: it's okay to fly off course

One day, while Dean was packing up from fishing in the marsh, I looked up to see a flash of pink. We finally saw them: our first Roseate Spoonbills outside of a zoo. The pair of these gorgeous, pink-feathered birds flew in a circle overhead, doubling back, almost as if they wanted to make sure that we knew they were there. What was extraordinary about this is that although we have looked for them before, we have never seen them in season; they appeared only at this moment, when they “should not be so far north” in January. How could they know that going where they were led, not being where they were expected to be, would bring us such joy? What if that were true for us, too?

From the Painted Buntings: add some color

North-country winters tend to leave us color-deprived and starved, and the Painted Buntings that have been frequenting our retired parents' Florida backyard feeding station since last fall were an especially welcome sight in December and January. No matter how often it happens, it is fun to see Painted Buntings because of their vibrant colors; their presence alone adds exquisite color and joy to life. Making live music together, this is a lesson to remember: even if we sing songs that we have sung many times before, we can color them in with what we are feeling in the moment. Every day, too, we have opportunities to add color with a smile or a nod of encouragement.

From the herons: be patient and persistent

We have learned that the patience required for fishing provides a great opportunity to observe birds who do it for survival, day in and day out. This winter, we have seen many wading birds, including Great Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, and Little Blue Herons, and often, they are patiently waiting to strike at a fish. Sometimes, they wait for a long time and sometimes, they miss when they strike. Our difficult to remember (and execute consistently) lesson is this: patience is hard, but love is patient, and love is kind. It always protects, always hopes, always trusts, and always perseveres (I Corinthians 13).

From the Bald Eagles: be sweet, even if you are fierce

The week before the Eagles won the Super Bowl, we were walking beside one of our favorite hometown creek side parks. We had seen eagles with their fledglings in Florida the week before, and we were hoping to see the eagles in PA returning to this stretch of the creek (last year, we had observed them scoping out their nesting spot in January). While we were still far from the nest, we heard unfamiliar bird vocalizations coming from high up in a tree. They were soft and sweet, including whistles and chirps, completely unknown to us. We looked up to see three eagles of three different ages: one was clearly an adult, and two were juveniles with varying progressive plumage. It was surprising to hear such sweet sounds coming out of these fierce birds, but it seemed to us that the family was enjoying each other’s company. The lesson: even at your most fierce, be sweet with each other. "I love you," "I am grateful for you," "You are amazing," "I am so happy to share this life with you"—these chirps can’t be said (or heard) enough!

with love and peace ~ Vicki and Dean

We put our minds together as one and thank all the birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them the gift of beautiful songs. Each morning, they greet the day and with their songs remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. ~From the Onandaga Nation’s Thanksgiving Address as recorded in Robin Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass