“Look at that bird!” Alyson pointed to the sky as she shielded her eyes and bent her neck back as far as it would go. A swallow glided far overhead of herself and her little brother. “It flies so smoothly.” “Swooo-o-osh!” Aaron’s arm imitated the bird’s flight, except faster. Alyson giggled. “You goofball. It’s a […]
From the inside of the building I could see him lying still as death next to the glass door he had flown into. I picked him up gently. Holding him in the palm of my hand I could hardly feel the weight of this incredibly delicate male ruby-throated hummingbird. He glowed an iridescent green. I […]
One of the most impressive birds of the Lake Michigan woods is the pileated woodpecker, known commonly as the “log cock”. If you ever see one, you will not forget it. It is the size of a small crow with a black body, broad white lines on both sides of its head and under its […]
In the middle of Ottawa County, where I now live, and near the shore of Lake Michigan is a small lake called “Pigeon Lake”. It is connected to the big lake by a small river. Now the area is pretty much overwhelmed by a gigantic, coal -fired, electric power plant. In the past, however, the […]
I am fascinated by boats; especially sailboats. They are so graceful and quiet, but for the sound of the waves and the slapping of the sails and lines against the mast. I’ve watched them for hours on the lake. Watched them motor in and out of the harbor. Watched them tack and run with the […]
I had a close encounter some time ago with some reclusive fellows of the strong silent type. I’m sure you know some people like that. They keep their thoughts to themselves. They rarely speak or let their feelings show with a smile. They usually look like they have a frown. Once you get to know […]
As I was walking on my way, A tiny sound told me to stay. It bade me stop and listen still, As often little secrets will. I looked and looked until I found The hiding place that held the sound, And there, not high up in a tree, Were nest and bird and babies […]
For, lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. Solomon’s Song Cant. 2:11-12 Yes, the winter is gone and spring is come and the poetry […]
According to an ancient legend the aged eagle renewed its youth by flying toward the sun until its feathers were scorced and then it would fall into the sea—only to emerge completely rejuvenated. The psalmist David in Psalm 103 also refers to the renewal of youth by a comparison with the eagle: “Who satisfieth thy […]
In the wilderness surrounding Palestine, in Arabia and in the arid wilds of Africa is found the largest of all winged creatures—a proud and regal strutting bird. Visualize a feathered creature weighing more than 200 pounds and towering from 6 to 9 feet in height. Its plumes were worn by the royalty of ancient Babylon […]