Marci

Marci's News from Georgia

For everyone who has an interest in birds, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is featuring an outstanding series by Charles Seabrook from its archives entitled A Perilous Passage: Georgia's Disappearing Songbirds, with a sub-title of "Killing the Chorus."

This series is one of the finest ever written, demonstrating meticulous research, extraordinary detail and poignancy. Charles Seabrook may well win a Pulitzer for this brilliant piece.

So, for a real education on the life of birds, go to http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc. This is a must read.

After you reach the site, scroll down and look for the article under "Interactives" on the left side of the screen, and click on "Georgia Songbirds."

Seabrook writes:

"Birds are on a collision course with modern technology...Nowhere to land: Homes for humans take fields, forests where birds once nested" (Seabrook, 2001. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

Enjoy the art, privilege, and pleasure of birdwatching

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Hello Dear Friends,

Well, here I am in the Sunshine State...beautiful Florida. What I love most are (you guessed it) the birds. However, I am beginning to learn a lot about other wildlife in Florida.

For example, I had no idea that there are bears in Florida. Yes...bears! Also, there are feral pigs running through many forests. Last month in Lake County, one of the rangers was chased up a tree by a group of feral (wild) pigs.

I understand that the pigs have been around for hundreds of years. Feral pigs are not protected animals in Florida. In fact, people are encouraged to hunt them, not only because they are considered a nuisance, but their meat is very tender...I am told. There is even a web site dedicated to making the hunt successful...with guaranteed kills.

Well, you must know how I feel about that. I do not like any kind of hunting. However, according to the authorities, the feral pigs are a nuisance and at times do a lot of damage to property. I have heard that bears often get into backyards and eat the bird seed from bird feeders, and also get into garbage cans. Thank goodness I don't live on the outskirts of any forest. However, the bears along with many other wildlife are protected by State and Federal laws.

What is amazing about Florida, is that there are birds everywhere...flying overhead in the parking lots of your favorite Publix or WalMart Stores, and everywhere else. Sometimes they absolutely fly much too low. At times, I am afraid a sea gull is going to land on my head. Mercy me.

I am amazed to see so many sea gulls in the city. Hey, I thought they were mainly over lakes and other bodies of water. Well, in case I forgot to mention, Orlando has lakes all over the place.

I continue to miss my wildlife sanctuary in Georgia since I have yet to establish another. However, my goodness me, it's like some birds "phoned" (chirped) ahead...'Marci's coming and she loves us!'

There are birds chirping outside my bedroom window daily. I have even heard the flute sound...that rare sound...of a blue jay awakening me in the wee hours of the morning. That is a special blessing.

I have seen mockingbirds, blue jays, cardinals, sparrows, lots of hawks, mourning doves, and sea gulls. Some of my rare favorites, such as the Indigo Bunting, have yet to find me. I also miss my Eastern Towhees, Carolina wrens and many others. I have read that there are bird flyaways (migratory paths) where I may catch a glimpse of some of my favorites.

Since January, at around 10 p. m. nightly, and then close to 2 a.m., there are melodious sounds outside my bedroom window. Since I am no expert, I have not been able to identify the birds, but their beautiful, lilting songs awaken and delight.

Well, as in Georgia, birds are amazing and still follow the life cycle. Today my heart was broken...again. I will share that slice of a bird's life.

Meanwhile, you should see me every morning, I am now even feeding the squirrels, those pesky little critters that used to give me fits pulling down my feeders in the sanctuary. Heck, I have grown to love 'em all. Besides, the squirrels in my Florida neighborhood are not as plump as those in my former backyard sanctuary, so they need a few extra daily morsels.

Thank you all for the e-mails and I have enjoyed reading all of the wonderful poems and articles from fellow seniors on writeseniors.com...the best web site in the world. Thank you John and Kelly.

Be kind to wildlife...Teach your grandchildren to respect all animals--domestic and wild.

The next time you see a bird in flight...stop...look, and watch its movements. Is there any living creature so lovely.

Marci

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