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Friends –

It was decades ago in my daughter's woodsy Oregon back yard in that I first became aware of how much birds mean to me. At that time, It was not long after my father had passed away and as I was standing there among the trees I heard the call of a Steller's Jay. Immediately I felt I was transported to be with him again at a Santa Cruz Mountain campsite. That Jay's power over my awareness still exists and his rapid-fire language transports me back there with Dad no matter where I am.

Since then, I've embraced other birds in my life.

As a family we would often spend time on the central California coast watching the water birds. We called some 'sandpipers', although I rather think they were avocets, but I could be wrong. Whatever they are, I love them for their double jointed knees and curved beaks. Enchanting.

And of course, Pelicans. Exotic, large and prehistoric-looking, we enjoyed watching them cruise by in the sky – occasionally taking a dive to scoop up some fishy dinner from the waves. The sight of them to this day is exciting and comforting all at once.

At my parent's house there were always doves. My Mom used to laugh at their foolishness, combined with persistence, because they never stopped trying to build a nest on the outdoor light next to her bedroom window. It would never stick, of course, with the lamp being made of slippery metal and nesting material little more than straw. I defended those doves from ridicule because I was enamored with their gentle cooing and seeming loyalty to each other.

Over time, desert birds eventually became just as important to me as the California varieties, once I got to know them. Anyone who backpacks in southwestern Utah will have heard the call of a Canyon Wren. It's unique and remarkable downward cascading melody cannot be forgotten. They are tiny birds and chances are you will hear them long before you ever see one – if you ever do. I have since heard one in a hot California wilderness canyon, but mostly I find them in the canyons of the Southwest.

Of course, the topic of desert birds is incomplete without my friend The Raven. Super smart, super vocal, super observative …. I feel a camaraderie with these intelligent species. They can be playful and protective and will keep goodies that they envision will be useful offerings at some point. Also, they will remember you. So don't try to trick them! Remarkable!

As always, I offer this painting in exchange for a good donation to a Non-profit, which in this case I request donations to 'La ProMesa Familiar'. (https://lapromesafamiliar.com/)

Stay strong through these very difficult times, my friends.

Margie Lopez Read

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