When my third grade teacher sparked my interest in birds, the first book I got was A Field Guide to Western Birds by Roger Tory Peterson. It became my constant companion on birdwatching walks. Recently I learned how Peterson himself became intrigued by birds.
Peterson told of an experience at age 11. He saw what looked like a clump of feathers low in a tree. Peterson said, “I poked it with my finger; instantly, this inert thing jerked its head around, looked at me wildly, then took off in a flash of gold.” It was a northern flicker, apparently tired from its migration journey. Peterson continued, “It was like resurrection. What had seemed dead was very much alive. Ever since then, birds have seemed to me the most vivid expression of life.”
Birds are amazing creations. Think of the variety—from the tiniest hummingbird that hovers before a flower to the huge albatross cruising the ocean breezes. From little gray bushtits to brightly colored tropical birds. Have you ever wished you could fly like the eagle or sing like the nightingale? Birds inspire us to seek and create beauty, to fly above our circumstances, and to be all that God made us to be.
As I watch the towhee scratching in the leaves for food or hear the melodic voice of the nondescript song sparrow, I appreciate the small things in life more. In Abbie’s Woods, a robin family captures Abbie’s heart—another common bird with a beautiful song. God has placed beauty in so many places, if we just keep our eyes open.
And birds as a reminder of resurrection? I do like that idea!
