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Margaret Bennett's avatar

This was so lovely and hilarious too. I’m not sure my cherry tree has ever born fruit so I won’t be shaking it. X

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Scot Quaranda's avatar

I have a similar relationship with woodpeckers. They are all about the rhythm of life for me and they love my little patch of paradise, so I see them year round.

I wanted to note that the Mayans also practiced Ornithomancy, reference is made to it in the Popol Vuh. The directions are basically the same, up and to the right is best, down and to the left is the worst. I distinctly remember Blue Jays and Crows and it may have also included Cardinals and the very non-avian Jaguar.

It's something that stuck with me and I will often have a question in my heart and have one of those sweet peas appear.

Thank you for your beautiful piece!

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Sarah Crowder's avatar

I know this is a very late response to a comment but I just wanted to say that what you wrote about them being about the rhythm of life resonated so much and has been in my mind consistently since reading it. I've made more of an effort to listen out for the rhythm of the seasons and to dance and sing along, and I've stopped having woodpecker dreams so maybe that was the message!

Thank you so much for the comment.

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Scot Quaranda's avatar

Thank you for your response, all in divine timing! Your reminder to dance and sing along to the rhythm feels like gentle encouragement for me (and all of us).

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Jan Spell's avatar

Oh dear. I live in Tucson, Arizona and today a Gila Woodpecker was drumming on my house. That's common in spring. The males are being territorial. I was interested in what you were saying about the Cuckoo. We have Roadrunners and they're members of the cuckoo family.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

I do not know what woodpecker dreams mean, but I did enjoy reading this essay. I think birds know a lot, much more than many realize.

That being said, I will ask Arya the Cockatiel, my faithful companion, but he does not often share the secrets of the avian world. Not even with me.

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Sarah Crowder's avatar

Thank you so much Perry. I agree with you, they definitely know a lot but I also think (like Arya, by the sounds of it) they're a secretive bunch and like to keep us on our toes.

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