Through Rose-breasted Grosbeak Glasses
May 5th, 2011 | Meera
I spent another lovely day at the bird lab, preparing two Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) and this Rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludivocianus). The whole time I was there I felt calm, happy, useful, and at home.
When I got back I had two voicemails and seventeen emails about various stressful work- and finance-related events, and these things deflated the pleasantly optimistic bubble that forms around me on Thursdays. But looking at this photo, and showing it to you, returns a tiny piece of it.
At first I was dubious that I could see skins, no matter how well preserved, as beautiful or even as precious. But you are winning me over. I saw a live rose-breasted grosbeak on my afternoon walk today, but it didn’t ‘compete’ with your picture. In some ways the bird in the lab is of course better seen than one at a greater distance and in motion. And the careful treatment of the skin is coming to seem a way of honoring the individual bird, the species, and the world of living things as a whole. So I will be fine with the card of the Cooper’s hawk. Thanks for checking.
Honoring these birds is exactly what I feel like I’m doing, David. I’m glad that is how it comes across. I will send you the Cooper’s Hawk postcard with pleasure. Thanks so much for considering the question with such thoughtfulness.
Now that I’m in stasis, I’m excited to follow along!
So glad to have you here for the ride!