I’m always fascinated by watching large birds soar in the air. Is there anything so majestic? It makes me think of the story of when Merlin the Magician gave the future King Arthur the ability to fly. In the story, it takes Arthur awhile to figure out how to fly. By the time he could soar, Arthur’s small bird frame was spotted by the larger birds and he became their prey instead. Merlin wanted Arthur to see how large the land was and how country boundaries can’t be seen from the air. I’m not sure that was the message Arthur took away.
Maybe that’s why I love the big birds so much. They face few predators, and some have the ability to soar on the wind drafts for what seems forever. It really is majestic.
While camping, we were able to watch several birds in flight. Our favorites were the Great Blue Heron and the Green Heron. Both are beautiful birds on the ground. But when they take flight, it’s more than beautiful. It feels magical, and even majestic.
On our first afternoon at West Point Lake, a Great Blue Heron skimmed across the water right by our campsite. Sadly, I hadn’t even gotten my camera out yet. All I could do was watch in wonder.
Later, we sat on the boat deck and watched three Green Herons circling above. One finally landed at the top of the tree next to the boat ramp. I was close enough for a photo, but it’s not good.
Maybe that’s why birding, actually going out and seeing birds first-hand, is so unique. We see things that we don’t have the skill to capture, but are amazing.
Someone said to me just today that birding was kind of a scavenger hunt. She was absolutely right. It’s the best kind!
