Metaphors of Life Journal: Red Heads, White Eyes and an Elusive State of Grace

SONGS OF NATURE

Red Heads, White Eyes and an Elusive State of Grace

Hmmm, is it going to happen this time? Am I going to achieve that oh so elusive state of grace?

Passing through the Point Pelee National Park gates at 6:30 am. Not quite in the right headspace yet. Heavy clouds, cool and windy. So much for the forecast of sunny and warm. Don’t they ever get it right?

Let it go, Michael. Let it go. Clear your head for the Pelee state of mind.

At the nature center parking lot by 6:45 am. On the tram heading for the tip. Southern most point of mainland Canada. Best spot for rarities this time of year. Still mumbling, grumbling, muttering, sputtering about the damnable weather.

Let it go, Michael. Pelee state of mind.

Northern Parula calling – distinctive, rising zeeeeeee-up. Good sign. First of the season. Yellow warblers in abundance. Cheery little guys singing to beat the band. Couldn’t there be at least a bit of sun? Warbler watching in this light will be frustrating.

Let it go, Michael. Pelee state of mind.

Arrive at the drop off point. Stall a bit and let the crowds disperse. Take a breath – in and out. Relax. This is what you love to do. Up there – a flaming orange Northern Oriole. Yes, they’re common now but not any less spectacular. Is that a warbler? Damn, damn, damn this poor light.

Let it go, Michael. Pelee state of mind.

Slim pickings along the center boardwalk. So – no big wave came in overnight. Where are all those birds that were here during the week? Must have had a movement out last night. And damn poor viewing conditions for what is here.

Let it go, Michael. Pelee state of mind.

What are those people scurrying down the path to see? Ah, a Red-headed Woodpecker. Gorgeous bird! Thing are looking up. (Pardon the pun.) Starting to feel it now. Too bad about the cloud cover. But at least it isn’t raining.

Pelee state of mind. Let it come. Let it come.

Almost to the tip. Making conversation with Ray from Michigan. Finally a little hotspot.  Yellow-rumped Warbler (the butterbut)… Nashville Warbler… Red-eyed Vireo… Warbling Vireo…

Pelee state of mind. Creeping up my spine. Tingling the hairs on my neck.

What’s that one? Looks like a vireo… two white wing bars… yellow spectacles. Oh, better check the field guide. Looks good for a White-eyed Vireo!! And there’s the call: chick’-a-per-weoo-chick. No doubt about it now. This, oh yes this, is why I come to Pelee.

At last, I’m in the zone. The Pelee state of mind. You really have to be here to understand.

Point Pelee National Park for the May migration. My soul lets loose and gives itself over to the wonder of this place. All is as it should be now. I’ve crossed over into metaphor – the Pelee state of mind.

~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.comor the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog.

~ Follow Michael’s Metaphors of Life Journal aka Things That Make Me Go Hmmm regularly at this site. Categories: Shifting Winds, Sudden Light, Deep Dive, Songs of Nature, Random Acts of Metaphor. Originating at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog2.

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