I’m not exactly sure why but when I read, “the body knows how to die” something loosened, unraveled, softened in me. What a wondrous and obvious but still wondrous fact! Also, thank you for sharing some sweet bits about swifts. You have such a gentle, intelligent way of introducing these winged lovelies to us. There’s a marvelous event at a school yard in Portland every fall where hundreds of city folk gather on blankets to watch thousands of swifts gather like a storm cloud and funnel into the school’s chimney for an evening of rest. Everyone cheers as the last one finally flies in after an hour of innocent, simple spectatorship. I’ve never been so proud to be a Portlander than on those special evenings. I’ll share a video, I’m sure I can find one.
Hello, thanks for sharing this beautiful piece. I developed a deep desire to better understand the natural world and birds after reading some essays by Hadden Turner. I’m glad I’m found your newsletter. I’m newbie and just purchased a book on birds in Florida. I am looking forward to learn more by reading your posts. If you have any book recommendations, I’m always open ears. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
I love learning more about birds, Chloe. Birds are such important nurturing neighbors and companions in my every day life; the soaring sea birds, the nesting tree birds, the tiny wee birds rustling in the lilacs. I also welcome learning more about death, especially from your close at hand perspective. Death has moved into a closer presence for me now. So this is in fact a heaven sent combination for me. 💕
I’m not exactly sure why but when I read, “the body knows how to die” something loosened, unraveled, softened in me. What a wondrous and obvious but still wondrous fact! Also, thank you for sharing some sweet bits about swifts. You have such a gentle, intelligent way of introducing these winged lovelies to us. There’s a marvelous event at a school yard in Portland every fall where hundreds of city folk gather on blankets to watch thousands of swifts gather like a storm cloud and funnel into the school’s chimney for an evening of rest. Everyone cheers as the last one finally flies in after an hour of innocent, simple spectatorship. I’ve never been so proud to be a Portlander than on those special evenings. I’ll share a video, I’m sure I can find one.
Love this piece. Read it thrice. Thank you!
Lovely post - I didn’t know there was a bird called a “swift” - it makes total sense now that I know. Thank you
A Swift doing push-ups, fantastic! And saved that quote for future reference. It reminds me of the definition I heard the poet David Whyte use.
I lived two blocks from the school for 16 years and portlander’s never lost enthusiasm. https://youtu.be/gHgEAIK8P18?si=xj9HLqX8ycG6oBqx
Hello, thanks for sharing this beautiful piece. I developed a deep desire to better understand the natural world and birds after reading some essays by Hadden Turner. I’m glad I’m found your newsletter. I’m newbie and just purchased a book on birds in Florida. I am looking forward to learn more by reading your posts. If you have any book recommendations, I’m always open ears. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
I have been fortunate to work very closely with birds. Hope you swift gets to set sail soon, they don't travel alone.
I love learning more about birds, Chloe. Birds are such important nurturing neighbors and companions in my every day life; the soaring sea birds, the nesting tree birds, the tiny wee birds rustling in the lilacs. I also welcome learning more about death, especially from your close at hand perspective. Death has moved into a closer presence for me now. So this is in fact a heaven sent combination for me. 💕