Why Bird?

It is a wonderful feeling to have the opportunity to give someone "the perfect gift."  It never coincides with a special occasion.  It usually happens at odd times when you stumble across something that you just know so-and-so will absolutely love.  So you have to give the gift right away because you want that person to be as excited as you are.  I recently had such an opportunity.  I saw something that I just knew a fellow blogger would love and appreciate.  It was something small, but her response was just as I had hoped.  Janis, is a lover of all things Americana and rustic. A photo of that gift now adorns her Blog.  I am pretty sure she liked it!  Check it out at http://www.asthecrowflies-raven.blogspot.com/.


Now back to "Why Bird?"  If you have read Ar's post from yesterday, (which I have not) you know that we were each the recipient of "the perfect gift."  (I know she blogged about it because I see there is a picture of the gift on her post.)  What constitutes "the perfect gift" is, of course, different for everyone.   This gift is perfect for me for several reasons.   First of all, I have never seen a book quite like this one.  There have been many books written on Where to Bird, or When to Bird, or How to Bird.  This book, written by a birder of more than thirty years, explores the joys that birders have birding, which answers the question, "Why Bird?"  Secondly, it is written and illustrated beautifully.  It reminds me of my grade school text books. (And as the giver of this gift knows, I love text books!)  Thirdly, it arrived unexpectedly, just like the beautiful spring day we were enjoying in mid-March.  Lastly, and most importantly, the giver of the gift is a loyal friend and a kindred spirit.  I know she would be birding with us if we were not seperated by six or seven hundred miles.  She knows me well and I know this was truly a gift of the heart.  Many, many thanks to Kristyn and hubby Patrick.  I will cherish it always.  I look forward to the time when we can all bird together.