path: root/dialogues/scarlet-tanager.txt

We had a couple camps in Tennessee where Summer Tanagers were regular visitors, chirping away in the woods even if we couldn't see them. One day I was sitting outside, drinking coffee and trying to work, but really watching birds a bit more than working. I saw a red streak up in a tree. I'd been watching the Summer tanagers for days, I almost didn't grab my binoculars to look, but I'm a birder, no bird is every boring, so I did. And you know what? It was a Summer Tanager with black wings. Wait, that's not right. Not a Summer Tanager. A Scarlet Tanager, probably the most singularly striking bird I've ever seen.

Not only did I get a new bird, but it was a good reminder from nature -- never assume, never make the mistake of thinking the world is what you think it is. It is, independent of you, though you are part of it. Pay attention and it will show itself.