A Happy Easter to all of you!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
I just heard the news that Pope Francis went home to God today, the Monday after Easter. We remember him in special prayer and thank God for his goodness and leadership. I will certainly write more about this beloved Pope in the weeks to come. May he rest in peace. Amen.
For my Easter reflection I am focusing on birds. Why? First, when we think of birds we think of eggs. The early Christians saw eggs as a symbol of Jesus’ Resurrection. Just as chicks emerge from hard shells, so Jesus cracked open the sealed tomb on Easter morning. Decorating eggs at Easter is still a venerable tradition for many people. Secondly, spring is the time of year when we, in the northern hemisphere, welcome back our migrating birds with great joy and enthusiasm. They seemed gone forever, but now they are back! The disciples on the road to Emmaus, thought Jesus was gone forever–but they soon learned he was not only back, he was in their midst!
That’s why I decided to write about birds for Easter. And when I think of birds, I automatically think of my niece Melannie. (Yes, she’s named after me). For Melannie is an avid birder–not merely a bird watcher (someone who is a casual observer of birds.) She’s not an orthinologist either (someone who researches birds as their profession.) To find out what birding is all about, I interviewed my niece.
First a little background. Melannie earned a doctorate in ecology from Colorado State University, where she has worked for 32 years. She and her husband Mike live in Boulder, Colorado and enjoy hiking and camping together with their 4-year old Border Collie/Australian Cattle dog mix named Loki. Loki means “god of mischief.” Melannie says he is aptly named! Ever since Melannie was a little girl, she was drawn to nature. In my mind I cherish images of her about four years old excitedly picking strawberries with my dad. She’s wearing a little red babushka and carrying a small pail. Later, when she was about ten, I see her sitting at the picnic table with my dad examining the pile of rocks and stones she had carefully collected. Melannie was always looking for fossils, arrowheads, and unusual rocks. With that brief introduction to her, let’s hear what this birder has to say about birding.
When and how did you first get interested in birds?
I developed an interest in birds when I was a kid. Mom had a bird feeder outside our big picture window in the living room.
Did any particular person encourage your birding?
When I was about 30, I went on a birding field trip in Fort Collins. I was the only one to show up. The expert, a professor at CSU, started pointing out the birds in the area. Almost immediatly he identified two species wading in the creek, a greater and lesser yellowlegs. I had never heard of these species. That’s when I realized there were a lot of birds where I lived, and I hadn’t noticed them before. I have been hooked on birding ever since.
What role does birding play in your life?
Watching and seeking out birds is relaxing and meditative for me. I get so focused on birds, I forget about stressful things I have been ruminating about. I spend hours each week watching birds in my backyard. I have 5-6 feeders and I spend quite a bit of money at two small local businesses that sell bird seed and feeders.
Birding expands my horizons. I have traveled to other countries–like Guatemala and Panama–to see birds I have never seen before. While there I visit historic sites and I learn about the culture of the people who live there. There are companies that organize birding trips around the world. They take care of all the logistics and provide expert guides.
Birds are just about everywhere, so wherever I travel, I always look forward to seeing the birds in that area. The birds add excitement even to areas some may consider ordinary. I’ve also met lots of people through birding. Starting conversations with others is easy when they’re carrying a pair of binoculars. Birders have a connection, not only because of their mutual love for birds, but also because we share many other values as well–such as care and concern for the environment. Even when I travel solo on a birding trip, I feel confident I’ll meet people I’ll enjoy being with.
Do you keep lists of some of the birds you’ve seen personally?
Yes, I have different lists: birds I’ve seen in my lifetime, in this calendar year, in my yard, on vacation, and on each birding trip.
What’s one of the most exciting birds you’ve ever seen–and why was it so exciting for you?
The Atlantic Puffin. In 2015 I spent a week at Hog Island, Maine, to attend a weeklong ornithology class. Before I went, I read a book entitled Puffin Project which was about the efforts to re-establish Atlantic Puffins off the coast of Maine. During my time on Hog Island, we took a boat trip to one of the other islands where reintroduction had commenced. When I saw my first Atlantic Puffin flying, I had tears in my eyes. Seeing any bird for the first time is exciting for a birder, but given that I had anticipated seeing this bird for so long, traveled a long way to see it, and had read about all the challenges of re-establishing its populations, my first sighting felt extra special.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about birding?
Birding nourishes my love for science… I just counted six birding apps on my iPhone… It is astonishing to think how far many birds migrate each year. The bird in my yard in the summer may have traveled to South America and back since the previous year… Birds do not have easy lives, finding food and avoiding dangers. For me, each bird is a miracle!
The photo on the right is Melannie in Bandon, Oregon standing beside Cosmo, a Tufted Puffin–not to be confused with the Atlantic Puffin. Cosmo is made out of “sea trash!” Every part of the sculpture is made from the trash collected on the nearby beach. (There’s a “resurrection” theme here: how trash can be “resurrected” into a work of art!) Nothing was painted. Here’s the link that tells the story of how and why Cosmo was fashioned. It’s truly remarkable (with lots of pictures) and I think you’ll enjoy it! Melannie has never seen a live Tufted Puffin, but I bet it’s on her wish list.
The Making of Cosmo the Tufted Puffin
For reflection:
Did anything stand out for you in what Melannie said about birding?
Are you a birder or a bird watcher? If so, why?
Have you ever had a memorable experience with a bird in the wild?
Do you see any relationship between birding and prayer or everyday spirituality?
Don’t forget to enter the contest to identify the bird at the bird feeder on the right side of this reflection! Write your guess in the comments below. Two “valuable” prizes could be yours!
GUESS WHAT: We have a winner already!!! In fact TWO winners. Check our Marty’s and Charlene’s comments below! Congratulations to them! The reason I’m giving TWO prizes is this. When I checked my blog earlier this morning, Charlene’s comment was listed–but not Marty’s. When I checked just now, I see Marty’s comment is now shown and it comes before Charlene’s. Who knows which one actually came first. The times listed for their postings are NOT accurate… Who knows why. So I’ve decided to award two prizes. Charlene even gives us the little Easter legend associated with this bird–and tells why its head is red!
I went back to my childhood for today’s Easter song. It is “Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise” written by a priest, Edward Caswell (1814-1878). I was in the children’s choir at my home parish, and this was my favorite song to sing at Easter. It was one song the parish sang with gusto. I also remember standing next to my mother on Easter and listening to her lovely alto voice. The song conjures up many fond images of certain parishioners from my childhood. As I listened to different versions of this song to select one for this blog, I found myself once again getting “goose bumps” over this hymn.
You are welcome to share a comment below about the reflection, the photos, Cosmo’s story, and/or the video. Thank you!
29 Responses
What a fascinating topic to choose for your blog. Melannie must be a wonderful person to talk with. As for Cosmo the tufted puffin, it’s amazing how artists can make incredible art with trash-like objects.
I think the bird at the feeder in the picture is a goldfinch, but not an American one. It seems to be from the UK. See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/goldfinch. I wouldn’t have known it by just seeing it, though. So maybe that doesn’t count.
I love birds, but I am not a birder.At least not yet. I just have a few bird friends that are willing to put up with me as a slow learner and teach me a few things.
Hi Melannie, the bird is a European goldfinch, love this reflection and I too am an avid birder like your niece. Birds are my specialty!
So glad your niece is too! I pray a lot with the birds.
European goldfinch is the bird you are asking to be identified! It is a very colorful bird! My favorite bird is the Swallow-tailed kite that I see I Florida! I call it my “spirit” bird.
I wanted to add that I pray with the birds every day. They keep me on track with all of creation. You should check out the book Ornitherapy!
Have an awesome day!
Marty, Congratulations! You are one of my winners for correctly identifying the European Goldfinch. You have won a treat for yourself and for your bird friends. Check out Charlene’s comment below. She’s the co-winner! And she even tells the legend of the bird’s associaton with Jesus on the cross… Thanks for writing! Melannie
Annie, The “official” name of the bird is the European Goldfinch. Yes, I see it is sometimes referred to as the U.K. goldfinch, but its habitat is far beyond the U.K. In fact, I read where this bird has been spotted in parts of Wisconsin and Illinois too. Thanks for entering the contest though! I appreciate your great interest in nature! Melannie
I don’t know it’s significance for Easter though.
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
Happy Easter Monday! When I think of birders, I think of “paying attention,” and when I think of paying attention, I think of Mary Oliver, who wrote, “I don’t know exactly what prayer is,/I do know how to pay attention…” (“The Summer Day”). Your dear niece is using her “one wild and precious life” to pay attention to God’s creation, specifically those He created on the fifth day. That’s beautiful!
PS: Melannie, ask Melannie if she’s watched “The Residence” on Netflix. The show is great fun, and the detective is an avid birder!
I like to see the bluebirds soaring around my village. It gives me hope.
Happy Easter Monday!
May Pope Francis Rest In Peace
Good job well and faithful servant
Thank you for your leadership
Prayers for the church and Pope Francis successor.
This looks to be a male European goldfinch. Goldfinches are symbolic of the passion and resurrection of Jesus and are often seen in artworks. There is also a legend that a goldfinch took a thorn from Jesus’ crown, which caused the red stain on its face.
Your reflection took me back to my childhood. I learned about birds from my Gram, who would sit in her porch in our small town and teach me not only about birds (she was the birder, I’m a birdwatcher) but about life. I’ve often said her porch was the “church” for many people….everyone was welcome and everyone was treated with love and compassion. If anyone lived the Gospel values it was my Gram.
Charlene, Congratulations! Your are the co-winner of the contest! Yes, it’s the European goldfinch. And yes, the legend says this bird removed one of the thorns from Jesus’ crown of thorns as he hung on the cross–and a drop of Jesus’ blood fell onto its little head. Thank you for writing–and I’ll be contacting you and Marty soon to be able to mail you your gifts! Melannie
Goldfinch
I started paying attention to birds while walking my neighborhood during the COVID lockdown. They seemed to be more plentiful since cars and humans were less active. A neighbor (6 feet away) introduced me to the Western Tanager. Beautiful bird with red and yellow head! It’s said to symbolize hope and happiness as well as being a spirit guide leading to new beginnings. Just what I needed during the pandemic!
Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
Dear Sister,
In 1960, while in the US Navy, sailing from Christchurch NZ to McMurdo Sound in the Antarctic, an Albatross flew into our slip stream and remained with us for several days. Exactly when she arrived or left I can not pin point. Two things were in my thoughts at that time: (1) The majesty of God’s creation, and (2) being at sea, the thought of Coleridge’s poem. “. . . Ancient Mariner. Thank you for bringing that back to mind.
My prayers go out for Pope Francis and for the College of Cardinals in their quest to choose his successor.
Jack M
Sr. Melannie,
What a beautiful post for Easter! I did some birdwatching while visiting my daughter in Florida and really loved it.
It’s just one example of God’s beautiful creation. I enjoyed reading about your niece and her birding experiences. Being in tune with nature can’t help but bring us closer to God.
The Easter song you chose is also my favorite one bringing back happy memories.
I looked up the bird and found it to be a European goldfinch but didn’t know its significance for Easter until reading the post by Charlene. How interesting!
Cardueils beautiful. Love birds, love your blog.
Good morning this Easter Monday,
I’m a cradle Catholic of 81 years and have never heard that hymn before, though I have many fond memories of pre-Vatican II church rituals, hymns, etc.
I am sad at Pope Francis’ passing, even though I knew it could be at any time. He was such a beacon of light to our church and the world. I hope and pray they find another loving, kind one to fill his shoes.
Birds really bring a sort of joy even when not seen…..their chirps/tweets are calls of God, I think. I don’t pay a lot of attention to them, I must admit, even though I believe they are the presence of God with wings…..it would be fascinating to be a birder…..my hat’s off to all those who are!
May we find Hope in our winged friends, in this sometimes dismal world we are presented with.
Mary
I too love to watch and listen to the birds. I use an app called Merlin Bird I’d…it listens to the birds chirping in your area and then tells you what they are. My grandkids and I love it…once we identify the birds with the app… we try to spot them in the yard. Fun!!!!
I want to thank you for this lovely hymn which I always find myself singing as I leave church on Easter Sunday. I asked my pianist to play it for me after the Easter Vigil.
And thank you Sr. Melanie for your blog. I always look forward to it on Monday.
Wishing a blessed Easter Season to all. What a beautiful time to be called home to heaven for Pope Francis. So good of our Father in heaven to relieve him from his earthly suffering.
I love watching birds, they’re quite remarkable creatures. Although I was afraid of birds when I was little due to some mean & protective barn swallows in our garage. I find them peaceful and fun to watch now. I have a large shrub outside one of my dining room windows where cardinals & robins build nests. I watch & pray with them in the mornings while eating breakfast. I reflect frequently about Christ’s teaching us to watch birds of the air and flowers in the field and to learn from them.
It is startling how much your niece Melannie resembles her Grandmother Mildred! She sounds like a gifted young woman living a gifted life. Thanks for sharing the song video, also my favorite Easter anthem which was our closing hymn at Mass yesterday.
Our family of 20 is proud to have Jim and Charlie, birders since 2011 .
California residents, they travelled to Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine also Costa Rico, Panama, Belize, Peru, and Brazil.
Charlie ( Cal Davis ecology major grad) works for ecol firm and he monitors
wind turbine farms and collects bird carcasses in northern Calif.
As a toddler he looked under rocks for beetles, etc, then newts, as a boy, with a professor at St. Mary’s College searched for them together in wetlands.
Marilyn Woidat
European Gold Finch. I will never see this bird in person because I live in Wisconsin and do not fly. Thank you for introducing me to a bird I knew nothing about until today! And thank you also for your wonderful comments, stories, and inspiration!
I am not so good on remembering names of rare birds, but i think this is a White nosed embarrassed crook in a white hoodie.
Peace and Blessings,
Thank you for your life Pope Francis.
Pat Mahoney
Pat, I appreciated your creativity and humor! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face! Melannie
G’morning Sister and a Blessed Easter season to all!
My Mom was a bird watcher, she had many encounters with birds on her farm. I remember the joy in her voice when she called to tell me about a baby wren that landed on her hat while she was weeding in the flowers below the birdhouse! As for me, hearing the excitement in my dear husband’s voice the first time he saw a nuthatch walking upside-down on a tree still makes me smile. And once when I was tying twine for a pea trellis, a young oriole landed close by to help herself to loose strands of the twine to make a nest.
Yes birds are a gift from our Lord and often messengers of His Peace.
With prayers for Pope Francis and his successor,
Vicki
Happy Easter Sister Melannie,
Thank you for your blog every week! It always gives me new insights to life.
I wish I could be a birder. I do love watching them. We have a number of birds that migrate through Central Illinois. All of a sudden our small yard will be filled with a whole flock for a little while and then off they go on their journey in the spring and the fall.
And I hope and pray too that they will find another loving, kind Pope to fill Pope Francis’s shoes.
Thank you for the song. We haven’t been in a church for a LONG time that had a wonderful choir (or in some cases, a choir at all) so hearing that hymn touched my heart deeply. I really like it – and the choir singing this version was just marvelous. That song “makes” Easter for me – so thank you again.
I love birds, got the love of birds from my Dad, he knew all birds by their singing. Just this morning I got a great picture of a small flock of geese on my early morning walk.
Thank you for your nieces input on birds.
Hope your Easter was great!
This is a late entry but ties in with Easter. The night before Easter my 5 year old granddaughter says the following prayer
“Jesus, I’m sorry you had to die, but I’m glad you’re OK now”!
Such a heartfelt little prayer