by James Ebb Huggins, Jr.

Our First Meeting

I was field checking the Hiking Trail Map a while back and was moving westbound through an overgrown clearing when a swarm of 20 or so something's came up and proceeded east, right through, over and around me. They flew about 25 feet and secured themselves in the tall prairie grass. I was startled at first and though they were bumble bees but soon recognized them as small Quail. Then I noticed a larger Quail about ten feet in front of me struggling to move westbound. She appeared to have an injured wing. I continued toward the west and she stayed about the same distance in front of me. Finally she recovered and flew away.  I then recognized that I had frightened a covey of quail and the mother was going through the old "crippled wing" act in order to lead me away from her little ones. I had met Mother Bird.

Lessons Learned

Why did this experience impress me so? Consider the following.
1.  How clever she is to fake injury in order to divert my attention to her, and away from her little ones.
2.  How brave she must be to put herself in danger for her little ones.
3.  What a good teacher she must be to train the little ones to react in such an organized manner.
4.  How disciplined the little ones were to follow her instructions with such precision.
I did not see this but I bet the little ones camouflaged themselves and remained motionless until she gave them the all clear signal.

I could learn a lot more from Mother Bird, if I would just listen.

Mother Bird

Mother Bird is not a make believe character. She is real and She is everywhere. How do I know?  Because I believe in her. In fact, I feel that she is an Angel assigned to me because she always seems to know what to say, what to do, how to act, and when to be gentle or get tough. Yes, she can be real tough. How do I know? Because she has straightened me out many times. She has the full support of her Boss and she uses this authority, with authority.  I don't think I could get along without her.  Perhaps we all need to find our own, "Mother Bird".
 

The Little Easter Bird

I was doing a little yard maintenance around our home the other day and found it difficult not to pay attention to all the birds singing.  There was just about every kind of bird sound one could think of.  I mentioned this fact to Mother Bird and she says that Little Bird is responsible for most of the beautiful music and that he was preparing to put on a special solo performance this coming Easter Morning.  Kind of a Sunrise Service thing she said.

I noted that there were lots of birds around so I ask her which bird was she talking about.  She reminded me that Little Bird was the one that sang a little better, and a little louder, each Easter Morning.  She went on to say that he was the one that was the runt of the covey with the beautiful bird voice and the one that could not remember what he had just sung so never sang a song over again.  He did not follow after his father in the reproduction business but had taken up teaching music instead. He was responsible for the beautiful sounds coming from all the other birds that morning.

Mother Bird said that Little Bird had done quiet well in the teaching business but had one complaint. He thought that since he had instructed all the other birds in "bird singing 101", that he deserved more respect from humans than he was getting. Specifically, he had a problem with a rabbit getting all the attention during Easter season. Other than being cute and cuddly, what did a rabbit have to offer to the Easter scene?  They could reproduce rapidly but could not sing a note. And how many eggs has a rabbit laid lately?  Birds ability to produce naturally colored eggs is a lot more--Easter like.  In fact, he thinks that an Easter Bird icon would be more appropriate than Easter Bunny one. It seemed to make sense to me so I assured Mother Bird that I would do my best to help her, and Little Bird, get the word out about his concern.

So, if you happen to notice one little bird just after sunrise this Easter Morning performing a little better than the others, but never singing the same song twice, you will know that "The Little Easter Bird" is providing the music for your celebration.
 

 A New Beginning

The Little Easter Bird's Sunrise Service this morning was glorious and, except for some apprehension, went off with clockwork accuracy.  Anxiety first appeared when The Little Easter Bird's part of the service was not listed on the program.  Also of concern was the fact that there were amplified speakers posted everywhere, except where he was to perform.  How could anyone know that he was to be the one that would highlight the season of rebirth.

The service was conducted in an amphitheater at the resting place of some of my many dear friends.  The congregation faced east into a slight hillside, and the rising sun, where the choir and podium were located. On top of the hill stood three crosses, one a little taller than the others, and right next to a Dogwood Tree. As the ceremony began, the speakers blasted with beautiful organ music, singing, and meaningful messages. How could The Little Easter Bird, with no microphone connection to the amplified speakers, possibly be heard?

As the program raced toward it's conclusion, I wondered if The Little Easter Bird's part had been deleted.  It would be such a shame, considering the work he put into it and how much he was looking forward to being a part of such a significant presentation. Then, right after the message and before the final prayer, there were several moments of silence. Nothing could be heard, except The Little Easter Bird, perched on top of the tallest cross, right next to the Dogwood Tree, singing out with all his might. All eyes went to the cross.

The Little Easter Bird had certainly emphasized the meaning and significance of the moment -- rebirth was certainly at hand.

The Dogwood Tree
by James Ebb Huggins, Jr.

The Dogwoods are blooming at the Bellvue Ranch,
With lovely white blossoms covering each sculptured branch,
And I'm thankful for the blessing to once more to see,
The miracle of rebirth, on display for me.

It happens each year about this time,
When birds sing freely about life's rhyme,
And about how promising rebirth can be,
When experienced along side, a Dogwood Tree.

Yes, the Dogwoods are blooming and all is good.
New life springs up as He said it would.
Each blossom a symbol for all to see.
A rebirth reminder, from the Dogwood Tree.

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