Human Watching

Just for fun

I watch the 

bird people

(birders, their

self-described

vocation, I

believe)

standing on the

sidewalk in front

of my house

staring through

their binoculars

at the mountain

visage across the

way – fun because

I watch their

watching through

my own binoculars

capturing them

for but a moment

in their ever-seeking

migratory pattern

stopped mid-flight

but for a moment

along this part 

of their annual trek

heads all turned in

the same direction

alert to possibilities

as unaware they are

that I stand behind

them, the glass

of a zoo – theirs

or mine – who can

say? – separating us

giving me the perfect

opportunity to study

them in repose

Every year round this time, folk come from I-do-not-know where, park alongside the road and into the road and huddle in groups seeking whatever bird has caught their fancy (I suspect it’s eagles they seek but wonder if it’s smaller varieties, since they seem to be looking as much at my neighbor’s bird-feeders as the mountain) with their binoculars, prompting someone to write the annual warning letter-to-the-editor in our local paper issuing the kind of statements you do to children, such as (1) you’re visiting, but I actually live here, so please try to be aware when you’re trekking on someone’s land and be polite about it, for example, by asking first; and my own favorite (2) please look both ways before you step into the road.

When I awoke this morning, I saw the usual spring gaggle of cars alongside the road (ignoring the several parking lots immediately adjacent to their location) and my first thought was that there must be a funeral at the Methodist Church and wondering who it might be.  But when I noted the absence of cars in the parking lots (where we actually park before parking alongside and into the road, fancy that!), I realized it must be something else and then noticed the collection of observers.  I sometimes think to go out and offer refreshment, but am fairly certain I wouldn’t be welcomed as noise, of course, startles birds away.  Alas, hospitality blunted by a conversation had only in my head.  But I have my story to tell about watching the watchers with my own binoculars.  It sure tickled me.