Talking ‘Bird’ (Letter to the Editor)

I had to chuckle when I read your August ’09 “Vacation” Editor’s Letter. Since our neighborhood dove lost his mate, he perches atop the chimney and calls for his partner most evenings. Hoping the neighbors won’t suspect, I pretend to garden and keep my response low.

When great-granddaughter Sophia visited from Colorado, we sat on the patio and waited until the mourning dove appeared. Sophia was astonished when the dove answered my call and asked me to teach her to “talk bird.” A week later I received an e-mail from her mother after their return home. “Yesterday evening we were outside and heard a dove. Sophia said, ‘Mom, listen, it’s Grandma Rita. Her bird came to visit us.’”

I replied: “Sophia, I am so glad my dove came to visit you. Did you answer his call? He must remember you from your visit. I’ll look for him this evening. He may have a message for me from you.”

“Grandma, The message is ‘I love you,’ Sophia.”

“Sophia, it took three days for the dove to arrive. Remember how long it took mom to drive to Little Rock? He will rest for a few days and I’ll return your sweet message. P.S.: Teach mom and Caleb ‘bird talk’ so they can send messages, too.”

Just thought you’d be glad to know you are not the only one who talks “bird.”

-Fondly,
Rita Goodgame