Photo by Trudy Snope
Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow – Reed Markham
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Today is National Bluebird of Happiness Day. Talk to people who love birds (birders) in Maryland and you will find they love Eastern Bluebirds. They (the Bluebirds, not people) have a pleasing personality have been described in myth and legend as universal symbols of love, transition, and happiness. An Eastern Bluebird’s song is a series of soft yet vigorous, staccato bursts of happiness.
Sometimes parents boggle the adolescent mind. During my youth, my Dad volunteered to monitor a bluebird trail.
“Why do that...?”
In the 1970s, the bluebird population had declined by estimates ranging to 70%. In response the North American Bluebird Society (NABS) was formed and bluebirds made a comeback largely attributed to volunteers monitoring bluebird trails.
According to the Maryland Bluebird Society, “A bluebird trail is a series of bluebird boxes placed along a prescribed route.” These are monitored by humans. What do they monitor? According to NABS (note - brackets are mine):
It is very important that bluebird nestboxes [like children] be actively monitored (checked) at least once a week.
Bluebirds [like children] are tolerant of humans, and will not abandon a nestbox that is properly monitored.
Monitoring [like parenting] increase the chances of success for bluebirds using the box.
Monitoring [like parenting] will alert you to problems caused by predators and competitors.
My father loves bluebirds and in a sense, by monitoring, he raised them and provided them a home. He was just doing what he did for me.
Did you notice the bluebird in the Taste the Food logo? Build you own Bluebird Trail, monitor the ones you love, and Live Healthy, Learn Freely, and Share a Story.
September 24 is National Bluebird of Happiness Day. Who brings you happiness? Share a story.
