This evening when I walked the dog, there was what could charitably called a briney smell coming from the river. Well, I’m feeling charitable, so I will call it that. Then I walked up the little hill, made the turn at the playground, admired the white billowy hyrangeas and then…between 81st and 80th…the Linden trees! The blooms have arrived. I declare today Linden Tree Day!
And as I stood there drinking in the scent, I noticed a bird in another kind of tree (an acacia? maybe) screaming and screeching. It was wiggling its tail like a mockingbird, but it was backlit and I couldn’t see it very well and I’ve never heard a mockingbird make such bizarre buzzing noises. It was freakin’ out, man. Then it flew back and forth a few times between two trees and I saw that it was definately a mockingbird. And then, I saw the red tailed hawk just sitting there, motionless. The mockingbird was mobbing the red-tailed hawk, the linden trees were in bloom and Hector found a big stick to carry home. When we got back there was the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the lobby. And now I am having a big drink containing gin with its own lovely juniper perfume. HAPPY LINDEN TREE DAY!! It is my favorite holiday of the year.

Here’s a picture of a mockingbird mobbing a kestrel from www.richard-seaman.com

And here’s a picture of a bottle of gin

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