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mobbing
June 19th, 2007 under birds, the park. Comments: 1

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.commockingbirdmobbingamericankestrelthumbnail.jpg

And here’s a picture of a bottle of gin
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ambrosia
June 18th, 2007 under The Enthusiast, the park. Comments: none

I just took the dog out for a walk and for just a second the breeze came up from Riverside Park and brought with what I have been waiting for all spring: the intoxicating scent of Linden trees.
Then it disappeared.
But that means there will be more tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that…
I’m obsessed with Linden trees.
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