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It's late afternoon and I am sitting here immersed in a new discovery. I came to the Honolulu zoo this afternoon and found, quite by accident, one of the most serene places I have experienced in years. Relaxing on an old wooden bench, I am surrounded by some of the most unique species of exotic bird life to be found anywhere. Instead of putting the birds in cages, they fly freely in a huge outside aviary and it is we who come into their environment to visit them. The birds are accustomed to human visitors and will approach you on their terms. As I write this, I am being visited by a rare African Crimson Bee-Eater. He, or perhaps she, has calmly walked up to within about two or three feet of where I am sitting and we are casually contemplating one another. The bird seems completely unimpressed by this experience. I, on the other hand, am captivated by the encounter. About the time it looks like the Bee-Eater and I are ready to enter into serious discussions we are rudely interrupted by a rather raucous Hammercop... marvelous creatures. The word seems to have gotten around that a new human has come calling, for there now seems to be a rush to see who can greet me first. One particularly beautiful species of Plover just dropped a little semi-liquid calling card very near my shoe. The Hammercop, not to be outdone by this black and white upstart, has decided to take up the challenge, and delivers an impressive squirt at least a foot long. An inspiring performance Most of my new friends are beginning to wonder off... having satisfied themselves that I am no different than hundreds of other similar creatures they have encountered in the past...except for the Plover. The Plover and I seem to be connected in some way. She cocks her head curiously from side-to-side, taking the measure of this intruder. She seems to decide that I am benign and perhaps even worthy of getting to know better. This pleases me. I have decided to call my friend Penelope, for she has an undeniably gentle and feminine countenance. Penelope is as attractive a lady as any man could wish for. Long shapely legs, formed to perfection, and dramatic plumage, which runs from virginal white to sinful black. Metallic silver bands edge her wings. She would be suitably attired for a Hollywood premier. Her eyes are bright red and this splash of color, coming from an elegant monochromatic theme, is stunning. Penelope is a bit if a flirt. She prances around ruffling and preening like a teenage girl trying to impress her first young suitor. I am putty in her hands. I can feel the exciting rush of possibilities…and I think she can too. Alas, it was not to be. Like other such episodes in my life, this relationship came to an abrupt halt when a passing zookeeper yelled, "Zoo closes in five minutes!"
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Copyright 2005: Thom Reece is a copywriter, marketing strategist, and web site developer. He lives on the Big Island and has written extensively about his adventures in Hawaii and the South Pacific. www.kauhawaii.com
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