First Bird of the New Year

It was early New Year's Day morning in Guadalajara and all was quiet, finally.   Tradition calls for families to gather for all night street parties in this busy city.  Cooking starts on grills in the late afternoon of New Year's Eve as people gather with more food, music, kids and dogs.  A great time is had by all, and the best thing for visitors to do is simply enjoy the spectacle.

When peaceful morning arrived, I opened the door to the beautiful walled garden outside our room to see what birds had ventured out early, like me.

Many of us have special ways of kicking off the new year.  Resolutions, plans and wishes seem more doable with a clean slate ahead.  A tradition for many birders is to make a point of noting the first bird seen on New Year's Day.   This can be a relatively predictable  ritual if you're at home - robins, sparrows -  and an adventure if you're not.

 As I walked out into the bursting greenery, two little Inca Doves scuttled to safety through the low-growing azaleas near the fountain.  Great first bird!

Inca Doves are small tropical doves, about the size of a robin.  They are dainty, graphite-colored little birds easily found in tropical America.  A closer look reveals that each feather is softly outlined in a darker grey, giving the dove a delicate, scalloped look.  And when they fly, lovely red underwings flash in the light.

The thing about the first bird of the year is that it can help you set the tone for the coming year.  Doves are seen around the world as a symbol of peace, but they carry even deeper meanings.  Doves represent harmony and hope by being a uniting force.   Think of the soft call- cooing - of doves.  It's a calming and soothing sound.  Doves form large flocks and are comfortable living among people  all around the world.  Every  park and plaza in Mexican towns and cities has its dove contingent, industriously dot-dotting along, avoiding kids and dogs and finding good things to peck up in the grass.

So, more harmony, optimism and tolerance - some good goals for the new year.

Being at home could mean that that first bird sighted might turn out to be (heaven forbid) a starling.  Well, don't despair- take a deeper look.  Starlings are survivors.  They are bossy, fearless and strong, and will chase away predators.   Not bad attributes to have on tap.

As the new year begins to gain momentum, take a minute to consider all of those we share this earth with.  The birds and other critters have a lot to offer us, if we are willing to slow down and look a little deeper.