If only dreams would come true

Did you ever have a dream where you were flying? Most people have either been asked that question or have asked it themselves. As for me, I cannot remember having a flying dream in quite some time. Then again, I rarely remember my dreams, or much of anything. Still, I sometimes wake up sprawled on the floor, so I probably do and just do not recall it.

So where is this going? I will explain. Among my outdoor pursuits, I am a bird enthusiast. Between my house and my neighbor Ben Turner’s, there are at least 50 bird feeders. We have a friendly competition to see who can attract the most unusual species, including painted and indigo buntings, hummingbirds and other colorful birds. Since a lightning strike hit a 100-foot pine tree next to my house, I have had the upper hand.

Last year, a pair of Mississippi kites nested in that tree. This year, I have had a close view of a pair of pileated woodpeckers. They carved out a cavity and now have two fledglings that are nearly ready to leave the nest. Each day, I watch the parents share feeding duties. When they land, the young birds stretch out their heads and call loudly for food. Watching this routine has led me to wonder what it would be like to be a bird.

The answer likely depends on the species. Consider the pileated woodpecker, one of the largest in North America. It does not peck lightly. It strikes trees with force, sending wood chips flying. If I were one, I imagine I would be hard to ignore in the forest.

Now consider the hummingbird. Constant motion defines its existence. It darts in every direction, driven by the search for nectar and the defense of feeding territory. The pace alone would be exhausting.

A pelican offers another perspective. It spends much of the day searching for fish, then dives from significant heights to catch its prey. The impact with the water can be intense, and success is not guaranteed. It is a demanding routine.

Thinking about these differences raises other questions. Are there birds that fear heights? For young birds, leaving the nest for the first time must be a challenge. The fledgling woodpeckers I have been watching are perched high above the ground. At some point, they will have to make that first flight. It is a critical moment.

I may not often dream about flying, but I do think about what it might be like. There are clear advantages, but also challenges. Observing birds up close offers a glimpse into both.

Collins Doughtie is a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, is a sportsman, graphic artist, and lover of nature. collinsdoughtie@icloud.com.