Gulls with Geese

Waterbird Mixer

"Birds of a feather flock together," except for when they flock with birds largely unlike themselves. Canada Geese and gulls share the lawn at Penitencia Creek Park located at the bottom of San Jose's eastern foothills. Remember, when you flock among birder friends and associates, do not spout the old "two birds with one stone" saw. Bird lovers frown upon it. Binoculars, cameras, sketchpads, and naked eyes, yes! Stones, BB guns and slingshots, no! While we are on the subject of bird inspired proverbs, two birds in the bush is very fine. Identify this bush, sneak up close to this bush and catch a glimpse of the birds. Yes, some people will stare at you. What colors do you see? What are the birds exclaiming from the bush? Birds of a size often flock together, but that just won't cut it as a popular saying. Little birds like chickadees and titmice all in brisk cheeping cliques defy our cute saying. Or else birds of a common habitat and habits flock together like these geese and gulls. Birds will be birds and don't bother themselves too much with our generalizations about them. What do they do? We can find out by stepping outside and watching them. We may observe something new or puzzling about their lives.