I would be a peacock, the male member of the bird known as peafowl. On the surface I am proud and arrogant, but underneath I am shy and guarded. Besides that, I dig their fancy clothes. They remind me of a Nehru jacket, like one my grandmother gave me when I was six years old. I refer to the Blue India peacocks for this appearance.

There are many different kinds of peacocks, Blue Indias are probably the ones people are most familiar with. There are also Black Shoulder Peafowl, they have the blue feathers on their head and neck, and black ones on their shoulders. Java Greens are also lovely, but are less tolerant of colder weather. Cameo peafowl, Pied, and Whites, are also gorgeous birds.

As young birds the males are not as attractive as they are after their first year, and in subsequent years their tails are longer than the year before. It is cruel to pull out their tail feathers. This is a behavior often seen in children, and sadly encouraged by their parents. Peacocks have blood vessels that run into their feathers. If a feather falls out on its’ own, that is fine to pick up, but to yank one out of a bird is mean and hurtful.

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I would be a Blue Jay, and this has nothing to do with the Canadian baseball team. On the surface I am cocky and sometimes get into confrontations, but underneath I am just wanting to spread happiness and be happy. Since childhood, the sight of a Blue Jay hoping through the snow on a winters day, has always brought me happiness. They bring a little bit of color and exuberance into a dreary winters day. They amuse cats too, although the cats may not see it that way. Actually I think cats think of a Jay as the prize they can never have.

There are other types of Jays, including the Steller’s Jay and the Scrub Jay. Like us, these birds are omnivores, they eat nuts, fruits, and seeds, as well as insects, birds eggs, and mice. A lot of people, including myself, enjoy putting out peanuts for the Blue Jays and squirrels, to see who wins the battle of the brains, as both are rather clever. In fact Blue Jays are considered a rather intelligent bird. They are native to North America.

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I would be a Great Horned Owl, one of several night time birds. On the surface I am quiet and still, but underneath I am intelligent and observant. Also, like most birds of prey, they cannot swim, and neither can I. Owls are special birds, always present, but seldom seen, yet they are a powerful night time predator.

Great Horned owls are one of many owl species. They make many different calls, not just the familiar “hoo-hoo” usually associated with owls. They will pursue medium sized game such as raccoons, ducks, or skunks. They are easily distinguished from other owl species by they large size and ear tufts. They have a wide range over most of North America.
Although I cannot stay up as late as I used to in my youth, I am sure the owl sees wonderful things in its’ provocative night time world. A world that is totally different than our daytime one.

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I would “like” to be a diamond dove. I would like to be able to find peace within myself. To sit quietly singing my own song of joy, and not be forced to conform to a world that is not always of my choosing.

Diamond doves are small birds, beloved for their soft “coo” song.

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