No Really, I'm not Crazy!

A few years ago, in the heart of a dense and mysterious forest, I encountered a bird like no other. She was a creature of wonder, her feathers rich and warm like the golden hues of a freshly minted penny.  She was, in fact, a ruffed grouse, but I decided to name her Penny the pet Partridge.

"One wild and stormy afternoon, the winds howled fiercely, and the earth groaned under the weight of fallen trees. Determined to clear the trail, I ventured into the woods, chainsaw in hand. The forest was heavy with the rich aroma of damp earth, mingling with the crisp, natural scent of moss and fallen leaves, the chaos of the storm still fresh in the air. As I worked, I heard a soft rustling nearby, like a whisper of feathers in the wind. Then, to my surprise, out from behind a fallen log appeared Penny, flapping her wings and strutting right up to me!"

"She wasn’t frightened at all. In fact, she followed me around for hours as I worked, like a silent companion on a grand adventure. Her curiosity was endless—so much so that she wandered so close to my chainsaw I had to stop and double-check she was safe. It was as if she wanted to be part of the action, contributing in her own peculiar way. We didn’t share the same language, but somehow, we communicated. There was something magical about those moments, as though we were two beings from entirely different worlds, yet understanding each other in ways words could never capture. Penny has a delightful repertoire of at least three distinct sounds that she uses to communicate with me, each one as unique and expressive as her lively personality."

"I couldn’t help but share this magical connection with my wife. One day, I invited her to the forest to meet this wonderful bird, hoping to prove I wasn’t simply off my rocker."  My wife was amazed by how her feathers shimmered with a radiant, coppery glow. Overcome with wild curiosity, I reached out to pet her, but she spread her wings, uncertain of my intentions. I didn’t try again—after all, she’s a wild spirit, untamed and free, meant to soar on her own."

What an incredible, unexpected friend she has become—an adventure in her own right, a companion who adds a touch of magic to every trip into the woods. With each step we take together, she brings a   certain energy and a sense of wonder, making even the simplest journey feel like a grand exploration. 

Dedicated to Whitey Shaw

Photography by Bill Hilly