Bird Tango

It was a yellow bird, a bird with obvious discernment and taste, evidenced by its portrayal on an azalea bush. Artistic, even: the deep pink of the azalea announcement of spring emphasized by the bright yellow bird. Obviously a boy bird because the males are always brighter, more deeply hued, right?

Well, she should have paid attention . . . somewhere. Her first thought which made her laugh. Always her first thought: the litany of her ignorance, Should have . . . should have . .. should have ... Where should she have paid attention? Nobody learned bird names in school, not even in high school science.

What about college? Avians of the World? World Fowl in a college syllabus? Nope. Not even Common American birds and fowl.

So it wasn't her fault. She'd have to buy a bird book herself to get the information. The damn Bird a Day Calendar he gave her offered no information, just pictures of boy birds. But what about Google--best friend Google?

AI Overview: The Common Yellowthroat is a small warbler, typically 4.3-5.1 inches long. Males are easily recognized by their bright yellow throat, black mask around the eyes and face, and olive-brown upper parts. Females and immature birds lack the black mask and are more olive-brown overall.

Of course. The females are more olive brown overall. Which meant that the birds featured in the Bird-a-Day are all male, not just the Yellowthroat. 

Figured.

So now what? Toss the calendar? Make her own female bird a day list, focusing on salient facts, nest building, egg incubation, endless sitting, insuring the survival of the species, while the male just brings food and wards off predators.

       Just?

       Oh.

       Okay. 

       It takes two, like so much in life.. . .takes two to tango . . . even for a common yellow bird.