An Ode To The Scrumpers

You know them when you see them. They are the ones on the ground, hopping here and there, kicking up leaves in search of the next tasty morsel. They are the Scrumpers, just scrumping around. 

The Scrumpers delight me for the simple reason they do a thing so antithetical to what birds are know for. Birds represent flight and freedom. They are lightness, airy, soaring and graceful. Yet, there are the Scrumpers, kicking up this and that, hopping around like some common ground animal. 

Of all the Scrumpers, the Eastern Towhee is nearest and dearest. The male is a striking black and burnt orange and the female is a muted brown and orange. Both have the most vibrant red eyes. Their call is amazingly distinct, a cheerful demand to drink your teeeeee. 

The Towhee is a lovely bird. And there it is, scrumping around. While other birds are darting, swooping, soaring, our Towhee is just kicking up leaves, having an absolute ball. 

If I were the type to read too much into bird behavior I’d say that the Towhee is a great example of living the life that works for you, even if it defies your expected path. You have wings and a beak?  You should fly and catch things on the on the wing. 

No, says the Towhee, I choose to scrump. And that’s exactly as it should be.