Bulls and Briars

It’s been a rainy Sunday, which at this time of year might mean the last rain we’ll see till November. Numenius got soaked while out on a levee walk. I, meanwhile, was in Sacramento learning how to do acrylic transfers. I’m not sure what I’d ever use this technique for but doesn’t hurt to learn it.

Armed with this new knowledge and Numenius with a pair of dry trousers we headed out to hear a concert by the American Recorder Orchestra of the West. An eclectic collection of Medieval and early Renaissance pieces, it seemed perfect for the drizzle. My favorite piece was “Byrd one brere” (Bird in the Briar), written by an anonymous 13th century English monk who was obviously bored with the papal bull he was reading—he turned it over and wrote this instead.

Birds in the briars: I have still not seen a blue grosbeak or an ash-throated flycatcher here this season, but they’re the last in. Should be soon.