Tips on migration
Oil on Belgium Linen, 78 x 53cm
The Silvereyes were dangling from the branches, hungrily eyeing the ripe figs that were meant for morning tea. It was the annual conference for migrating birds, and the Silvereyes were perched around the table with the magnificent protea arrangement. The last session of the morning was just wrapping up and they were eager to nibble on those deliciously juicy figs lying on the table.
“Right”, the emcee (MC) warbled, ”last tips for a safe migration!”
“Be weary of changed weather conditions. Our ancestors were on their way when a mighty storm swept them so far east they ended up in New Zealand. They were welcomed as new arrivals by the friendly Maori people who aptly named them ‘Tauhou’,” one silvereye chirped.
The Tasmanian representative chittered, “Make sure you are well prepared and fit for the strenuous flight -our Tassie flock annually trek 1600km across the Bass Straight often as far north as Queensland! The physical strain can be murderous!”
Another one piped up, “Don’t be fussy eaters: be adaptable and remain grateful for every morsel that can be used as fuel for the journey ahead”
The advice was now coming in thick and fast.
“Do not get distracted - fix your eyes firmly on the compass of sun and stars. Pay close attention to the magnetic fields of Mother Earth. Hold onto your bearings.”
The shy one in the corner spoke up, “Lastly, but oh so very importantly, be kind. Cultivate a confiding attitude and SING! Sing all your characteristic songs that you carry within your heart and throat!”