Vol. 86 No. 6 July–August 2020 Western Tanager

OUTDOOR EDUCATION: Experience and Perspective

OUTDOOR EDUCATION: Experience and Perspective

I grew up in a coastal city in Orange County. I was able to attend some very good public schools, and enjoy endless summer days riding bicycles to the beach with my friends. My hometown was often singled out as a hotbed of conservatism, and in some ways, this was quite true.

FROM OUR READERS: The Fledgling

FROM OUR READERS: The Fledgling

The grayish brownish thing I discovered underneath the salvia in the backyard garden made me hold my breath for weeks.

I discovered this hidden thing about four years ago around the end of April. A jerky movement at the top terrace caught my eye. Squatting down sumo-style, I gingerly lifted the leaves. All right, what are you? I was face-to-beak with a baby bird. The bird froze and I immediately let go of the leaves.

Oh great. Just great.