Birdy

What an amazing day. I just came home my first day of Bird School and it was fantastic!

It started at 4:30am when mom drug herself from the bed and began to get us ready for our day of bird hunting with the VCLI. It was so early I thought for sure mom had got the information wrong, but alas, no. We managed to get into the car by about 5:15, and then headed to the Upper East Side to pick up a fellow VCLI-er, Tallulah and her mom, Pam.






I thought it best that our moms meet each other before we began driving, so we got out of the car and waited for Tallulah and Pam. Tallulah and I hit it off like we were littermates and I think mom and Pam did fine too. Once we were settled back in the car we headed out to Long Island. We were to meet the rest of the Vizslas and their parents out on the Sarnoff Preserve, so I took a nap to make sure I had enough energy for the first day of school.




I woke up as we pulled into the preserve's parking lot and there were several Vizslas there already.
I jumped out of the car and greeted each one, living up to my good-natured self and making lots of friends instantly. There was so much to see. The field was spread out before me and I ran and ran. It was terrific.









Mom went off with the other parents to learn about what I was going to be doing, and I took advantage of this "down time" and took a nap. When they returned it was time. Each Vizsla had a turn at finding two hidden birds. They are called Quail and they are so much fun. It's like hide and seek; the birds hide and the dogs find them. What a fun game! While I waited for my turn, I ran around with mom and Mr. Eddie, and he taught mom a few things about what to expect when I am taking my hunting tests.




Before I knew it, it was my turn. I could tell mom was a little nervous, so I wanted to do my best to make her proud. We walked a bit into the backfield and I began to get an idea right away where that little quail was hiding. Once I knew for sure, I ran right over to the pine tree it had hidden under and pointed the spot. Mom, Mr. Eddie and my teacher, Mr. Rich, didn't know what I was doing and thought maybe I was a dud.



But, when that Quail flew up, they knew right away that the planted birds were too EASY for me. I needed to find the surprise, wild birds! As soon as it landed, I left my point to find it again. I pointed it to the applause of my audience.



Mom, Mr. Eddie and Mr. Rich came over for a closer look and took a few photos. I was so proud and I knew mom was proud of me, too! Mr. Rich said I could have my prize, so I gently picked up the bird and carried it around in my mouth as a reward for a job well done. Once I returned to the main field area with all the other dogs, everyone congratulated me and took a peek at my prize. Because the bird hadn't "expired" yet (who knew they come with freshness dating), Mr. Eddie took it from me so that another dog could learn from the little guy, too. I strutted my stuff for the rest of the afternoon.


Mr. Rich gave me an A+ for day and said I had the best run of everyone. Wow. I really am birdy, just like my Momma Siren.