Gloria Bancroft
Near the beginning of time there existed a magical bird known as the firebird. With its burning red, orange, yellow plumage and glowing feathers this bird spent its entire life aflame. In its quest for a land of heat and flame Firebird journeyed many miles to the south.
The snowbird in ancient times was known as a mythical migratory bird whose goal was to bring wisdom and messages from others. They often symbolized the transition between winter and spring.
As our story develops we’ll learn how these two magical birds are connected in our community.
Once firebirds became acclimated to their new land in the southern desert oasis they built nests and created communities. Firebirds spent long summer days in the heat and hot winter days amusing themselves with a variety of activities.
Golf courses were built. Swimming pools were filled to the brim with cool refreshing water. Little fish soon filled all the lakes. Fitness centers were started to keep firebirds plumage beautiful and healthy.
Many moons later a different flock of birds known as snowbirds descended on the valley of the firebirds.
When the winter winds in the north blew and snow covered the ground, snowbirds might be seen swirling and darting around knowing that snow was not far away! The snowbirds would then gather their belongings and fly to the warm land of firebirds.
Snowbirds enjoyed sitting by the pool. Snowbirds also loved hitting little balls around the golf course.
Snowbirds even learned how to play pickleball—though sometimes they would get confused between the ball and the birdie.
Lots of exercise and working out at the fitness center was also important to keep in shape.
Then like magic, as the years passed firebird and snowbird no longer resembled their bird ancestors.
Over time it became difficult to distinguish one bird from another. They were now just regular people in the land of the many lakes in the Sun Lakes community.
Some like to spend time enjoying the pool. Some get together to play pickleball and some join pickleball teams. Some like to golf, and some even make time for the fitness center.
Everyone enjoys early bird specials and who doesn’t love a snowbird sale.
However, once the weather gets too hot, the snowbirds seem to vanish. Where they go to escape the heat no one is certain. Once the cold snowy winds appear again in the north we know that many snowbirds will return and will look forward to seeing their firebird fiends.
Until then the firebirds are alone in Sun Lakes. The swimming pools get emptier, the golf courses have more tee times, the fitness centers are less crowded, and life for the firebirds slows down in preparation for the renewal of a long flaming hot summer.
Then again during every winter season firebirds and snowbirds join together in this land of the ancient birds. After all, we are all “birds of a feather.”