The bobolinks are back. Back from their annual journey from as far away as Argentina and Paraguay to breed in New England and southern Canada - one of the longest migrations among North American birds. What a pleasant surprise when looking at a field full of bright yellow dandelions to find, here and there, a dandelion that pops up and flies away while singing its reckless, raucous song that, according to one author, “flows out of its throat like sparkling champagne!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N32LdaoHoJw No wonder that Emily Dickinson called him the Rowdy of the Meadow and invoked the bobolink as sexton of her preferred sanctuary in nature over organized religion.

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –
I keep it, staying at Home –
With a Bobolink for a Chorister –
And an Orchard, for a Dome –

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice –
I, just wear my Wings –
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton – sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman –
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last –
I’m going, all along.

–Emily Dickinson