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Show 6 - SIROCCO TIMES - JUNE 1994 More REAL FATHER from Page 1 Reuben Orman Roberts. His mark is upon me in name: Donovan Orman Roberts. And upon my son, his grandson: Darium Orman Roberts. We Birds of a straw hat against the westering sun, and asked me if I was curious about my have strong reason to be proud. Reuben’s spirit lingers with us. Dad figured that all sons, like all daughters, are prodigals if they’ve got the gumption God gave jackasses. Assuming the Old Man doesn’t run out biological parents. Nope. Always knew I was born on them first, they will run out on him if they are to survive. And if he’s smart backyard bird, after the Robin, is the hummingbird, the smallest of North American birds, all with long, slender into ophanhood and months later adopted into love. he won‘t put up too much of a fuss. A bills adapted to reaching deep into wise father sees all this coming, and flower blossoms. There are no hum- Dad smiled. Four decades of father and son tight relation, and never once did I ask about this other man. Dad knew I wasn’t running his bluff. Not this son. No one conned my father, maybe that’s the toughest challenge beneath the brand called fatherhood. mingbirds in Europe, or anywhere in the Old World. They live only in North America, Central, and South America, and there are about 500 species. Their wingbeat is so rapid that it produces a back porch of the family home in California. Reuben shifted his weight in the wheelchair, drew down hard on his cigar. adjusted the brim of his tattered though a few tried during his years as Chaplain of the United States Senate and later as Chaplain at San Quentin Penitentiary. I’ll leave you guess which he regarded as harboring the most cons and fools. His West Texas drawl sounded like Whether they ever find their way home Feather Hummers Perhaps the best known and loved again, none can say for sure. But it’s the risk he must take if they’re ever to find their way at all. Dad made his mistakes. His contrition was genuine. I remember his saying that if he got to heaven, he rest being western birds. All are wasn’t going to ask for his just deserts; fearless and pugnacious. a double-barrel dose of mercy would do The smallest of all is the Calliope hummingbird (2—3/ " in length). The just fine. He did human real well. molasses being poured through the sun —Donovan Roberts definite humming sound; hence the name. Only two types of hummingbirds are found east of the Great Plains, the male is the only hummer whose colored as he proceeded to tell me what he throat feathers form streaks against a knew of this other man, my biological father. It didn’t take long. The man’s white background. This bird is rare in western mountains. The largest name was Sult. He was a soldier and hummingbirds are the Blue-Throated met my biological mother shortly before shipping out to serve in the Pacific theater of WWII. Perhaps he never knew he left a young woman pregnant in San Francisco. Perhaps he (5-1/2") who nest along the Mexican border. Most common here in Castle Valley would be the small Calliope, the Black-Chinned (about 3" long), and the died in combat, perhaps he survived. slightly larger Broad—Tailed and Rufous What I know of a father and fathering was gifted to me by this man hummingbirds. Hummers are indeed entertaining to watch at the feeder. Wilma and Sam Welch have two feeders right outside their windows with as many as 35 hummingbirds feeding at one time— truly a thrilling sight! Hummingbird Celebrate the Sunrise —three times. The l lth Annual CV Summer Sostice Celebration is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 18th & 19th. Everyone is welcome. Astronomical observations will take place from Jack Power's deck (148 Buchanan) starting at 6:30 am. both days, with "triple sunrise" occurring between 6:45 and 7:15. Breakfast will be served 7:30 to 10. Call 5060 for reservations, or just come. Raft trip Saturday afternoon. Call Bill Viavant, 8898, if you want to assure your place. Tennis and volleyball addicts will be looking for teammates both Saturday & Sunday. Potluck dinner at Bill Viavant's (147 Buchanan) starts at 6 pm. Saturday. Bring something to grill and a side dish or dessert to serve 6 to 8 people. See you there. feeders can be bought at several general merchandise stores in Moab and will have printed directions for filling and hanging them to attract the birds. There is a fake hummingbird which flies and feeds so similarly to the hummer that it is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. It is the Hummingbird Moth, and I have been fooled more than once by this unusual insect! —-Sally Rains |