Tom Painting
A Turn of Events
On my third trip to the head, Captain Bob suggested I do as a real sailor and throw up over the side. Heeding his advice, I made my way to the stern and hurled what remained of breakfast into the wake. Almost immediately a flock of sooty shearwaters swooped in and began gobbling up the chum. My fellow birdwatchers were absolutely delighted; several patted me on the back as if I had performed a miracle by bringing these magnificent seabirds so close to the boat. Between heaves I caught a look at the shearwaters, thus adding a bird to my life list.
wind and rain
an altered sense
of direction
About the Author
Tom Painting teaches junior high humanities at The Paideia School in Atlanta, Georgia. He facilitates a student bird club and is an associate editor for The Heron’s Nest.