Some of the significance is tied to tribal symbolism but most of it, in this collection, is personal. Whenever I’m out trail walking or hiking there are birds present—you can hear them, you often see them moving about the forest and so much of the time they seem to be just part of the scenery. But every so often, one steps out of that in a way that penetrates my experience or perception of being the primary observer and suddenly I am aware that I am being perceived by something just as alive and sentient as I am. Some of these exchanges or interactions are longer and more drawn out while some are very brief. Each one is unique but they are all so poignant and meaningful that they’ll often make their way into my poems.