Within walking distance from my residence there is a slated-bottom flowing water stream. At the point I visit most often several fountain-like sounds are heard. I named this spiritually-nourishing site "My HydroSanctuary."

A few days ago when I was no more than a hundred feet from My HydroSanctuary, out of quietness and stillness, except for a breeze briskly stirring the leaves, I heard a bird singing. Instantly, I stopped walking and listened with rapt attention. Repeatedly, I heard "ha, ha, ha, ha, haah, haah, haah." Then I said to myself, This is a Laughing Gull ("Larus artricilla,") also known as the black-headed gull, that has a red bill, black hood, dark slate gray upper surfaces and white neck and underparts.

For a while I just listened. Inspired, I joined the Laughing Gull in singing the laughing note "ha, ha, ha, ha, haah, haah haah." This continued until he flew away to share his song with other creatures. For me this was a peak and unforgettable experience.

So, if you are surprised by joy upon hearing the singing of this laughing note "ha, ha, ha, ha, haah, haah, haah" it may be me or a laughing gull. And just maybe you too will join in singing "ha, ha, ha, ha, haah haah, haah."

I continued walking to My HydroSanctuary where I christened myself with water from the sacred stream and prayed...thanking God for my encounter with a Laughing Gull.

Copyright 2010 by Uriah J. Fields