A bird in the bush ...
Published:Sunday | August 26, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The aroma of curried liver, mackerel rundown, ackee and salt fish, paired with boiled bananas and the good old Jamaican staple, avocado, permeated the nostrils and wreaked havoc on the taste buds as hungry bird shooters sat down to eat last Sunday morning.
The scene was Timber Close, in the deep bushes of Irwin St James.
As is normal, most of the hunters left their beds at 4 a.m. to start their trek up 'Maaga Hill'. Their camouflage outfits complemented the thick foliage, playing the role of perfect veil for the hunters in disguise.
Theirs was one aim in mind. "To get in position within our respective stands by 5 a.m., ahead of the birds." By 6 a.m., all rifles are aimed, in place, and ready to commence six weeks of exhilarating bird shooting of bald pates and white wing.
But if that was all bird bush consisted of, this writer would not bother to 'beg' an invitation to the 'invitation only' feast each year. Last Sunday was no different. As early as last Saturday night, head cook Robert Russell's BlackBerry Messenger was pinging off the hook.
"Are you cooking?" was the question from The Gleaner. "Yes, I am cooking. My hands are dirty, that is why I took so long to respond to your message," responded Russell minutes later.
By early Sunday afternoon, after a morning filled with the most delicious food in the open air, Johnny Gourzong, Frankie Bullock, Godfrey Dyer, Jason and Robin Russell, Junior Taylor, Stacye Ingram, Michelle Stanecky, Tamara Ward (a sharp shooter), Joy and Maxim Clark, even Hugh Roach, were witness to the 'almost fist fight' between Frankie Bullock and Robert Russell over Patrick Smith's tasty goat testicles.
By late Sunday afternoon, Johnny Gourzong could not be found, neither could the VSOP Hennessey, and Odette Dyer was still deep in that book that shall remain nameless.
Another year of bird bush and this writer promises that, by next year, she will become a real hunter.