Calling all birders, trekkers and travellers!
Rob Cahill, birder, educator, and author of "The Resplendant Quetzal", will be presenting a Seattle Audubon class on Guatemala birding, trekking and conservation, Wednesday, October 15th from 7 9 pm at CUH. Please call 206-523-4483 to register while there are still openings. This fascinating presentation is a bargain at only $20 for Audubon members.For more info on SAS Classes click http://www.seattleaudubon.org/education.cfm?id=105.
Ann Marie Wood, volunteer SAS Classes Committee
FYI: The Resplendent Quetzal is Guatemala's national bird, and an image of it is on the flag and the coat of arms of Guatemala. It is also the name of the local currency (abbreviation GTQ).
The bird is of great relevance to Guatemalan culture, being a character in the widely popular legend of the local hero Tecn Umn, a prince and warrior of the Quich Maya during the latter stages of the Spanish conquest of the region. This quetzal was his nahual (spirit guide).
Legend has it that on the day the conquistador Pedro de Alvarado fought against Tecn Umn, there was a quetzal flying overhead. On the first strike Tecn Umn, on foot, managed to disable Pedro de Alvarado's horse. Alvarado was then given another horse and on the second strike ran through Tecn Umn's chest with a spear.
The quetzal flew down and landed on Tecn Umn, dipping its chest in the warrior prince's blood. It is there that the bird acquired its distinctive red chest feathers.
One Guatemalan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since - but will sing once again when the land is truly free.
Reference: Wikipedia