The most beautiful Bird ID test you'll ever encounter is down
	at the Renwick Gallery across the street from the White House
	I discovered when I went there yesterday to see an exhibit.

	The "American Wood Crafts" exhibit was exquisite beyond
	what I'd expected.

	I walked out feeling a deep glow of admiration,
	and wandered into a second exhibit, of which I'd heard nothing.

  	It was full of articles made, during World War II by
	Japanese-Americans interned in Camps throughout
	the American West.

	Overall, it was deeply moving, but I was startled by a display
	case filled with small carved birds, exquisitely carved from
	scraps of wood -- from 1" to perhaps 3" in dimension.

	As I looked I began recognizing them.   A bewick's wren,
	a western tanager, . . . a blue-winged teal . . . the excellent video
	explained that internees set up art classes to find something to do
	with time, with life.   And in one someone brought an issue of a
	National Geographic magazine with an article on American birds.

	They were attracted to them and began carving, and painting and
	lacquering their "birds."    They would even use strands of window
	screen wire cut from the edges  to make the legs and feet which
	held them to branches.  These wires were intricately wound with
	thread to give them color.

	I came away delighted at their beauty . . . and convinced that
	I will never again complain about hardship out in the field.

	Do go; it will make you smile.


	Leo Weigant