You need to remember that in 1950 Broad Ripple was a little village, Carmel was a farm community, Ravenswood was transitioning from a summer resort of the early 1900s, the American Village vicinity was Bacon Swamp, and the area around Glendale was on the brink of development. Not far beyond was open land. Wildlife in all these locals was quite different then. Bluebirds and purple martins, while common in that day, are rare today.

I was taken by surprise this year to have visitors from the past in my neighborhood - bluebirds. These exquisite birds have become a rarity in urban or suburban areas. While out walking her dog, a neighbor was the first to spot a pair of bluebirds. As is usually the case when she sees something exciting, she called to report the noteworthy sighting. On my way to the grocery, I drove down the next street for a look around. To my utter amazement, the male bluebird flew right in front of me en route to a perfect branch on which to perch. Lucky me, I was overjoyed by this sighting on the same day as my neighbor had seen the birds.

The bird I saw was an Eastern Bluebird, with deep blue on the top side of its body and rusty red on its throat and breast. When I see one I always think "Bluebird of Happiness." This showy bird has been glorified in literature, song, and art. Traced back to Indian mythology, it is the symbol of cheerfulness, prosperity, hearth and home, good health, new birth, and springtime renewal. This little creature is probably among the most positive of symbols.

Did you know that bluebird tattoos can signify finding one's way, love, a well-traveled road, good luck, victory, and triumph? Sighting a bluebird at sea indicates one is close to land. Lore has it that sailors believed if their ship went down, a bluebird would fly over and carry souls to heaven. Another story maintains prisoners put bluebird images on their hands - wings on their thumbs and forefinger with the bird's body in between. When they flapped their fingers and waved goodbye, the bluebird gave the appearance of flying to freedom.

Bluebirds have figured into many songs including "Bluebird of Happiness." 1934; "There'll Be Bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover," 1942 WWII song; "Somewhere over the Rainbow," 1939; and "Bluebird" by Paul McCartney, 1971.

Compare the sentiments from the '30 to those of the '70s. The bluebird's significance is steadfast.

To Paul McCartney

Bluebirds disappeared from cities because they like open fields and nesting in hollow cavities. Houses and landscaped lawns do not interest them. They feed on insects, wild fruits, and berries. Rarely do they come to feeders; however, if you do have a country place, you can attract bluebirds by placing nesting boxes tailored to their specifications. If you ever have a chance to site or watch bluebirds in nature, take your time and enjoy their beauty. You won't see them often in Broad Ripple but their vivid blue and rusty marking is undeniably memorable. It only takes a moment to understand how they have come to symbolize positive vibes.