Billy the "Birdman"

Crossing the Siesta Drive bridge yesterday, I noticed that Billy was back. It's been over a year since the Sheriff's Department evicted him from his old campsite. One, that was once well hidden and lodged deeply, from found materials, into the concrete under-structure of the 'north' bridge.

Now, he's out in the open and in full swing. A cook stove burning scraps of wood, his muffled boom-box playing off found batteries, and all near his treasured fur-skin bedding. This year for Billy - a newer' bicycle, plenty of fishing rods, several different cast nets to catch his bait (or his dinner), and surprisingly new - a canoe.

Intimidating to the outsider, he's actually a real sweetheart. Rumored to be from a well-to-do local family, Billy's been around most of his life. His guest chair, set up close to his own, always invites a sit-down conversation. Billy is philosophical and seemingly content, though when napping, he keeps a 'trip wire' tied with mono-filament and a steel leader placed between his toes.  

He mostly talks in the present - or might in mid sentence - jump to his feet with his fingers to his lips - sending out a loud shrill of a bird whistle. Then suddenly a sea hawk will appear - the 'Osprey' hitting the water hard - and then quickly gone with dinner in it's talons.  Concerning his sensitivity for winged creatures, Billy is always surrounded by his 'camp' pigeons (a rare sight near the bay) - and, they'll stay close by for their own safety.

I headed for the store and returned with a four-pack of PBR "tall boys" and we sat down and talked. We talked about our old mutual friends that we've lost over the past year - and today, I mentioned something of his new jewelry. Again, he's more comfortable in the present - describing his new "princess" bracelet, or the two keys around his neck, "One for Heaven - one for Hell".  And, when I ask about the future, he's suddenly uncomfortable, "I got no fuckin' where to go."

After someone files a complaint, he'll be gone. But, hopefully in the coming future, Billy the "Birdman" will be back with us once again.