First Friday entries!

I received a First Friday submission this week. Thank you!

Who else will write a 500-word fictional short story that involves birds, birders and/or birding? You can win a recently published book! The deadline is Sept. 6.

Would it prove inspirational if I posted something? Surely you can do better than me!

The morning sunshine felt good on Jane's shoulders as she walked toward the lake. She couldn't wait to see which avian treasures the water would hold today. At this early hour, she hadn't encountered any hikers who might disturb the birds that drew her to her favorite spot above the water.

Ahead, Jane saw the green-blue color of her destination. A smile grew on her face, and her feet stepped more quickly. Despite the harness, her binocular began to bounce a bit more.

As she reached the bluff, Jane sighed with contentment. She had the spot to herself and could look for birds without interruptions.

"You know I can't smile without you..."

Jane spun around. Where was that voice coming from? She looked over the bluff and spotted something in the lake.

"...I can't smile without you. I can't laugh..."

Raising her bin to her eyes, Jane saw the swimming singer. Oh! Of all the days for someone to visit her favorite site. She might as well leave if she couldn't watch the birds in solitude.

"...and I can't sing. I'm finding it hard to do anything..."

Wait, maybe she wouldn't mind watching him for a few seconds. He was treading water and offering a view of his tan, wide shoulders. Not a bad view at all, Jane thought.

What was that on his left shoulder blade? A tattoo... of a bird? With her 10-power bin, Jane briefly looked at his ink before thinking "Swallow-tailed Kite in flight. What's the story behind that?"

The bin still at her eyes, Jane stepped forward. Suddenly, the earth gave way. She yelped as her feet slipped out from under her and she tumbled toward the water.

So, when you're done guffawing or giggling, please craft a better tale than this snippet... or maybe use this as fodder, rewrite bits and add an ending! Remember: 500 words, Sept. 6.