Sandhill cranes – Jamie Vesay

Fauna’s Thread BOOK Published

Posted on February 28, 2022February 28, 2022 by Jamie Vesay

Friends,

After years of writing, developing, pondering “Is this a book or screenplay,” I am thrilled to announce Fauna’s Thread, the BOOK is available on Amazon as Paperback and Kindle.

Still, the darn thing is so visual – it should also be made into a motion picture too.

Every year, thousands of Sandhill cranes stop in an upper plains state of the USA, as they migrate north to their summer home. They arrive as early as Valentines Day and remain for five to six weeks. The river there is perfect for this majestic bird to rest, strengthen, and energize before they continue on their journey. This migration has taken place for millions of years.

While traveling across the country in opposite directions, Paul and Cara meet at an intersection of modern east-west interstate highway and ancient south-north migratory flyway, as the cranes arrive for their annual visit.

Paul and Cara experience the wonder of the birds, the stakeholders affected by the river, the beauty and silence of the prairie, shared pain and loss, and the local connection to the river in a ten-year young wildlife ambassador named Fauna.

Fauna’s Thread is a multi-layered, intertwined story of migration, coincidence, hurt and help, family guardianship, nature, redemption, wisdom of history, inspiration of youth—and how water connects us all. Set in a place which is a natural canvas to rediscover simple appreciations of life. Many metaphors are sprinkled within the flocks of cranes and their spirit and enchantment, the timepiece of seasons, the need of water, and the sunrises and sunsets in an infinite sky. Asking questions brings awareness. Getting answers inspires hope.

For Representation inquiries and / or movie, streaming series options: Visit Engage form at FaunasThread.com

Fauna’s Dance

Posted on May 5, 2015June 24, 2019 by Jamie Vesay

August 1, 2016 EXCERPT from the book Fauna’s Thread by Jamie Vesay.

All three Piels were at Katherine’s Collectibles. Since Fron had become obsessed with repairing vintage devices, he had set up a workbench in the back corner of the store. Katherine and Fauna were standing beside him as he tinkered with a 1960’s record player. After he tightened a last screw, he removed an album from a sleeve, placed it on the platter, and slid the switch to Start.

“All right,” he announced. “Watch and listen.”

Fauna was intrigued as the turntable spun. The arm swung over and the needle touched the record. Music! Her eyes grew in fascination.

“Awesome,” she declared.

Fron explained, “This is how we used to play songs. Back when you could see the music playing.”

Fauna watched as the needle drifted in the grooves of the album, trying hard to read the label in the middle as it spun. She leaned her ear to the attached speaker, bobbed her head, and started to dance.

Fron was proud of his repair. Katherine leaned over to him. “She and I need to go. I have a delivery on our way to dropping her at the sanctuary. I’ll pop over to the auction in Hastings and we’ll swing back around later.”

“Wait,” Fron said. “Let her enjoy the song.”

Fauna danced the length of the store and weaved in and out of the narrow aisles. The floor creaked and a few small items shook on the shelves.

Katherine consented. “It does sound great. I could make space up front. I bet it would sell right away.”

Fron suggested, “Or we could take it home.”

Fauna whirled and waltzed toward the back of the store. As she wound herself down, her momentum caused her to bump into Fron’s workbench. The needle scratched and the music stopped.

“Oops,” Fauna claimed. “Sorry. What’d I do?”

Fron’s eyes widened. He put the player’s arm on the rest.

Katherine warned, “It’s okay, but you have to be careful with this kind of music player.”

Fron kidded, “Don’t you all need to get going?”

Fauna’s Thread COPYRIGHT Jamie Vesay

The Sandhill Crane Migration

Posted on April 2, 2015March 9, 2022 by Jamie Vesay

Fauna’s Thread, available on Amazon as Paperback and Kindle.

Every year in central Nebraska USA, from late February to early April, a spectacle of nature occurs. Earthlings are graced by the presence of four hundred thousand Sandhill cranes, as they pause their migration and stop there on their way north. It is nothing short of magical.

th_Cranes spooked Jamie Vesay WM2x TRD IMG_6850 - Version 2

For me, the trip is a retreat. All devices are turned off, and soon the time seems to slow. The vast open sky gifts you an aerial canvas of panoramic clouds, top-ten sunsets and sunrises, and cool, crisp breathable air.

Certainly if you have the slightest interest in birds, do add this trip to your bucket list. You have no excuse for being too far away. People come from other countries to experience this, yet sadly there are many Nebraskans who have never been…

Time between sunrise and sunset is spent traveling along the country roads. Pull over to a safe place away from traffic (stay in your car!) and enjoy them as they gather in cut-corn fields, eating and socializing, and flying from field to field. Watch for the crane dance, when they jump and frolic and call.

th_Crane solo in field TRD Jamie Vesay 32415 WM2x IMG_6585 - Version 2

If you find a road off the beaten path and less traveled, you might see them hanging out – ON the road. And more dancing!

th_Crane dance on Road TRD CRP Jamie Vesay WM2x IMG_6565 - Version 3a

At sunrise or sunset, be in a crane watch blind on the river. The cranes return to the shallow waters of the Platte River near sunset and roost there over night. They begin a new day by leaving the river at dawn to return to the fields – and the process cycles one more time.