Charlie and the Flyboys.

And you think you can hardly wait for a wash, fluff and blow dry? (Image: WIldlife Center of Texas FB)

Ever wonder where Charles Schulz got his inspiration for Woodstock?

This orphaned Yellow-crowned Night Heron looks almost like Woodstock’s brother from another mother.

“He (Woodstock) also hates being mistaken for the wrong species of bird (though we are never told what species he actually is), and he is reluctant to eat thrown bread crumbs because he doesn’t want anyone to think he’s on welfare, and when asked about his net income by Snoopy in his ‘census-taker’ persona, he replied “four worms a day”. He’s a whiz at playing trivia, too…For all of Woodstock’s acumen and talent, he is physically a very poor flyer, which has been a character trait since he first appeared. He flutters around erratically, often upside down, and frequently crashes into things. He usually manages to get where he wants to go as long as he doesn’t have to fly too high. He is prone to beak-bleeds if he goes over 10 feet in the air… ” (Source)

Wildlife rescuers see a little dinosaur.

Guess it’s the feet…along with a big attitude stance and glare.

Who knew that since the Wildlife Center of Texas opened its’ doors, over 3 percent of the world’s total population of Yellow-crowned Night Herons have been brought in there for care? One big flock of hapless dependents.

Woodstock could at least struggle to safety or to his friend, Snoopy.

These fledglings are apparently quite vulnerable on the ground from rapid body temp drops, gnats, flies, fire ants, and predators. Impossible to re-nest according to experts. So if you find one, be a friend and give it a lift.

Bob: “What do you mean family resemblance? All that suspect conjecture on your part.” (© image.)

Charlie sounds:

• Did you know in the cartoon, Charlie Brown’s father was a barber and his mother was a housewife just like those of Charles Schulz?
• There was a Schultz family dog, an intelligent Pointer named Spike, who did funny and weird stuff like eat tacks and pins. Spike actually looked a bit like Snoopy in old photographs. Snoopy, of course, did have a brother named Spike who lived near Needles, California. Interesting enough that the Schultz family actually lived a few years in Needles to help with an ill relative.
• Schultz also had two good friends named Linus and Sherman
• The little red-haired girl. Unrequited love. Sigh. Based on an art instructor Schulz feel in love with and even asked to marry him. (She married someone else.)
• Charles Schultz admitted in an interview that his Woodstock bird character from the Woodstock Music Festival poster of a small yellow bird perched on a guitar

Woodstock befriended Snoopy shortly after hatching and, not wanting to migrate, became the Flying Ace’s mechanic, pilot when Snoopy became a canine helicopter, golf caddy, assistant, and best friend (one who had no problem standing up to him if practical jokes go too far).

A small, good hearted bird with “absurdly and hilariously high physical strength and endurance”

See? Role model.

Little Yellow-crowned Night Heron and Woodstock: Life inspires art or the other way around?

“If you grit your teeth and show real determination, you’ll always have a chance.”

Charles M. Schultz

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Cute couple. Adult Yellow-crowned Night Herons in Florida. Ancient aunts used to say, “It’s planned so each is beautiful his own time. So be patient.” (Image: Terry Foote/Commons.wikimedia.org)