I was captivated by Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull for some reason I don’t remember. I wasn’t a birder back then (and if I were, I would have objected to “seagull”).
I think I was caught up in the hype. After all, I was also a big fan of Hope for the Flowers and The Giving Tree — all of which have lost their appeal to me in my old age.
The best thing about JLS (oh shit, I just remembered that I even own the Neil Diamond recording) was how it connected me to Mr. Topolewski, the father who approached me at Ben Franklin and asked if I would be his son’s birthday present*. He, too, was a fan of JLS and gave me what I thought was a gull necklace** for playing along with his joke.
*long story, maybe I will write a poem about it next month
**it was actually a dove of peace without the olive leaf
Cedar Waxwing's 365 
Although I saw many while growing up, and got perilously close to the nests of a few, it wasn’t until I was in my fifties that I learned they are gulls, not seagulls.
I really like Shel Silverstein, but the Giving Tree always pissed me off.
I used to have the SHEET MUSIC to the Neil Diamond recording. (Hanging my head now.)
I will proudly sing along to Sweet Caroline any time I hear it. So much Diamond-shaming happening here!