Rare birds

“Oh look, brother! We’ve received a letter in the post from Brazil.”

My dearest cousins,

I want to inform you, with all expediency, that I have just now come out of the rainforest and can provide a first-hand account of a wondrous valley where innumerable species of birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles, previously unknown to us, abide in Eden-like conditions.

There is much to tell, and frankly, I am consumed by the breadth of my work, but I am in awe of one memorable bird, the male I assume, which is pure white with turquoise blue around the eyes and beak. It has an exceedingly loud vocalization sounding like a hammer striking an anvil. I do believe this bell-bird has damaged my ability to hear.

Complete your travel plans now, and I will gather an expedition. Lamentably, the jungle between here and there is Hades to traverse.

Most sincerely, Bates

Titus said, “Surely we -” Silas finished, “must go.”