21The Fly-By
“Taking Flight” by Douwe Blumberg (b. 1965), 2019 · aluminum-magnesium alloy · given by Betty and Benjy Bauer, Brazos Bluffs Ranch, Bruce Longenecker, Cindy and Jim Holmes, and Dianne and Clay Sawyer · Waco Sculpture Zoo, a Creative Waco & City of Waco project, dedicated 2020
Fifteen wild geese lifting off at once — the zoo's official arrival announcement.
When someone new reaches the end of the trail, the flock announces it the only way a flock knows how: all at once, straight up, in formation. Fifteen wild geese climb off the riverbank in formation, a V you can see from the zoo gates — the grandest 'THEY'RE HERE!' in Waco. At the very bottom, still flapping to catch up, is Beatrice. Beatrice is always late. The flock has never once left without her. That's what a flock is.