This is why bears have short tails, and why dogs still love to chase the fox.
WHY HERMIT THRUSH IS SO SHY
Some moons after the council when the birds chose their feathered suits, a second council was called. The purpose of this council was to see which bird could fly to heaven, and bring a song to earth.
When all the birds had arrived and were perched upon the council tree, the wise old owl spoke.
"Friends and brothers, listen," said the owl. "Many of you have strong wings, but your voices are not beautiful. High, high up in the sky, a long trail beyond the clouds, is the Happy Hunting Ground.
"There live all our brothers of the wood, whom the Great Spirit has called. They sing songs more beautiful than any heard on earth.
"The bird that can fly beyond the clouds will hear that singing. He shall bring a song to earth. Who will fly the Great Sky Trail, and bring a song to earth? Who-whoo! Who-whoo! Who-whoo!"
At this, all the birds that were swift of wing flew high in the air. They circled round and round to show their skill. Then they disappeared in the clouds.