Thanks, Alan

>>>a prime example of how the communication doesn't look like what we expect.

More or less, yes.

(Along with your posts below, d and Alan) reminds me of another time where I went hiking up in the mountains, and on returning back upon a trail along a ravine (i.e. a trail frequented--excuse me, made over a very long period of time by deer, coyotes, etc) when all of a sudden upon passing around a corner down the ravine, down a 100 feet or so was a "herd" of deer--about 30 or so that had been proceeding up the trail.

I stopped as they did.

Initially, they were obviously scared, concerned, alert, ready to dart in reverse...., knowing that many humans have shot and/or killed or other vis a vis them before.

Actually, as the seconds proceeded, they were cautious--like I was too, a sense of caution.

As I was fundamentally non-threatenting, there was no immediacy of perceiving threatening, anger, desire, or fear from me.

I had to go down the mountain, but I then stepped off to the left at more or less a 45 degree angle to them--merely went slowly off the trail to the left, at a distance that felt easily right for me and them, not looking at them (eyeing or gawking at something in such a kind of situation as this is usually perceived as threatening), but occasionally slowly turning a look and then away, experiencing that it was clear that I knew they were there but I was meaning no harm and giving them the trail while I would do a left out and on.

While proceeding thus they at first slowly and then progressively moved up the trail, never darting or running, less and less herding together.

So, a lot of communication operates on a feeling and common-sense level, and much without thinking--thinking vis a vis object (although it was a novel and somewhat rich experience for me).

Intention could be key, but a lot of these experiences have more to do with not having any intentions--but having an appreciation experience of respect and equality, yes, mutual awareness, and learning that such experiences don't necessarily mean anything special.

Sort of like such communications (like love) with other people or with family aren't really that special, as the Cosmos is fundamentally a wonderful place to begin with ;-)

>>>Green buddy was definitely succeeding in getting your attention,

I experienced it differently than this.

>>>while another part of me wonders if that encounter was only on account of your being the only other living thing around.

as well as differently than this, tho it was closer to this.

If I had intentions, either "good," "bad," or ambivalent, then the experience could have/probably would have turned out very different.

Healthy curiosity and a level of joy (part of true joy often is I have found finding the right word, communication, or simple relating with something) seemed to be operating through both of us, while, again, the cosmos is a wonderful place to experience ...and learn--i.e. in my experience, learning such as with learning lessons is wonderful.

>>>and I wonder if there is even still a message percolating,

No messages per se. Interpretations and relating however aren't necessarily going to always be the same every time, especially as the years have passed.

I find it is quite the opposite for me. I recently moved into the middle of Atlanta. Prior to this experience the largest town I have lived in had about 100,000 people and most of my life I've lived in the country side. I am much more fearful of this city than I ever have been in the "wilds" of nature. Soon I will be done here and I will return to the wild nature where I belong.

Speaking of our winged brothers and sisters, my partner mentioned an encounter with a seagull from her 22nd floor window. While she was enjoying the view of the Olympic mountains across the Juan de Fuca strait, a seagull flew past, turned its head and looked her in the eye, wheeled and swooped to the balcony rail and pecked the glass with its beak. Given she wasn't eating, what do you suppose that was about? Begging behaviour?