He looked so vulnerable sitting on the stone path, feathers spread out. I cautiously approached the young Willow Flycatcher, concerned that he was hurt. As I moved closer, he flew off into the trees, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
I later learned that he was engaged in a natural process called sunning. Apparently birds sometimes rest in a sunny spot and spread their wings. The sun’s warmth helps distribute vital oils along the bird’s feathers, and the heat helps drive out parasites. Fascinating…
I was grateful to know all was well with the little bird.
But I will not soon forget the feeling that arose in me when I believed the bird was in peril. His childlike innocence and vulnerability touched my heart deeply.
And with my concern for the young bird came my renewed commitment to honor and protect the natural world.
Chief Seattle once said, ‘Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Take only memories and leave only footprints.’
I concur…
(Additional photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)
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Secret
On a trail last week I met two young children excitedly studying tiny ladybugs crawling on plants. As their grandfather and I stood back and watched, I grinned, so delighted with the boys and the bugs.
Native tradition suggests that ladybugs offer the secret to a happy life…finding joy in the small things. It means looking beyond the mundane and recognizing the extraordinary in everything.
Thanks to the little boys and the bugs, I found the extraordinary that morning.
And how grateful I was for the experience…
(Additional photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)
Across Time
Not long ago, I watched this lovely European starling standing in the grass, the sunlight reflecting off his iridescent feathers.
I’ve read that starlings were brought to America from Europe in the 1890’s. It was a literary group who transported 60 starlings across the ocean, their goal to introduce all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. Misguided perhaps, but interesting…
As I studied the bird, I had a realization. I was looking at a descendant of one of those birds released long ago.
And in that moment, my understanding of ancestry deepened as I realized that ancestors include all who came before me…be it animal, plant, tree, or human.
The feeling of connection across species and across time was startling, and it sent chills through me.
And as I watched the beautiful starling take flight, I smiled, knowing in my heart that my concept of family will never be quite the same…
(Additional photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)