I spent a fair bit of time outside today with the kids, and while they were occupied on the newly-discovered trampoline of our neighbors, I wandered into the nearbye field for a look around.
The scenery was seemingly very tranquil and quiet at first, but as I walked a little bit I started to notice a chorus of bird calls all around, one in particular with a really unique ring to it.
What kind of bird was it? Had I hear it before around the farm? It seemed new, like the bird had just arrived.
I was reminded of the following book review I read recently:
It was sobering to learn that behind the “birds mate for life” meme is a sad statistic: Most often they’re together for a single breeding season. Despite famous and heart-warming exceptions, most birds live less than one year.
The bird was almost certainly new and likely had just arrived. I’m glad to have noticed. My interest is piqued now, I want to learn more.
I wondered what else I could see, and noticed this hawk (?) surfing the steady breeze above, appearing almost completely still in the sky.
It might be time for some proper binoculars and to remember what that bird identification app was that I’ve seen and heard so much about. This seems like a worthy subject for some drawing studies as well (the art in What It’s Like to Be a Bird is inspiring) .
Look out and look up, there is a lot to notice out there.
Comments welcome!