My chocolate lab and I daily visit a large, shallow pond
created decades ago as the central feature of a country club golf course. That
establishment has long since gone “bust” and nature has reclaimed the golf
course. (Yippee!) The pond remains though choked by algae in the warm months. But
when cold weather arrives, the algae goes dormant and the water becomes a reflecting
pool of sky. A couple weeks ago, on a sunny December day, it was to a sapphire
blue pond that Rosie and I headed, though we were not alone.
Overhead we heard the honking calls of Canada Geese, about
two or more dozen, banking for a water landing. Another smaller flock (whether
stragglers or a different team entirely) also approached with the same
intention. Rosie and I stopped to watch while yet a third group, half a dozen
individuals hailing from an entirely separate quadrant of the sky, likewise began
their descent. What a show!
Off leash, Rosie could not wait on me to visit with so many noisy
newcomers and raced ahead to plunge with the geese into the water. They
seemingly took her effrontery in stride, secure perhaps in their multitudes.
After dashing up and down within the shoreline, Rosie returned to me and dry
land to continue our trek around the pond. What a pleasant time we spent with
our attractive and talkative guests upon the glittering water. In fact, we were
so engaged that a pair of Great Blue Herons took us totally by surprise. Poised
like a double image, they stood in the water, both heads turned in scrutiny of
us. We abruptly stopped, which
apparently was their cue to start—and up they hurriedly yet gracefully flew.
When out within the natural world, you’ll no doubt have the
good luck to meet and greet her animal citizens. Rosie and I always do. Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year in 2018!
Always remember to keep birds in your heart!
Georgia Anne
No comments:
Post a Comment