Each and every one of us have our own opinions in life... our own set of beliefs, our own thoughts. This makes us who we are- and that's a fact.
Some individuals will look at a bird and say, "Goodness. That bird is lovely!" while others, whatsoever, brush it aside as a worthless item ought to be treated.
My opinions are different. When I see a bird, I picture each and every detail added by God. I see each color, feather, and personality as its own beauty. I see it as a world of its own.
That's why I am a birder. That's why a majority of my lifestyle is based around the elegance of a singular bird's soul. I may not be an Ornithologist, yet... but I strive to work my hardest to build up the world around us. And to help people see the beauty in the world of wings that God provided us to enjoy.
When I see a bird, I smile. I find my inner heart, I find why I'm here. It may sound strange... but it's my biggest connection to the world. The bird.
"Birds are indicators of the environment. If they're in trouble, we know we'll soon be in trouble." -Roger Tory Peterson, American Naturalist/Ornithologist
This is the story of Max and Jane, two visitors I proudly call my friends...
It was a week or two into April when I'd walk the dogs in the morning, spotting a serene pair of Mallard ducks in our cattail-surrounded pond. I'd let the dogs in the house, slowly approaching the perimeter as not to startle them. They'd swim away from me, hiding before the marsh. This happened for a few days... I'd sit down in the grass, speaking to the ducks about my day. They'd quack from afar, dipping constantly beneath the water in a repeated rhythm for food at the pond's center.
I'd finally gotten the (late) idea for bringing some bread outside with me. I'd bring a few stale pieces, ripping pieces off to toss in the water. They'd paddle closer, and closer, nervously accepting the bread.
Eventually, they'd walk up on land for close pieces of bread, happily gulping it down.
I decided to name the pair Max & Jane. Max had this striking appearance with his emerald green feathering, and his protective personality.
Jane, meanwhile, was docile and inquisitive. She'd dip her bill beneath the gently swooshing surface of the pond water, drinking up some water. She'd snatch a piece of bread and waddled to the water, specifically dampening it to swallow.
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." - William Shakespeare
4/20/19-
Jane's bright orange feet waddled excitedly toward me, her, running to greet me when I walked to the pond with some bread at hand. She was very happy to see me- though, possibly even happier for the treat. Max followed slowly behind her, receiving his own share of the snack.
4/21/19- "I thought goodbye"
I walked toward the pond Easter morning, not hearing the infamous quacking from Max. Nor seeing Jane in her little cove of marsh, preening her feathers in contentment.
I mean... our pond isn't the safest for a brooding hen... but I didn't expect them to leave this early. I was slightly frightened, considering I grew so close to the feathered couple, excepting them as one of my own. One of my kin.
2/22/19-
I see the water rippling, a heavy, animated rain falling upon its surface. Could it be? On the rainiest of days...?
Max appears floating out from behind and overshadowing pine tree. Jane leads the adventure. I ran outside without shoes nor a coat, happy to see my friends back home. They greeted me like always and without a doubt had I known it was them. My Mother and I both agreed... even they may have left to visit their family for Easter dinner.
2/23/19-
I purchased a healthier loaf of wheat, sugar-free bread today. All dedicated to Max & Jane, though I admittedly tried a piece (may have to switch over! That bread's good!)
Jane loved it. She ran across the yard when she saw a new, tempting treat to try.
And this, hopefully, with my new awakened sense of friendship, will be a never-ending story. Though a very small dot on this earth, Max & Jane have left their own legacy. And I hope their soon-to-be-ducklings will too.
Next time you see something small, just realize, it's big to somebody else and God made it for a reason. Its very own purpose... just like ourselves.
Life is endless.
And so are we.
Some individuals will look at a bird and say, "Goodness. That bird is lovely!" while others, whatsoever, brush it aside as a worthless item ought to be treated.
My opinions are different. When I see a bird, I picture each and every detail added by God. I see each color, feather, and personality as its own beauty. I see it as a world of its own.
That's why I am a birder. That's why a majority of my lifestyle is based around the elegance of a singular bird's soul. I may not be an Ornithologist, yet... but I strive to work my hardest to build up the world around us. And to help people see the beauty in the world of wings that God provided us to enjoy.
When I see a bird, I smile. I find my inner heart, I find why I'm here. It may sound strange... but it's my biggest connection to the world. The bird.
"Birds are indicators of the environment. If they're in trouble, we know we'll soon be in trouble." -Roger Tory Peterson, American Naturalist/Ornithologist
It was a week or two into April when I'd walk the dogs in the morning, spotting a serene pair of Mallard ducks in our cattail-surrounded pond. I'd let the dogs in the house, slowly approaching the perimeter as not to startle them. They'd swim away from me, hiding before the marsh. This happened for a few days... I'd sit down in the grass, speaking to the ducks about my day. They'd quack from afar, dipping constantly beneath the water in a repeated rhythm for food at the pond's center.
I'd finally gotten the (late) idea for bringing some bread outside with me. I'd bring a few stale pieces, ripping pieces off to toss in the water. They'd paddle closer, and closer, nervously accepting the bread.
Eventually, they'd walk up on land for close pieces of bread, happily gulping it down.
I decided to name the pair Max & Jane. Max had this striking appearance with his emerald green feathering, and his protective personality.
Jane, meanwhile, was docile and inquisitive. She'd dip her bill beneath the gently swooshing surface of the pond water, drinking up some water. She'd snatch a piece of bread and waddled to the water, specifically dampening it to swallow.
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." - William Shakespeare
4/20/19-
Jane's bright orange feet waddled excitedly toward me, her, running to greet me when I walked to the pond with some bread at hand. She was very happy to see me- though, possibly even happier for the treat. Max followed slowly behind her, receiving his own share of the snack.
4/21/19- "I thought goodbye"
I walked toward the pond Easter morning, not hearing the infamous quacking from Max. Nor seeing Jane in her little cove of marsh, preening her feathers in contentment.
I mean... our pond isn't the safest for a brooding hen... but I didn't expect them to leave this early. I was slightly frightened, considering I grew so close to the feathered couple, excepting them as one of my own. One of my kin.
2/22/19-
I see the water rippling, a heavy, animated rain falling upon its surface. Could it be? On the rainiest of days...?
Max appears floating out from behind and overshadowing pine tree. Jane leads the adventure. I ran outside without shoes nor a coat, happy to see my friends back home. They greeted me like always and without a doubt had I known it was them. My Mother and I both agreed... even they may have left to visit their family for Easter dinner.
2/23/19-
I purchased a healthier loaf of wheat, sugar-free bread today. All dedicated to Max & Jane, though I admittedly tried a piece (may have to switch over! That bread's good!)
Jane loved it. She ran across the yard when she saw a new, tempting treat to try.
And this, hopefully, with my new awakened sense of friendship, will be a never-ending story. Though a very small dot on this earth, Max & Jane have left their own legacy. And I hope their soon-to-be-ducklings will too.
Next time you see something small, just realize, it's big to somebody else and God made it for a reason. Its very own purpose... just like ourselves.
"The study of nature is a limitless field, the most fascinating adventure in the world."
- Margaret Morse Nice, Female Ornithologist
It's an amazing world we live in... but we must open our eyes to it more often.- Margaret Morse Nice, Female Ornithologist
Life is endless.
And so are we.
