Nature is a process of coming and going.
Three times this week we have had to tell pet owners that their dogs had terminal conditions. One is already gone. Another will probably not last more than a few days. The third will likely have no more than a couple of months.
We enjoy watching songbirds feed and interact at multiple feeders on our back porch. We are blessed to live in a swamp, surrounded by God’s beauty. We have every critter from alligators to Greater Yellowlegs, including hungry squirrels to spare.
The late birding columnist Judith Toups was once asked by a reader how she could discourage birds of prey from visiting her backyard feeders. Judy simply told her they go with the territory, the hunter follows the hunted. If you attract a concentration of food, something will come to eat it. That’s simply the nature of Nature.
One of the bird-watching aspects we have enjoyed lately is watching mature cardinals feeding their young. They teach the “kids” where our feeder is, then deliver sunflower seeds directly to their mouths until they catch on that mama’s not going to feed them any longer and they must learn to eat on their own. It’s a tender and loving sight.
As I was pouring my orange juice in preparation for work this morning I became aware of a large “presence” in the deck outside the bay window. First, assuming it was a raccoon or possum, I had to do a double-take when I realized this gigantic, young, red-shouldered hawk was on the railing, looking for an easy meal. He was a mere ten feet away from the camera as I shot this photo.
As sad as it is, passing on is a part of life. In Genesis 3:19 we read, “for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
