The melting snow and subsequent rising water levels means that ponds, lakes, and streams get to fill their brims and welcome their supporting wild creatures. So here I am, next to a stream, furiously flowing over rocks and moss. Transcending down its trench, a trench that has been carved out by its flow for some time now. Although the trench was dry this time last month, it is overflowing. Even at it's driest times it retains its little meanders and form, waiting for the quench of snowmelt or rainfall to fill the void. It is warm, beautifully warm, so warm that sitting directly in the sun makes my brow sweat a little, forcing me to take my coat off, my shoes. I dip my feet in...waaayy too cold still. But refreshing nonetheless. The birds are yet again singing and basking in the sun and stream, the waitfor springtime is finally over, and the wait was worth it. Soon will be the time to return to the same nesting sites, procreate, and hurry the fledglings on their way to create new generations of birds: starlings, robins, blue jays, juncos, geese.
In the spring, birds are given the luxury of time and leisure. The competition for food is a little less vicious, because the fresh bloom of new plants gives an offering of abundance to all. Of course, the plants have their own plans in mind with their consumption by the birds: the promise of their spreading seeds to create their own new generations.
In the springtime, the competition for food is less, but the competition for a mate is crucial. It is here in the belly and bellow of the stream that I see male cardinals chasing each other, sometimes a few at a time. Other birds chase each other, but with cardinals it is much easier to discern gender than the others. Their flight is so quick and planned. Their instinctive flight is impeccable: they fly through the thickets and branches and never crash into anything. So graceful in their speed as to almost be unreal.
This type of day, warm and sunny, every little thing in seeming sustenance and satiation, can pull anyone from their winter blues. I find myself personally feeling overwhelmed with comfort and happiness on such days.
There's something overwhelming about those first really *springtime* weeks, isn't there? The change from inaction & to almost frenetic activity & sound happens so suddenly it seems. And I know I am always startled.
ReplyDeleteIn the spring, birds are given the luxury of time and leisure.
ReplyDeleteI like this description - it rings true of a lot of different aspects of Spring. The sights and sounds of growth come out in such contrast with the stillness and timelessness of winter. Calling it a luxury brings that out against the austerity of the winter months. It's very lyrical.