By the time that you are all reading this, the good/bad political news will be over and done with, hopefully, and we can settle back down to winning the fight against the pandemic which all of us have a duty to do and can do a lot more decisively than any politician can by getting ourselves fully vaccinated!
Remember, this is a world issue, and all of us have part to play in resolving the outcome, not just “The Chosen Few” of a political ilk!
As I write this, some of our migratory Canada Geese are flying low overhead to land in the fields opposite and then to graze on the corn stubble and recuperate for their long trip south. Those not landing in the fields bear left to the end of the road where they can land on the welcoming waters of the South Branch.
Their honking is about the only bird sound we are hearing at this time, but our regular birds like the Bluejays and Cardinals are still with us, and will remain so to provide us with their aural presence in the garden and around the feeders throughout the upcoming winter months.
A couple of days ago, we got a brief visit from a lovely little fly catcher, a Phoebe (Feebee),which was flitting back and forth and up and down, getting its next meal. It’s such a delicate looking bird, but a very beautiful one, as were the two Monarch Butterflies that my wife and I watched through the window of a local restaurant as they went from red flower to red flower seeking the nectar that will provide them with the added strength to commence their migratory flight to Mexico.
How amazing is that, when you look at their delicate wings and bodies and try to envisage them traveling those thousands of miles to their winter accommodation? The birds amaze us, but the butterflies do more‑so! As I take a few steps out of the house to get into my car to go a few yards/metres down the road to the shops or anywhere, they make me feel a little bit inadequate and in awe of them, which I should be and am!
I hope that you feel the same way too, and enjoy every moment you get to see or be near them. Their lives are a lot shorter than ours and no doubt fraught with many more dangers than we could ever imagine, but somehow they survive and we get to enjoy them, so should be very grateful for the privilege.
Stay safe and well,
Cheers,
John Baldwin.
