When the two newly hatched Mourning Doves in our care died, Ellen and I were saddened. Yet, as native desert dwellers, we both knew what all who dwell here know. That our bones will turn to dust and critters will die as sure as fish will swim and fledglings shall fly and as surely as the Santa Catalinas have stood for 20-million seasons the wildflowers of spring will be the tumbleweeds of summer rolling on and on across the ages.
For anyone who might be interested in helping provide enhanced "backyard" habitat for our avian friends, in particular, and area wildlife more generally, Tucson Audobon has a "Habitat at Home" program that offers guidance and a wealth of information. Details can be found on their website.
I liked your poem. Yet another talent! And the line "turkey vultures form into circles above the doomed; halos floating above our common fate" reminded me of the bird/religious imagery of Jackson Browne's "there's a seabird above you gliding in one place like Jesus in the sky," only darker.
Thanks, David. You captured so well my mixed feelings about the birds on my patio. I delight in their presence, in their nest building, hatching and fledging. I am saddened when the Cooper's Hawk or the roadrunner ends one of their lives. I have to keep reminding myself: it's Natures way. You put it beautifully.
Thanks, Fitz, for putting words together to express our wonder, appreciation, and sometimes sadness we experience while living with our beloved critters.
I felt this. A white Peace dove once took up residence above my front door. It was messy but Blanca (I named her!) was such a delight, with her intelligence and cleverness. One evening I heard a racket about the time she usually came home, but no Blanca. A scattering of white feathers were all I ever saw of her after that. An owl had claimed my Blanca for a meal. I hated Hedwig after that.
That was very sweet! We made friends with roadrunners and just adored them. We lost 3 of our friends (2 to hawks and 1 to a bobcat). We realized (finally) that our friendship with this wild animal was not for their benefit, but for ours. We no longer make friends with the wildlife in our yard--they are much better off using their instincts to protect themselves if we let our property return to "desert".
Love living in the desert 🌵. I remember the first time we had a hummingbird nest in one of our trees. I carefully watched those tiny dots turn into tiny little hummingbirds. It was so amazing. My heart was sad when they flew away but I knew that was nature and so glad I was able to experience it.
Such a small event in the big picture of life, and yet, such a lovely and memorable tribute to nature and all our living creatures. Thanks again and again .
What a lovely tribute. Tears in my eyes reading this and picturing what you went through. 😢
For anyone who might be interested in helping provide enhanced "backyard" habitat for our avian friends, in particular, and area wildlife more generally, Tucson Audobon has a "Habitat at Home" program that offers guidance and a wealth of information. Details can be found on their website.
Thank you for reminding us of the desert beauty in all its wonder that we cherish.
I liked your poem. Yet another talent! And the line "turkey vultures form into circles above the doomed; halos floating above our common fate" reminded me of the bird/religious imagery of Jackson Browne's "there's a seabird above you gliding in one place like Jesus in the sky," only darker.
Your words are a lovely reminder of all the is magical about living (and dying) in the Sonoran Desert. Thank you for your eloquence. - Thea
Thanks, David. You captured so well my mixed feelings about the birds on my patio. I delight in their presence, in their nest building, hatching and fledging. I am saddened when the Cooper's Hawk or the roadrunner ends one of their lives. I have to keep reminding myself: it's Natures way. You put it beautifully.
Thanks, Fitz, for putting words together to express our wonder, appreciation, and sometimes sadness we experience while living with our beloved critters.
Sniff...a king snake got my nest.
So lovely yet sad. Nature always has her way but you do your best to foil her.
I felt this. A white Peace dove once took up residence above my front door. It was messy but Blanca (I named her!) was such a delight, with her intelligence and cleverness. One evening I heard a racket about the time she usually came home, but no Blanca. A scattering of white feathers were all I ever saw of her after that. An owl had claimed my Blanca for a meal. I hated Hedwig after that.
That was very sweet! We made friends with roadrunners and just adored them. We lost 3 of our friends (2 to hawks and 1 to a bobcat). We realized (finally) that our friendship with this wild animal was not for their benefit, but for ours. We no longer make friends with the wildlife in our yard--they are much better off using their instincts to protect themselves if we let our property return to "desert".
Love living in the desert 🌵. I remember the first time we had a hummingbird nest in one of our trees. I carefully watched those tiny dots turn into tiny little hummingbirds. It was so amazing. My heart was sad when they flew away but I knew that was nature and so glad I was able to experience it.
Pure poetry, all of it. Once again you warm the heart and uplift the soul. Thank you.
Life and death are woven together in a way that mingles beauty and tragedy. You have created a lovely tapestry with your words.
Such a small event in the big picture of life, and yet, such a lovely and memorable tribute to nature and all our living creatures. Thanks again and again .