It is, as Winnie the Pooh might say, a blustery day here in the Tri-Cities. But blustery days keep the waterfowl on the river, and there are wonders present here! The swans are back, quite early. Yesterday Dave and I counted thirty-five of them. My most thoughtful husband, knowing I would be out of town for a week, and knowing we can't count on swans to stay very long, insisted that I get in the car, and we go to Casey's Pond, which held not only that flock of swans, but also canvasbacks, widgeon, buffleheads, and assorted ducks too far away to identify.
Then, this morning, while scanning the river to see who was present (Canadian geese, assorted ducks, coot, the usual flock of pelicans) I came across an unusual sight. Thirteen blue herons, all gathered together! I see them in groupings while in rookeries (my favorite one is a bridge over the Snake River) but I've never seen so many in one place, simply standing in the shallows, probably staying out of the wind. And thirteen - what an appropriate number.
I know - not many people share my fascination for what happens outside my window. Not everyone is entranced by the migrating flocks, as I am. I am, it might be said, a bit of an "odd duck" myself, for loving such things. Yet in them I find a connection to God, a thankfulness, a delight in the presence of creation that settles me, and gives my soul refreshment. I invite you to look out your window, be it from a highrise, from a country cottage, or within a suburb. Just watch, for ten, twenty, thirty minutes. Let me know what comes into view. We'll share in those wonders together...
