Ferida Wolff's BackYard: Maple Seeds in Abundance; We Are Birds of a Feather: Is Our Tree of Life Starting to Weaken? It’s a Short Step From Tree-worry to People-worry
Maple Seeds in Abundance
We have a large maple tree in our backyard. Each Spring it produces tons of seeds that offer food to the wildlife and promises of new trees. This year the tree seems to have exceeded its seed production. We have maple seeds all over our yard. It speaks of a burgeoning of life, an opening up of the season of growth and expansion.
And yet, things happen. This morning one of the branches was ripped from the tree trunk by an incredibly strong wind. It lays upon the grass, the seeds still clinging on. But now it has me thinking about the strength of the parent tree. Is this a harbinger of its decline?
It’s a short step from tree-worry to people-worry. Is our tree of life starting to weaken? We seemed strong until the corona virus began playing havoc with us. It is hard to see the bright side of things right now but I try to focus on the positives: a neighbor offering to shop for me, fellow walkers saying hello but carefully avoiding close contact, having a snack virtually with my grandchildren. Small things but they help to keep the positive in view.
I’m looking forward to a season of healing, whenever that comes about. I hope the squirrels enjoy the feast Nature has offered. I hope you find whatever is positive around you and that you stay safe and healthy.
Information about maple seeds: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/maple-copters-everywhere-21588
We are Birds of a Feather
We took a ride recently to The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge*. The Refuge protects more than 47,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats and is a haven for migratory birds. We drove slowly through the Refuge, observing the birds that were gathering in flocks. When they were flapping around or searching for food, we would park, get out of the car, and take photos. Other people were there, watching as well, but no one was close to anyone else. It was at the beginning of the social distancing rule. All along the road, the cars and the people kept appropriate distances.
It was the time for nesting, for bringing new life into nature. Ospreys were gathering grass and weeds to place within the nesting formations set up for them. Geese were moving in vees and flapping from one part of the marsh to another. Ducks quietly floated, occasionally poking under the water for a treat to eat. Gulls dropped shells in the middle of the road, cracking them open for a meal. They were all together, as Mother Nature designed.
Across the fields was New York City. Tall buildings reminding us of how people needed to stay away from personal contact, such a sad contrast from the what we were seeing. I hope that we are able to connect with each other soon, to enjoy our connections with family, with friends, with our professional contacts. Like the wildlife at the Forsythe Refuge, we are meant to connect with others. May this time of isolation be over soon. After all, we too, are birds of a feather…
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge:
A wonderful video:
For bird lovers, here is a website you’ll enjoy:
©2020 Ferida Wolff for SeniorWomen.com
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