|
|
|
|
August 2001
I am rewarded for being an early riser. Even before first light, the vitality of life expresses itself. Birds' songs fill the dark air. This summer, I learned to recognize the song of new summer residents in our yard, the house wrens. These sounds of life and survival make my heart feel very full.
The sun hasn't risen yet when I can see activity in the yard. The ruby-throated hummingbird drinks and bathes at the dripping birdbath our neighbor made for us. A pair of brown thrashers, new summer residents also, hop about the yard catching insects, frequently disappearing into the thickets. Then one morning, a brown thrasher fledgling is following its parent begging for food. Cardinals, robins and catbirds fly in and out of the dogwood trees, almost colliding in their rush to devour the ripe fruit. Once, I saw a hummingbird and a catbird doing a mid-air do-si-do when their flight paths crossed. When full light comes, and the sun shines on flowerbeds and flowering shrubs, red admiral butterflies drink nectar and warm themselves for the day's activities. Seeing these small quiet events creates a sense of intimacy with our fellow-residents.
With all this life in our yard, I consider myself rich. In planting and managing our yard for wildlife, I have the pleasure and deep gratification of doing something very good for others.
A person makes a powerful contribution when developing their yard as habitat. It is an implicit assertion that they can make a difference and can contribute to a better world. What is so wonderful is that when we act in this positive manner, we find like-minded souls. These encounters replenish our energies. We also discover people who are inspired by our actions and attitudes. Many individuals and families, each creating wildlife habitat in their yards, will transform our communities. This is the power of individual action.
This month's column is my last in the series. It is a bittersweet decision. I experienced my life as a potential story for the column. I shared my wonder and appreciation for all things wild. I hoped to bring a thoughtfulness and gentleness to our relationship with nature.
My decision to end the series after more than four years comes from the need to pursue other educational methods. I look forward to writing more fact sheets, teaching workshops on backyard habitat management, and working with individuals, neighborhoods and communities to improve backyard wildlife habitat and their community forest.
I am left wondering what difference my column has made. After years of listening to me, I would like you to have the final word. By letter, mailed to me at 24 Main St., Lisbon Falls, ME 04252, or by email to ncstone@umext.maine.edu , I ask you to respond to this question:
What difference has reading this column made in your attitudes, your actions, and your life?
By Nancy Coverstone (ncstone@umext.maine.edu), University of Maine Extension Educator in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties
Return to Wild About Nature Table of Contents
Putting Knowledge to Work with the People of Maine
Copyright © 1995 University of Maine
Last Modified:
08/13/06
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Communications Office Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Send comments, suggestions or inquiries to www-questions@umext.maine.edu
COUNTY OFFICES | PROGRAMS | RESOURCES | PUBLICATIONS | WHAT'S NEWS | UMAINE EXTENSION HOME | UMAINE
Information in this web site is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this web site. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
