Looking inland.
The sunlight that streamed into my morning rooms flashed on and off like a slow strobe lamp. That was because of the clouds blown swiftly across the sky by a vigorous wind. A high, blustery wind. A wild, strong wind.
Leaf.
I’m a big fan of the wind. It’s proof of sweet movement, of the passage of time. Plus, it has so many personalities: calm and balmy, or painfully cold and sharp, or wet and violent, fickle and directionless, steady and forceful, smelling of an ocean island. About the only wind that tests my patience is an interminable, incessant one—like the wind in the panhandle of Texas. But even that kind seems favorable when compared with a world that’s perpetually calm.
Today’s was vigorous, wild, and strong. Still a little watery out from last night’s rain, but otherwise bright and even warm enough for a T-shirt. I had errands, and I dragged dog happily along.
Got a load done. A productive Saturday. Saw gulls, crows, a wheeling flock of pigeons in town. And in more than one place, sailing turkey vultures. About mid-afternoon, we took a hike break, Jack and I, and ended up at Beech Hill. A couple cars in the lot, a family chasing a loose dog down. In the rushing trees above the parking lot, I heard chickadees, and coming up the trail I pushed my cap down hard on my head.
Beech Hill.
Clouds sailed. The birches swayed. Somehow a butterfly kept its bearings to light on lingering flowers. The greater landscape seemed remarkably subdued in color, no doubt from the loss of leaves in yesterday’s rain and the gusting wind in its wake. From down the slope, I heard crows.
Tonight it continues to blow. Which is a good thing, because somewhere nearby a skunk let loose a minute ago, getting Jack’s attention. But the wind will clear it away.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. American crow
Elsewhere
3. Northern cardinal
4. Herring gull
5. Rock pigeon
6. Turkey vulture
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, northern cardinal, rock pigeon, turkey vulture
