What gives me hope?

For now I am spending part of my day observing birds and most particularly herons. Why this sudden love for herons and one specifically? What is the purpose of spending so much time watching her? First of all, I would say we watch to learn. I am not trained in the study of birds (ornithology) and I don’t want to google everything. So I return again and again to see the bird and watch what and why she is doing what she is doing.

Jane Goodall is one of my favorite writers and speakers. When you listen to what she says about chimpanzees and nature you hear hope and positivity. Chimps give her hope and herons give me hope. She believes that there is hope for the next generations, because she observes animals and their habitats. Whole forests have sprouted again from tiny seedlings. Species have been saved by careful breeding through biodiversity. This is no justification for what we have done to the beautiful earth and to so much of its wildlife. We should get busy doing something–clean streams, eat less meat, consume water without bottles, and on and on. The time is now. Jane Goodall does not shame anyone who can not become a vegetarian. She is a pragmatist. Do what you can– once or twice a week.

Why do I watch and go everyday? There are new details and new places where the heron is patiently fishing and eating. No matter the weather–rain, sleet, and ice–Aubrey is there. She centers her thin body over the ice or small pool of melted ice. She teaches me patience. Resilience is her name. She is strong and sees deep into the water and through the ice. And some days I see too.