Bird Bath.

I have found something simple but significant, it is a great delight and it is the bird bath located in my back garden. Sometimes the bowl disappears from view as it is obscured by so many birds fluttering their wings and causing a virtual spray, a natural water feature and a cascade for other birds surrounding the bath on the ground. Behind the birdbath is a large leafy multi branched tree and within its protection other small birds seem to be waiting there in turn to join the festivities, each eagerly anticipating when a place becomes vacant around the birdbath. There is a constant sound of birds tweeting happily and the rays of sunlight bathe the whole area in brilliant glory.

At one time I used to visit a nearby common that had large water areas that were used by small model boat enthusiasts. Their craft had remote control capabilities and it was fascinating watching small vessels navigate their way around the pond. Little puffs of smoke would drift from the tiny chimney stacks on the vessels, enhancing the miniature spectacle of powered water transport. Some of the crafts, had sails as well as a small engine, and that would be necessary to return the vehicle to its owner.

My grandmother lived in a small village surrounded by open fields and up a country single track road there was a hump back bridge over a shallow stream. I used to explore the surrounding countryside and to one side of the country road, there was a field which I began to cross. I noticed that there was an extremely strong smell of the countryside and the reason was evident as scattered across the field were cow pats. A glance to one side of the field told me that I was not alone. My companion or I should say companions, were showing an interest in me and were coming in my direction. I quickly ran to the fence and climbed over into the woods.

As I made my way through the trees I could hear a haunting repetitive call of a bird. In some places the sunlight disappeared and on looking up, the shadows of trees seemed to take on a life of their own. Eventually I came to a clearing and sat down for a short rest. After a few minutes I noticed something moving at the base of a tree, that was facing me. A stag beetle. It was the biggest beetle I have ever seen. It was black, except for the wing cases and the large antler like mandibles that were a sort of dark red. I tried to keep quiet but it suddenly became aware of my presence and disappeared into the ground, below the tree’s roots.

Nature is a treasure trove of spectacles that can entertain and educate, if we are wiling to share the planet’s resources. Of course there is another side to nature that is harsh and unforgiving but that does not mean we should add to the destruction of the natural habitat that our exquisite wildlife depends on.