The Daily Forest Report April 9, 2014 A Welcome Change in Perspective
by nielskunze on April 9, 2014
Our normal forest walk has us exploring on the south side of Dutch Creek which has us gazing across the river at the Hoodoos on the other side. For two days we had been hearing the honking of geese in the river valley, but we were unable to ever spot them. Sitka loves birds and really wanted to meet this pair! We needed to shake things up a bit… so here’s a song to do just that:
(South Side of the Sky by Yes from their 1972 album Fragile)
Next, we decided to take the adventure to the north side of the river and hike up to the top of the Hoodoos to look back upon our usual stomping grounds from the opposite view.
On this day, we were a group of six humans and three dogs… a veritable travelling party enjoying the spectacularly unique perspective.
In short order, our little group was overflown by three eagles and a pair of Canada geese. The geese were flying so low and fast that I couldn’t snap a pic, but I did manage to capture two of the eagles.
Eagle energy speaks assertively of effortlessness. Eagle spends very little time tending to survival needs because he is such a proficient hunter. Eagle is the epitome of being in the world but not of it. Eagle wisely stays out of the fray of terrestrial matters, taking the long view instead, understanding the big picture.
The pair of geese– partners for life– are sure harbingers of spring, having returned from their winter migration. Goose is an excellent totem animal for writers and storytellers. Their vision is keen and they take us easily on imaginary flights to legendary places. Thank you Mother Goose!
Perhaps the part I love the most about Goose’s message is that they have an unshakeable sense of community as well as their lifelong commitment to partnerships, but they also fully respect each other’s individuality. Their flying formation, the familiar V, allows each member of the community to maintain an unobstructed view of the adventure ahead. They never fly directly following one another, but nor do they typically fly alone. They stick together non-hierarchically.
Goose knows what’s going on!
Leave your comment