Wildlife Connection
This morning, the most heart-warming thing happened – it filled me with pure joy. And it made me realize the significance of the relationships I have with our neighborhood wildlife.
It was 9:00 a.m. as I stepped out onto my front porch, wincing at the chill in the air. The night of rain gave off a fresh scent, and the morning sky was full of exuberant birds soaring, diving and chattering. I’m just in awe of all the aerial life here in my new home on Whidbey Island.
Wrapped in a blanket, I sat down at my outdoor table and took in the bird dramatics as I enjoyed my bowl of oatmeal. I thought I was being so observant of all the wildlife around me. I noticed the differences in the birds vying for space on the neighbor’s apple tree. I was starting to follow their joyful interactions and their confidant flying abilities which quickly turned to bird arguments as different flocks tried to take hold of the tree. Much like us humans, I thought.
I was really mesmerized by all these interactions when I looked down at the grass near the apple tree and saw someone watching me. It was a mama deer – a doe – staring at me as I stared at the birds and ate my oatmeal. I get teary eyed just thinking about how it felt to have her eyes on me. This feeling of togetherness, of sharing the same space. The same air. The same beautiful Earth. I stared back at her.
We sat there like that for a long time, just taking each other in. She was sitting, just like I was sitting. She had a full belly, just like I had a full belly. She was there with her fawn just like I was here with mine. While she was on seated alert for a while, she eventually looked away and started licking her fur. She didn’t get up. Just rested and eventually closed her eyes.
This interaction was just so sweet and surreal. Usually when I’ve seen deer it’s when we’re both walking or moving. Something about just sitting together at rest, was one of the most beautiful interactions I’ve ever had with a wild animal. And how extraordinary to know that she was in plain sight the whole time just watching me, and I didn’t even notice for quite some time. It makes me want to always respect the wild animals that share this Earth with me. We are so connected in ways that I love to ponder, but know that I will never fully understand.
What relationship do you have with the wildlife in your neighborhood? What can you do to support and give to these animals? How can you respect the animals who share space with you?
Resources: Climate Science Alliance – Give Wildlife a Break
https://www.climatesciencealliance.org/give-wildlife-a-break