I’ve always been a bit envious of birds. Imagine having the freedom to fly wherever you wish. Gliding on a summer breeze, watching the world below you. What a wonderful life.
But yesterday, as I watched this barn swallow rest on a fence, I had a thought. Perhaps a bird’s life is not quite so easy. They must ongoingly seek food to support their rapid metabolism. And they face predators, and ferocious weather, and destruction of their habitat. And they have the responsibility of caring for and protecting their young…so many challenges.
This barn swallow recently returned to the wildlife refuge after flying thousands of miles from his winter home in South America. There's nothing easy about migration.
I have a new respect for birds. I suspect their life is far less glamorous than the picture I’ve held all these years.
As I studied the swallow, I realized how much I admire him...what a wondrously brave creature he is.
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)