I watched several blackbirds wing their way around the wetlands, and I could feel their heightened energy. Spring brings so much excitement to the natural world. Courtship, fresh nests, brand new babies…the enthusiasm is palpable.
This female caught my attention as she flitted among the plants. Her youthful exuberance reminded me of an experience I had in the forest.
Last week as I rounded a bend in the woods, I heard a young voice fervently declare, ‘I love this so much, Dad!’ A father and his young daughter appeared…both wearing jeans and matching blue hooded sweatshirts.
They stopped to chat and the father shared that he and his daughter hike nearly every weekend. The young girl recounted a few of her experiences, and appeared eager to continue on her adventure.
As I walked on, I thought about the young girl. Like the bird, she saw life as fresh and new and exciting, with surprises around every corner.
To me, the girl and the bird epitomize spring. Not the season, but a state of being…seeing life through fresh eyes, taking nothing for granted, and embracing each experience as an exhilarating adventure.
I’m grateful to the little bird and the young girl for the reminder to live life from a place of awe and wonder…
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)