The bird flew over the apple tree and and landed in the stand of trees on the edge of the pasture. Two smaller birds flew from the branches and one stayed, keeping its distance.
I don’t know what kind of bird it was. The curve if its wings looked different from a hawk. And it let out a small scratchy sound as it flew. Maybe some kind of falcon?
I tried to get a closer look by zooming in with my iPhone, but it was still too far away. And then I thought that I didn’t need to name to bird. That just seeing it, watching it was enough.
Like getting to know the trees in the woods, sometimes its enough to just know which are different and which are the same.
I have a friend who said when she was young she would look for pictures in the stars and make up names for them. She never learned to name the constellations. But that doesn’t diminish her love of looking at the night sky.
I would guess the bird in the photo above is a Raven. I don’t even remember taking the picture. I just came upon it in my photos and thought the shape of long black bird in the tangle of white and gray branches was striking.
It’s as much about the branches as the bird.
Just as the feeling of awe I got watching the bird flying over the farm this afternoon seems more important to me than knowing what to call it.
I love the photo! All those intersecting and crossing branches, a beautiful random design. And I agree. It’s the experience, the essence of the bird that matters. I get too caught up in wanting to know, to name, as if that matters, when it’s the feel, the sound, the sight that actually matters.
I’m learning to tune into my senses rather than live in my mind so completely. It’s peaceful.
Ah that’s it LoisJean, “tune into my senses rather than live in my mind.” I need more of that too. I will practice it on my walk in the woods today. Thank you!
. . . noticing . . . seeing . . . watching . . . appreciating . . . enjoying . . . . . These ARE enough . . . Thank you, Maria, for the reminder.
Perfectly said Karen. Thank you.
Enjoyed this perspective. We are currently in FL – half way into our 7-week stay in our RV. Lots of new bird life to see and hear here! Often we see many Ibis right outside our RV going from site to site eating insects. So fun! Though there is a bird I hear in the trees, but can’t see. Also had been wondering what type of bird it is?? But then just decided to enjoy its beautiful sound and let go of trying to figure it out. 🙂
What fun Barb! It was in the Everglades that I saw more different kinds of birds and flocks of them than ever before. Enjoy your trip and all the wildlife. And the letting go….