There’s something about this time of year, as (in the Northern hemisphere, at least) the Earth starts its tilt away from the Sun: the sunlight moves through the day faster; its angle bathes the greens in golden tones; the nights are cooler, clearer, starry; the morning dew burns into blue-skied sunshine by midday. On afternoon … Continue reading Some Philosophical Thoughts on Instinct
Author: phototrophicfieldguide
Planning Trees
Before we built our house, there were two dead Oak trees on the lot that we had to have cut down. They were in the way of where our house was going to sit and seemed like a magnet for lightning. Even knowing that, having them cut down pained me. Now, a dozen years later, … Continue reading Planning Trees
Recalibrating
I've been quieter than I'd like to be here lately. Last month, my grandmother died. She lived to be 96 (and a half) years old, and died peacefully at home. Her death was not unexpected, but it was still a loss, and in the weeks since, I've been experiencing time in that weird, sometimes-lengthened/sometimes-compressed way … Continue reading Recalibrating
A Charm of Hummingbirds
Last year, at a bird banding at our friends' home, I had the experience of hearing a hummingbird heartbeat against my ear. It was (probably) a once-in-a-lifetime experience and so awe-inspiring that I haven't found the perfect words to convey all my feelings about it yet. What I can say is that that moment sparked … Continue reading A Charm of Hummingbirds
A Little Rant on Behalf of the Vulnerable Among Us
Every Fourth of July, I wonder if (American) animals think it's the end of the world. Imagine what not just one sparkler or firework smells and sounds and looks like to an owl or a deer or a bear or a mouse (or to any farm or domestic animal); imagine thousands popping up in all … Continue reading A Little Rant on Behalf of the Vulnerable Among Us
Summer Light Seeking
It's the first week of July and it feels like summer has finally hit. After days and days of cool weather and rain, we went directly into oppressively hot days without hardly any transition. Everything is green and swollen with humidity. We harvested the spring peas and carrots from the kitchen garden. The lilies, daisies, … Continue reading Summer Light Seeking
Scenes from a Burrow Building
Our resident mother chipmunk looks like she's getting ready for a second litter soon. From what we can tell, she's eating about the same amount, but looking a little rounder, and more significantly, she's getting her little paws dirty and undertaking a big renovation on her burrow. She has filled in the previous main entrance … Continue reading Scenes from a Burrow Building
