Waiting for the World to Change

I think I notice the change this time of year more dramatically than any other. The last few weeks of summer seem infinitely long to me when I’m done with hazy, muggy, buggy mornings and cloudless skies. I’m ready for the north winds to blow, dry the air and give way to the colors of winter. I’m ready for the human traffic to decrease and shore birds, gulls, terns and ducks to arrive.

The north winds carry millions of birds from their summer home to the places they will spend the winter. Fall flocks are larger, filled with young birds still growing into their place in the world. Like children, young birds seem to find any excuse for play. They find bobbles in the sand and then try to take them from each other. They play “king of the buoy” even if there are plenty of open buoys. The attitude seems unhurried, no need to rush to the nesting site or find a mate.

First year turkey vultures playing in the water, something I have never seen adult turkey vultures do! They are usually trying to keep their wings dry.

This morning was dark with thick cloud cover from the impending cold front. It would have been an easy morning to sleep in but I was wide awake. When I arrived at the lake I didn’t expect to see anything, but as my eyes adjusted I saw hundreds of ducks scattered across the water. I was busy counting pied-billed grebes (>200!) when I finally realized there were egrets standing on the buoy right in front of me.

The light was poor for photos but perfect for sitting and listening to the sound of the water, the gulls and the wind. As I was walking out I found this little box turtle on the road (which is currently closed to cars). I sat down and waited. It’s funny how I can have the patience to wait 20 minutes for a turtle to decide it’s safe to come out of his shell and start to move and yet I have trouble waiting for the seasons as they come.

Ironically given the “unhurried” sense the birds seem to project, I have been feeling like things are “behind”. I know I do this every year, I think the birds are late in arriving. Then I look at my photo library and my eBird records and see how what my memory tells me was August or September was really October or November. Nature is perfectly in rhythm, it’s me who is eager to move things along.

This week I’m going to take a cue from the turtle and try to be a little more patient while I’m waiting on the world to change. Maybe tomorrow, when a coat and mittens might be needed!