Some Days are Wildlife Days

Some days are wildlife days. Most days we see some wildlife activity; either we spot a fox streaking across the front yard, a squirrel teasing the dogs, or a mourning dove cooing gently at us from the upper fence railing near the driveway. But, occasionally we witness a truly wildlife day.

Take yesterday. Lorraine and I were unloading my pickup in the early morning when we heard a soft sound above and looked up to find three, white pelicans floating overhead. It took only a few moments and they were gone, but in that brief time their red bills, black tipped wings, and glistening white feathers fascinated us; their soundless flight seemed effortless to the two of us who have trouble walking down steps without crashing to the earth beneath. We stood in awe, gazing at the gift before us. I’m thinking the Lord knew we were out there and led the pelicans to us so we could enjoy.

Then there’s the killdeer. One morning there was nothing in the gravel next to Lorraine’s driveway, and the next day a killdeer ruffled her feathers and yelled at our friend who was just passing by to get into her car parked on the cul de sac. Sure enough, we discovered not only a killdeer but a nest of eggs as well, all parked next to the driveway.

A killdeer is quite a bird. When it thinks you’re too close to her nest, she’ll act like she’s injured: limping, drooping her wing, screeching in a high pitched cry – anything to lure you away from her babies in shells. It’ll take on anything. When I drove my pickup (hey, it’s paid for) into the driveway one morning, the mom ruffled her feathers at the big monster. She’s seen and felt huge garbage trucks thunder by her, construction equipment lumber through, and plenty of rain pouring on her back, but through it all she undauntedly protects her nest.

Lorraine had to educate the kids in the neighborhood. “It’s a killdeer and we need to leave her alone so she can set on her nest. Give her plenty of room.” In hopes that some expert could shelter the expectant mom and her soon-to-be family she called our local humane society who, upon hearing that there were eggs in the nest, referred her to the Department of Wildlife because, “They’re federally protected.” Now, I’m not sure what that means, but I don’t think it covers killdeer nests, because when Lorraine left a message on their tedious answering service, no one ever called her back.

So, it’s up to us and the Lord to take care of the killdeer, and I’m pretty sure the Lord will have more to do with that than we will. So far, it’s still there and the killdeer husband hangs around sometimes to relieve her so she can get something to eat and probably take a potty break.

All things small and beautiful.