February 2004

13 February 2004

Greetings at the end of a glorious week.

As we prepare to enjoy our weekend, nature is preparing for her own valentine season. Hidden from our view, chemicals course through the blood of birds both small and large. In response to these ancient silent signals, their bodies begin the transition that will give each of them a chance at immortality.

Thousands of miles away, feathered others respond to similar signals--bodies adding stores of energy to fuel the long flight north. Songs heard months ago are remembered and practiced; soon the contests will begin.

Closer to home obvious signs of change also abound. Eager sparrows test lines of control and ownership. Ocher-colored newts, drawn by unknown forces, venture from their forest haunts to newly refreshed pools and ponds. Plants awaken from their brief winter sleep and break free of their earthly bounds spurred on by the perennial promise of increasing light.

Indeed, the air is full of winds of change-- less insistent, perhaps, than the east breezes that sting our faces, but clearly perceptible for all those with their eyes on nature....