September Snowy Egret, ©2003 Catherine Erin Hamilton. Easily recognizable by their spindly black legs, schoolbus yellow feet (or “lures”) and their signature dance, Snowy Egrets do a quirky ballet in shallow marshes to kick up their meals from the mud. Pure birding entertainment.
Today I am on the verge of tears. I need to go to the shore. Right now. I love the beach. I love the marsh. I love the bay. I love the quiet peace down there during winter. Avalon is like a ghost town from October through May. I haven’t been there since September and I miss it madly.
The shore in winter is not about tanning, partying, sweating or sucking my tummy in. It is about observation. Contemplation. Escape. Perspective. Peace.
As Spring approaches there is a shift in birds there, just as at my house. But the birds are different. Mysterious. Webbed. Herons and egrets stalk their prey like lions, subsequently posing for my camera. Sanderlings chase the waves and peck at miniature clams on the beach. Gulls cackle loudly in groups, but bask quietly when alone. I have an infamous talent: I can summon the gulls. My voice can reach the most trill notes of a gaggle of seagulls gathering and hovering over a free feast. It drives my husband bananas.
These are things that the shore stirs up in my heart, just thinking about it. Happy celebration. Peace. Joy. Love. Escape. Birds. All the things I really really need RIGHT NOW.
And a puppy.
