Wildlife

 I am so grateful for the presence and intelligence of other creatures on this planet - intelligence beyond what humans can imagine. At Catwalk Artists Residency I am surrounded by wildlife and they are just as curious about me as I am about them. They became even more apparent after the snow.  I made tracks through the four-five inches that had fallen and the next day I noticed that the deer had used by tracks and then the coyotes, bobcats, or mountain lions had followed them. Three days later it was a well worn path.

I'm pretty sure there's some kind of cat although it could be coywolf or coyote following the deer.

Then there are the delicate paw prints of the fox - and they were everywhere though we only saw one once as a bright flash of red among the snowy trees.

The deer have come to watch me in the house and on my walks and are busy eating what they can of the trees. 

Two eagles perched outside of my window in the sun watching the river for about four hours yesterday while I did my writing. Occasionally they took off and soared up and down the shoreline.

This little fellow had the misfortune of slamming into the glass window. I heard the sound and then found him later on the snow, a perfect little bird.  Reminding me of the impermanence of it all and the need to be grateful for each day.  I gave him a proper funeral with grass and leaves. Later on I saw the pileated woodpecker again tapping on the dead trees with his long body and crested head. So much to be grateful for.  What filled you with wonder and gratitude today?