Who Says You Need to Go Far Out to Enjoy Wildlife?
It is the crack of dawn. As you wake from your sleep, you hear the tunes of finches perched on a nearby tree. You get out of bed and open your window to see a couple of squirrels chasing each other along the fence. After breakfast, you have a look at your garden and notice bees have taken a liking to the lavender you planted. These are some examples of the local wildlife that we sometimes overlook and take for granted.
Nature is Everywhere
In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget that we are surrounded by nature. Sure, many landscapes have been altered and stripped of their original features, but this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy those that thrive amongst us.
Whether you are in an urban metropolis or the rural countryside, there is always something to see. Each animal has a role to play in the ecosystem. Each animal has a reason for behaving the way that they do. When you take the time to realize the beauty that surrounds us, the world becomes much more rich and vibrant.
When you uncover the varying layers of animal behavior, a singing finch isn’t just a singing finch. It is likely a male that is singing his best tune to court a female. The squirrels running along the fence are probably off to their favorite tree to enjoy a nice fig for a meal. The ultraviolet vision of the bees draws them to the vibrant purple hue of the lavender so they can feast on the nectar and pollen.
Slowing Down – Noticing the Details
Not until recently did I realize I don’t need to visit a National Park or nature reserve to enjoy nature. We are surrounded by natural wonders. It’s just up to us to take the time to appreciate the intricacies of the ecosystem. It is easy to dismiss the marvels that we are surrounded by. We have responsibilities and tasks that detract us from enjoying what is so commonly found.
When I was in my high school cross country team, I used to run across many different landscapes. I ran on the streets and parks in the city and in the nearby hills. I asked myself why anyone would want to go on a slow boring hike, when they could be running or riding a bike to see more of the views the hills had to offer.
I now realize just how much you miss when you don’t have an appreciation for slowing down and just admiring the small details that are so easy to miss.
Do you ever stop to pay attention to the color and behaviors of the birds around you? Do you ever take the time to differentiate their songs? There is a lot that you miss when you don’t give yourself time to slow down and just enjoy the moment.