Week of November 24, 2024 – November 30, 2024
by Kaylen Iorio, Environmental Educator
This time of year I admire the groups of birds gathering together to embark on their journey of migration. I like to think that on this journey, these birds traveling together become lifelong companions. Chatting as they fly to their location to spend the winter, stopping along the way for snacks and beverages; just like a road trip that many of us have taken with family or friends! While I am exaggerating the interactions of birds as they migrate together, it is fun and interesting to use your imagination as you observe nature.
Murmuring is a marvelous sight to see in the sunset soaked skies this fall. Blackbirds are particularly synchronized with each other as they move effortlessly through the clouds, turning softly right, dipping down low, and soaring back up high. I imagine there is a conductor leading the flock, guiding them with fluid flaps of their wings. I admire this phenomenon during this time of year and it makes me think about my community. Sometimes we move harmoniously through life, other times someone trails off and has to catch up with the group, but we are all working together, moving together, and trying our best to grow together just like the birds.
I enjoy making connections with nature and my own life. I find that I can always discover new ways that humans and nature relate to each other and how I can draw examples from nature to better understand how to move forward in my own life. For example, I am noticing animals getting ready for the winter. Whether that be birds bulking up for their migration, squirrels storing nuts and seeds, and trees releasing their leaves, it seems that everything in nature is holding on to what’s important to them. I can translate this into my own life, reflecting on the things in life bringing me joy and making me feel strong and healthy. These things I hold onto and prioritize, the rest I let go and do not worry about just like all of our maple trees at Baltimore Woods shedding their leaves in the fall.
Using your imagination while observing nature brings to life a new perspective. Studying how wildlife thrives during each season provides us with insight into how we can live our own lives. Next time you are outside, take time to look around at nature and use your imagination to discover new ways of living and thriving!