He sits on the bench along the boardwalk with a bag of peanuts and feeds the animals. They know him well since the snow disappeared and the air is warmer. He enjoys this time, leisurely giving the nutty treasures to Blue Jays and Red Squirrels as people go by, most greeting him as they admire the antics of the animals.
He doesn’t have much to say because he’s not there for the people. Besides, his hearing prevents him from understanding much of what others say but the animals don’t mind.
While I watched one day, two squirrels scampered away with the nuts, returning quickly to the man, one coming from behind, quickly jumped to the bench and up to his knee. It took the peanut from his hand. He threw a peanut for the other, as he does with the Blue Jays. The man smiled and talked to them as he sat there, relaxed as he enjoyed the setting and the experience.
Around the man, a number of other birds hang out too. A Robin watches from a nearby tree
as does a Mourning Dove, waiting for any leftovers when the more aggressive animals are done.
One can hear the efforts of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nearby and see it in the tree behind the man and the other animals.
The area is a playground with snacks for the beasts.
For a few minutes in the day, a person sits and communes with nature. During that time, the cares of a troubled world and those in his own life disappear as he feeds the animals, oblivious to all else.
Everyone could benefit from a few of those minutes.
39 comments:
That's a respite post. Thank you.
Being with & in nature is always a balm to the soul - IMO. :)
Life and nature, beautiful partners!
Lovely. It brought up memories of taking my grandkid to a park near her home. There were squirrels so plump that you worried about them climbing. The kid, on the other hand, climbed like a squirrel.
She is in university now, but I have the memories like jewels in a setting.
A very beautiful post. I feel so much better now. Thank you for making my day a bit more pleasant.
Nice to think of the birds and animals waking up in the morning and wondering if their person was going to be bringing goodies to the bench.
I am one of those happy people for whom communing with nature is a daily activity. I wouldn't have it any other way.
He has his priorities right. Thank you (so much) for sharing this lovely window into his day.
What a lovely post. Your words paint the scene well. Nature is so restorative.
We should spend our hours with nature and our minutes...well, with nature too. 😊
So beautifully written and I agree we all need that kind of respite for our souls.
Thank you Marie for the lovely photos too.
Sue
a beautiful interpretation of this mans lovely interactions with nature. i am sure the birds look forward to his visits. your images are crisp, clear...wonderful!!
I believe this man has found a true way to experience peace.
Animals are better company than many people.
I've noticed the birds love my dog but are scared of humans. Go figure
Critters coming to the hand is a real treat. We have trails where chickadees, nuthatches, downies and blue jays will land in your hand. It's a big treat for kids.
How wonderful to be loved by small animals and birds.
I will try and follow his example. And I know exactly where to go... : )
munching on some peanut does sound good.
Coffee is on and stay safe
Sounds so peaceful and leisurely. I'm sure he really enjoys this part of his day - and the critters seems to look forward to his visits too.
Lovely post....
You are so right, Marie. And the benefits go further; when we are under stress or stuck at home unable to go out, those minutes can be remembered and used to push away our cares a second time. Your photos are wonderful. You have a good eye.
A loving relationship. Beautiful post.
Bill and Lorrie express my feeings perfectly.
Another inspiring post to read.
So very true, we could all use those moments in our day. I don't have squirrels coming up to me, but I sure enjoy the birds at the feeder just outside the sunroom.
What a delight, to be that man sitting there quietly, I see the little squirrel waiting at the side of the road. A moment in time so well spent, oh, that we all could do that and enjoy nature.
We don't seem to have so many people feeding birds and animals in this way. At one time every park had someone. However far more people feed birds at home these days.
What a moving story. I'm glad he has found something to help him through each day.
Don't you just live to days like that? Alone with your thoughts and the wild critters looking for treats. It just does not get any better than that!
Hello,
What a great post. I love all the birds and photos. I am sure the man enjoys his time feeding the birds and squirrels. Everyone can benefit from spending time with nature. Take care, enjoy your weekend.
He sounds like a nice man.
April 30th
Re: my post... "Knives Out" We really enjoyed it.
Present day setting, but done like an old fashioned Hercule Poirot mystery. :-)))
And Daniel Craig plays a very *non-Bond* character! :-)
🌹🌸🌹🌸🌹🌸🌹🌸🌹
Lovely post. Being in nature always improves my attitude. That, and working with my plants, both indoor and outdoor.
There is nothing like interacting with nature to bring relaxation and peace. The photos of the birds are lovely and so nice that the snow is gone.
A beautiful post!
Have a blessed day!
Beautiful post and gorgeous photo's. I would love to see this too. x
you make me want to get out with the camera and just shoot.
it made my eyes teary dear friend !
special thanks for this beautiful post ,i think this one deserve an award!
the first image is magnificently taken and goes fit with story you shred so brilliantly .
yes nature has an endless lap where everyone can find place if want to . i am sure the man who does this found it healing and comforting and that healing and comfort cannot be found in this whole world i believe .
thank you for incredibly beautiful sharing
WONDERFUL PHOTOS OF NATURE; THANKS FOR SHARING
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