As I finished up classes yesterday I needed a walk so I headed out to Bob
Heirman originally intending to stretch my legs for a quick walk. The
temperature was brisk and a light snow was falling which thickened
considerably as I got down into the flats. I had just been to Shadow lake
earlier this week so I was intending to skip it but as I walked along the
flats the honks and quacks called me, and so, while the snow was drifting
from the sky, I decided to see how far I could walk through the grass
towards the far side of Shadow lake before it got too wet. I got to a place
where I could see the lake and all the ducks and swans. Through the swirling
snow a swan came flying towards me, silent, long winged. It settled just a
few yards away, perhaps taking up sentry post against this monkey intrusion
into their sanctuary. As this huge bird stood in vigil, a group of several
dozen swans materialized in the snow from the west, circling low over head,
the bird on the ground honking encouragement or directions for landing,
receiving the chorus of replies. Then the standing bird, looked directly at
me, bobbed its head, then took wing to join its brethern. It is these small
gifts of nature that keep me coming back for more.

Rob Sandelin
Naturalist, Writer
The Environmental Science School
HYPERLINK
"http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/SVE.htm"http://www.nonprofitpages.com/ni
ca/SVE.htm
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