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Today in Mississippi
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June 2014
Nature’s gift : Relief from life’s complexities t is reasonable to conclude that everyone encounters difficulties in life. Some are more complex than others, but regardless of the depth and degree of those rough spots, they can disturb the emotions and even coax the sufferer toward despair. The following is in no way intended to discount those sometimes tragic circumstances; these are real. But the purpose of this writing is to point out those healing glimpses afforded by nature. Not long ago, while on the edge of a despondent episode triggered by some unavoidable demands that have become a real part of living, I happened to stop by a window, outside of which are two bird feeders. This window is down the hall from my office here at home. Be advised that I am not a dedicated birder, not one filled with extensive knowledge of varieties, whether migratory or resident, but I have for many years been appreciative of these marvels of nature. On this day in question, I was unexpectedly presented with a most pleasing and captivating spectacle. The first to catch my eye was the goldfinch, and since this sighting was a month or so back from the time you are reading this, the tiny male was not yet transformed into his most brilliant color scheme. Still, he was adequately attractive. Closer observation revealed 14 of these birds; at least that is what I could count. They flitted about with great abandon, exercising that grand ability omitted from the capabilities of humankind: flight. They would be first on the feeders, then scooting through a crepe myrtle, then on the ground and finally scurrying away as a flock to some tree in the distance, only to return momentarily to repeat their performance. It was all quite marvelous. And then a bird I don’t recall seeing for two years or more. An indigo bunting. A handsome specimen, this one was beneath the feeder collecting scattered seeds. Quickly one became five, their blue feathers glistening in an earlyspring morning sun. They contested the presence of the goldfinches, to which the goldfinches reciprocated. But all managed to snatch a seed and perch daintily
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until that seed was consumed. Then it was back for more. All the while this blue and yellow parade was taking place, additional color was added. Cardinals, the males a bright red. A nuthatch contributed its mottled plumage. The tufted titmouse, though drab in comparison to the more vivid participants, was intriguing just the same. An oriole, almost gaudily dressed, shuffled about on the ground and in and out of low-branch shrubs. He was magnificent. And there were sparrows and doves and chickadees, the latter zipping off to a nearby tree and producing that odd little whistling chirp that has always put my mind in a state of tranquility. Today, as this is being written two weeks after that discovery mentioned above, there are two examples that I seldom see: the rose-breasted grosbeak. Most impressive, this big guy. That outsized beak, though not the most attractive appendage, takes nothing away from the rose breast and dark, almost black wings. Another superb image of natural beauty. A thought arose. These birds were and are on the feeders because the feeders are there. If they weren’t, however, the birds would still be present somewhere. They would not fret that I failed to put out and fill feeders. They would simply move to a location more conducive to their likes and needs. No
whining or scolding or dour mood. Certainly no worry. That latter practice seems fully reserved for folks such as I. An element of regret overcame me. I had, for too many days, been engrossed in justifiable concern, but I had let it run amuck and had not kept that concern in perspective. I was doing all I could to rectify the ongoing situation in which I found myself, or to at least make it a bit more palatable, so why should I worry about things that were beyond my control or capabilities? I shouldn’t. But I was. The birds Mississippi were reminding Outdoors me of a valuable truth. by Tony Kinton It was then that I opted to walk outside, to breathe some spring air and further set those worries aside for the moment. And what do I see? Blooms and blossoms and all manner of restorative elements. An azalea in the back yard was literally bursting to perfection. A squirrel bounced away from an oak and the buried acorns beneath it. A crow cawed in the distance. There was no hint of worry or frantic pacing. Just life playing out in its
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Relief from life’s complexities can often be found in the simple things around us. Photo: Tony Kinton
intended fashion. Nature had once again provided relief from life’s complexities. It was offering a grand gift. Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. His newest book, “Rambling Through Pleasant Memories,” is now available. Order from Amazon.com or www.tonykinton.com
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