I was in high school when I first read Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I recommend it for everyone. I reread it a few years ago, but I believe C.S. Lewis is right when he observed that the sense of magic seems to be diminished as one ages. But I recall what I thought when I first read it as a teenager. I was transported to 1845 and to a life much different from mine — a life where you are close to the Creation, and you struggle against it. It was a life where you were compelled to be present in the moment.
Usually, at the beginning of the month, I send out a newsletter listing all the recent stories posted on Substack or at the EricN Publications website. Alas, no new articles this month. No — I was submerged in the Creation about me. Being outdoors daily is a blessing. And so it was I spent a lot of time observing God’s creation. New discoveries have been added to A God Thing, cataloging plants and animals that have been identified on the two prairie projects, the nearby pond and woods.
Hard to believe, but a new addition to this site is the Cottontail Rabbit. Yes — the furry thing that almost everyone has in their yard here in Missouri. But the prevalence of a robust raptor population around here has resulted in very few sightings of rabbits and a relatively small population of squirrels. For the first time since we returned to Missouri in 2023, the cottontail rabbit has made its appearance. Cute little things, munching on white clover — most of the time. Otherwise, they visit the strawberry patch and fully consume my bush beans. :)
Most of the new additions are insects and lizards.
I stopped counting some time ago, but I guess there are now over 100 birds that have been identified around Rachel’s Prairie. A regular visitor to the pond is a Great Blue Heron. It’s cousin, the Green Heron, has dropped in a few times. As the peak of summer approaches, the sound of birds has gone relatively quiet. But a typical walk in the area will produce at least sixteen species.
Flowers are my favorite topic because they tell the story of how the two prairie sites are evolving. It is always fascinating to see what comes up each year. Rachel’s Prairie, started in 2014, has a diverse array of wild flowers. Kaitlin’s Prairie (Prairie #2) was started in 2023. Here we witness “pioneer” species. This year has seen about a third of the prairie covered with Fleabane. Appearing for the first time are Black-eyed Susans and Larkspur.
Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support. Please share whenever possible.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.