As the summer draws to a close and our local world prepares to shut down for the season of cold sleep we might think that winter and it's slice of death is ugly.
No, it isn't. It's a time of rest and rejuventation for plants and animals and a time for the introspective among us to quieten down and look inside.
It's easy to dismiss dead branches and a blanket of snow as being worthless,but if you look at the photo you'll find the goldfinch uses the tree as a lookout as it waits for a chance to get to the feeder.
What's dead to us is a useful lookout, a meeting place, and a home for assorted critters that birds such as woodpeckers feast on.
Dead? Yes. Useless? No.
I'm sure this goldfinch is grateful for the chance to perch a moment to make sure it is safe to feed and I'm equally sure that the woodpeckers who'll be around later on this season are looking forward to their meals in these branches.
This tree still serves a purpose, death has changed the purpose, but it is still useful.
It's not a perspective all that many of us have. I'm grateful I have it.
8 comments:
There are a number of beautiful dead trees here throughout the park (where I often snap photos). Their branches are artistic and very often host resting, watching birds and later, as you said, the woodpeckers. I'm never certain if they remain because our Parks and Rec. department has this insight or they just don't have the funds to remove them if they could. I'm always grateful to see them remain each year when others are sometimes removed.. those that might pose a threat of falling across a path. Lovely photo of the goldfinch in his tree.
Everything serves a purpose. It's high time humanity started to realize that!
Great post, cousin. Thought-provoking!
Hilary, dead branches are artistic. I wish more people could see that. I hope they stay because Parks and Rec understands they serve a purpose.
Totally agree with you, Cousin. And thanks.
Nice way of looking at things. To everything a season...
What a poignant post, and I share your perspective. Each of the seasons has its own unique beauty, and each plays its role in the spiral of years: birth, growth, death, allowing rebirth, and so it goes. :)
Yes, Nancy. Turn, Turn, Turn.
Thomma Lyn, thanks. There's beauty everywhere. We just have to take the time to see it.
You're quite right, Leah. Dead trees still harbour life and can provide shelter and food, sometimes for decades.
What I appreciate most about winter is the solitude and the silence. Both, as you noted, are conducive to mulling.
You've almost got me looking forward to shivering! ;)
Hi Frank, totally with you on the the introspection. It's good for a soul.
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