Some Mallards around here don’t fly south. They tough it out, since winter doesn’t last very long any more.
Watching them today in a half-frozen pond brought up thoughts of another season passing. That, and the unavoidable festivities of “new years.”
Last summer, we commented about birds that pay no attention to record-breaking heat because they don’t read thermometers.
They’re equally indifferent to our chronological mileposts.
Sure, changing weather patterns are unmistakable evidence of time’s flow. But the birds don’t know it’s New Year’s Eve today.
The flow of time can be a troubling thing for those who measure it.
"...placid and self contain'd"
Birds and other animals don’t bother.
They don’t take off from work. They don’t celebrate. They don’t get hung over. They just keep on keepin’ on.
More reason to admire animals for their placid acceptance of things.
This recalls words by Walt Whitman, not a favorite, but, still, bits and pieces of two-fisted thoughts from his “Leaves of Grass” come to mind…
“I think I could turn and live with animals…they’re so placid and self contain’d, I stand and look at them long and long…
They do not sweat and whine about their condition…Not one is dissatisfied, not one is respectable or unhappy over the earth…
He’s writing about birds, of course, as well as other animals.
Birds don’t look at calendars. And they don’t spend a moment wishing each other the best for the coming year. On the other hand, we can do that. So we are.
Thank you for the reflection.
Yes, birds and others of the animal kingdom are heedless of the seasons — except the mating season. Happy New Year to all the TFBW, starting with the host.
I enjoy visiting with you –
Happiest New Year
-g-