photo from National Geographic
My dog James is the first one out the door with me in the morning for a pleasant stroll down to the end of the road and back. At this time of year, the dog walk turns into a study in nature. James is a dog with keen senses – a strong nose and listening ears. This morning as we were quickening our pace due to strong wind and – burr – frigid temps (isn’t it spring?), James came to an abrupt stop. His ears perked up and his nose was twitching. He was the first to hear the birdsong, and to smell it’s scent. He stood still-as-a-statue looking up into the trees. Finally, I, the human companion, spotted what he already saw minutes earlier – a magnificent Pileated Woodpecker, the giant among Woodpeckers. The two of us, dog and human, stood motionlessly watching this gorgeous creature tap away on a tree trunk. Once the Woodpecker flew off, James was back into a trot, back to the business of his much-loved walk. I know I would have missed that sighting had I been walking alone.
photo from National Geographic
We’re a good match, James and I. Yesterday, I was the first to notice the striking Bluebird with burnt orange breast that had landed in a branch above our heads. It was the flash of electric blue that caught the corner of my eye leading me to look up. We’re both on the look-out as we experience the rebirth of nature. As much as James loves his food, I do believe he cares more for these special walks he and I have together. I know I do. With today’s cold weather, it may not feel like spring, but clearly nature’s creatures know it’s here.