Monday, January 11, 2016

the beach belongs to the birds

Today the beach belongs to the shorebirds
After the tornado touched down last night just up the coast
After the morning rain and the riptide warnings
We find ourselves alone as we walk the wrack line.

A torrential downpour blows in from the Gulf
So we shelter squatting and kneeling on a beach lounge chair
Holding the canopy roof over us, ignoring the rental sign
Viewing the terns and skimmers standing nearby in the puddles.

For many millions of years this beach has hosted these birds
Long before humans existed, before recent resort developments
Brought our species here in large numbers occupying the sand
When the sun shines and the warm water invites immersion.

Today except for a few walkers the beach is empty of people
Not a good day for sunbathing or swimming
So we get to see great variety of avian life
So many different kinds of birds identified.

The shoreline is a public place not owned by anyone
A part of the vast commons of oceans that surround us here
So good to protect this resource for everyone forever
Not to be bulldozed and built up into dead zone habitat.

The birds of course have no awareness of property lines
Only great wariness that comes from being hunted
As we approach cautiously, delighted to see uncommon sights:
Marbled godwits, snowy plovers, sandwich terns and a red knot.