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.
