Posted: Nov 25, 07 12:01pm

Dear group,

Just a brief note on my return from a long hike|run in my very populous, intensely urban home. In a city one must actively look for nature, be always alert to its surprises and possibilities. This morning was bountiful.

On my route I saw a squadron of wild parrots, a perfect chevron of migrating geese, a red-tail hawk perched atop a cypress. And floods of tiny sparrows chipping at the dirt for whatever riches it is they find there. It was early enough that the birds seemed untroubled by my intrusion, went about their business without pausing, without lifting off. I tried to engage the raptor in a dialogue but I expect my cries were foreign, laughable to his hearing.

My world, this world is vastly better for the presence of birds.

Cheers!