Inspired by . . . what birds see

Inspired by . . . what birds see

A clear, distinct, yet foreign call rang over our tiny acreage one day in late September. After several delighted moments watching a smallish, russet colored bird with a fairly large wingspan, put on an aerial show over the fields in front of our cottage, I powered up the computer and learned that North America’s littlest falcon had arrived!

There is no difficulty in ID-ing this beautiful bird. The “mustache” and “side-burn” pattern on their face is unique. Their flight, graceful and sure. If you are ever blessed with sighting an American Kestrel, you will know immediately what you’ve seen. If you’re an avid sports fan you’ve likely seen them at night games, hunting under the lights. They can be seen year-round over much of the United States.

 

 

Unlike humans, the American Kestrel {like all birds} can see ultraviolet light. This allows the Kestrel to see, among other things, the trails of urine left by voles and other small rodents. I guess we have enough of a population here to keep him fed since he’s still around over a month later.

 

 

It’s interesting how, once you’ve seen something, identified its shape or pattern, you start noticing it in your life.

The very day after the Kestrel showed up at my house we visited Lady Bird Johnson’s Pollinator Garden 60 miles away in Fredericksburg, Texas. As I was leaving the garden I saw this bird swoop overhead and land in the very top of a tree. Before even raising my camera I knew what it was, a female this time.

Her markings distinct and beautiful.

 

 

My mind easily identified the pattern first, before I had a clear picture of the bird.

Patterns are important. They are part of how we learn, and how we identify things.

The Kestrel’s look to the ultraviolet patterns on the ground to find their prey, their life-source.

Patterns are equally important in the voles life. They know that when a certain shape flies overhead, they need to take cover, to preserve life.

If we look closely, we will see patterns in our own lives. Some are life-giving, and some are just the opposite.

Taking time to identify these patterns can be beneficial. Seeing patterns that are life-giving, such as God’s faithfulness in our life, cause us to respond with praise and thanksgiving. Identifying other patterns, such as stress, fatigue or patterns of abuse, can empower us to make positive changes.

Nature has so much to teach us! I am continually amazed at the Creator’s design. The way He has woven all of us, humans, birds, and all creatures into the tapestry of life. It’s a distinct and beautiful pattern, indeed.

What patterns do you see in your life?

What has nature taught you about life?

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

Sharing inspiration here:

Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,

Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,

Our World Tuesday, Community Global