Wildlife on the Farm
By Paul H. Betancourt
Copyright July 2012
Our environmental friends say that
the presence of wildlife is the sign of a healthy ecosystem. In that case my
farm is doing OK. From my back patio I can see and hear rabbits, coyotes,
squirrels, mourning doves and blue jays. At night owls screech and bats squeak
overhead. One day I looked up from my desk and there was a Cooper’s Hawk
perched on the wisteria outside my office door. A while back there an adult
Bald Eagle spent a few days camped out in the orchard behind our home. We have
also had tri-colored blackbirds, herons, egrets, Western Meadowlarks and white
pelicans on the ranch. Our farms do not suffer the Silent Spring of Rachel
Carson’s fears. In fact, I wouldn’t mind a little quieter Spring; the sparrows
wake me up at first light and that gets earlier and earlier as summer
progresses. And, I know Spring is here because those blasted mockingbirds will
not shut up.
I appreciate the concern of those
who are worried about our wildlife. I know we should accept our responsibility
as caretakers of this planet and that requires constant vigilance. But, I can
report that on our farm the critters are doing fine. Maybe too fine, when the
budgies wake me up ‘by the dawn’s early light.’
This was on the radio last week. You can find the audio on the link below.
I hope Y'all have a great week.
P
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