As I walked the dog last night, I heard a strange sound in the sky, a mix between a purr and a chirp. I looked up to see a flock of birds flying in three loose V formations. I decided to count, and the dog cooperated. She had a bit of a wait.
120 birds.
They headed south and merged into one V formation, too high, or perhaps too small, for me to tell what kind they were. Long necks, but not Canada geese with their awkward clanking. These birds’ purring chirps provided a soothing melody to accompany the clouds and a few turning leaves.
I continued the walk and, too late, thought, “Camera.” I found the flock one more time—broken apart, drifting up into the sky like bits of ash breaking apart. I would have missed the moment had I dashed in for the camera.
Change is here. The light is shifting. Fall is in its early stages, and there’s a promise in the skies.
I know my friends back east are sick of rain, and I can understand why. There’s talk of record-breaking consecutive days of rain. And the usual jokes about Noah’s ark. And now, to add insult, an approaching hurricane.
But I hope those drenched, east coast friends will forgive my giddiness here in the west, as clouds move in, as rain falls today, lightly for now but with a promise of more to come.
What promises of fall (inside or out) are you embracing these days?
Your pictures are great! Your words are beautiful also.
Thanks for your kind words. I hope your running is going well despite the deluge.
I wish we could share some of our rain with you. I know not to complain, but I am ready to see the sun!
I’d like to see a big pipeline across the country. We have rain again today — enough for puddles, which is a first in many months. But I understand your readiness to see the sun. Be safe in the storm.