Last night, I slept deeply and awoke this morning so very refreshed. I tried to figure out why. The only thing I changed - yesterday, I opened the skylight window in my bedroom. I recall as I was falling to sleep, I listen for the loons but didn't hear them. Barry swore he heard them two nights ago.
Just now, he called to me and handed me the binoculars which I used but really didn't need as I can spot them from a far. My loons have returned to their summer home. I am so relieved. Tears of joy. Lots of tears. I worry about them over the winter. But that's not all...
I sleep better when they around. Their multiple songs make me smile and lull me to sleep. They are also my swimming companions. At first, it freaked me out - imagine, lifting your head for a breath of air and seeing these rather large water birds floating alongside. Now, I feel they are a blessing. They keep me safe.
Loons are my favourite bird. They are an iconic Canadian symbol. This year, we are participating in a volunteer Loon Watch program with the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute. Sadly, Nova Scotia loons are suffering from the toxic affects of high levels of mercury in the fish they eat - it means their productivity has decreased significantly.
So..the only thing that would top my happiness of their return is if they successfully raise a little one... it has only happened once in the 8 years we've lived here. And yes, the mummy carried her baby on her back. Amazing! Fingers crossed...
No comments:
Post a Comment