I know you are faking!
On Saturday evening my husband and I walked at Snyder's Flats where ponds and meadows as well as the river attract interesting birds and wildlife. On the way back to the vehicle a couple of noisy Kildeer did the broken wing performance as they attempted to divert our attention from something. I wasn't expecting them to have a nest so close to the roadway and really couldn't see much because of the bright setting sun. After we were in the truck, we noticed three birds together. There, "hidden" behind a clump of grass, was a juvenile Kildeer who was at least as big as its parents. It amused me to think that this large youngster was still so closely guarded by the adults who obviously still cared for it. I am sure it still has some life lessons to learn this season.
Juvenile Kildeer on the left
Our daughter is returning to Mexico today where she plans to continue to live and work. As her mother, I would love to do a broken wing routine and keep her close to home. Her father and sisters feel the same way and we are sad to see her six week visit come to an end. She left the nest a couple of years ago and has been under our surveillance from a distance, so to speak. But like this young Kildeer who has been exploring away from its birthplace, she must learn to defend and care for herself without her parents around.
Is that me in the foreground?
Isn't it funny how nature teaches us more about ourselves?
I know you are faking!
Juvenile Kildeer on the left
Is that me in the foreground?
Tell me about it.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is worse when the grandkids arrive, and you are at a distance.
Aren't killdeer funny that way? Guess we all want to protect our young, regardless of whether they are out and on their own.
ReplyDeleteNice post and good thoughts. Thanks for sharing them--they meant a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteYou captured the broken wing well.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard when the kidlets grow up ad leave.
You are so good at seeing the lesson in the commonplace.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I think all of us have a bit of killdeer mother in us.
ReplyDeleteWe are all Killdeer, Ruth. My daughter lived four states away for six years and the distance worried me every day. Now she is close, and I still have killdeer characteristics.
ReplyDeleteNice post.
Great post, love the comparison.
ReplyDeleteLike the killdeer, she too must spread her wings and fly. I'm sure the parents have taught her everything she will need to know to survive. Even though you are miles apart she will always need you. I still turn to my Dad (and my Mom even though she is no longer with us)for advice and guidance. Who else would be better at it?
A touching post, Ruth.
ReplyDeleteGood laugh for day--mom face first in gravel while children break free from feathered apron strings. I can so relate.
ReplyDeleteSLD- you are getting sentimental in your old age ;-)
ReplyDeleteJayne- So true. Time goes by so quickly that it doesn't seem possible that our children can be adults.
Beth- Neither your post or mine were written by coincidence...
AC- I hope I keep at least one nearby as you have. But you never know.
CS- These simple life lessons stand out just at the right time for me.
NCMW- Most creatures are protective of their young, and rightly so.
Mary- Your daughter is fortunate to have such a caring mother who is also a good friend.
Cheryl- You are right. The life lessons from are parents are always valuable. Anyone who has experienced more of life can be a good mentor.
Jean- Thanks. Our children do touch our hearts.
FMDoc- I'm afraid my face is still in the gravel.
Oh Ruth--I really understand the broken wing metaphor. In fact, I think I have flapped many a time.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers for you both--your daughter will be fine. . .but I know how you ache just as you also fill with maternal pride.
Ruth,
ReplyDeleteI love watching the killdeer and yes, they will nest very close to a road. When I was a child they made nests alongside of the gravel road where we lived. When my brother and I walked to and from school, they would perform their broken wing routine to lure us away from the nests.
Thanks so much for sharing. It's been a long time since I've seen a juvenile killdeer. Many memories there.
Blessings,
Mary
Isn't that the truth! The Kill deer are adorble and I like the way you made the connection to your own life. I pray for your daughter's safety and well being (and her mother as well, since I know what its like to have your child so far awy from your protective arms!).
ReplyDeleteThe kids grow up fast and I love how you were able to relate this post with your daughter!
ReplyDeleteIf you look carefully enough, there is a connection between what we see in nature and our own lives.
ReplyDelete