Connecticut Wildlife

I've definitely noticed life is very different once you navigate your way out of Manhattan and through the byways of the Bronx (which labels itself "An All American City" on the proud signs dotting the Cross Bronx Expressway). The foliage changes. New instances of wildlife emerge. I guess I've been a city dweller too long because the man and nature moments are still a little startling to me. The pigeon, the seagull, small common bird breeds, the rat, the mouse...all common members of city society. I'm still coming to terms with the cockroach.

I could unwind this story with a retelling of the little Yorkshire terrier than came racing at my feet at the Connecticut Starbuck's where I stopped this morning. He was growling with that irritating little dog bravado which was immediately undermined by his master calling him to retreat. The fact that the dog's name was Toodles disqualified him from wildlife status altogether.

The wildlife one commonly interacts with once you enter the broad expanses of suburban territory includes the usual patchwork of nature's pedestrian creatures: squirrels of various hues (I am bewitches by the black ones), raccoons, sundry bird breeds, some of more expressive plumage (the cardinal and the blue jay for example) and the occasional possum. All your friendly woodland creatures.

One of the benefits of my new workspace are the rows of generous windows that look out over rolling green lawns, sheltering trees and an ancient bucolic cemetery. Because this view is so lovely at certain points in the day, I am drawn to the windows to stretch my legs occasionally. Gazing out today I saw three intriguing species. In the parking lot I noticed something scampering between bushes that was a cross between a hamster and a squirrel which I loosely discerned was a chipmunk. Later, there was a small fowl like creature strutting across one of the patches of lawn--was it a quail? Pheasant? Peahen? Hell, I still don't know.

The final creature that caught my eye was soaring in lazy swooping circles just above in the sky. It had a massive wingspan and undulated towards the ground before sweeping up in graceful repetitive motions. I couldn't tell what it was, but it was evident it was a bird of prey. (I just like saying that--BIRD OF PREY--it makes me feel like Marlon Perkins). It continued its balletic repetitions for a few minutes before it swooped in sharply on its intended target. As it disappeared from view, I hoped that its lunch had not been the chipmunk spied earlier today.

These little distractions do bring charm to my day, yes, but at least I can identify a cockroach.