Spring Swan at Bell's Neck in Harwich

A sure sign of spring on the Cape is the nesting of swans. On the Herring River and its adjoining West Reservoir in Harwich there are several pairs of swans. They are beautiful to watch as they silently glide through the waters, occasionally dipping upside down to feed on the vegetation on the bottom. Swans are something magical from childhood.

Alewives Returning

A gull stands, waiting for an alewife scout to appear. In early to mid-April, depending on temperatures, the alewives school in the bay and then begin their trek up the Run to spawn.
A few scouts come in first, and gulls and humans come each day to see if they have arrived yet. An ever recurring sign of spring on the Cape.

Stony Brook Run, Brewster
Read John Hay's THE RUN.

The Ospreys Are Back!

The ospreys have come back to the Cape after wintering in warmer climes. They are busy nest building. A better term might be nest constructing, as these structures are huge, heavy, complicated homes. And decorated too! One nearby nest has had a Barbie doll in it. Another, a tennis ball.
I am curious about human made objects that are added to the nests. What about them becomes attractive to the bird that it wants to take them home?
At CCMNH the camera is running full time and providing a fantastic view of life in the nest. Check it out!

Read David Gessner's RETURN OF THE OSPREY.

A Tortoise Views Humans

Yet they cannot quiet their human-ness. Humility never comes naturally to their meditations. Pride of the vertical. Assurance of those who wear hair even if not their own. Pomp of warm-bloodedness. An equilibrium they mistake for rationality. Over certainty about their station in life.
from Verlyn Klinkenborg's TIMOTHY, OR NOTES OF AN ABJECT REPTILE

A Mom

Parents...we all had them at one time or another.....and many of us have been one or are one. And our lives have been involved with, shaped by, and toned by being parents.
At different times in our lives, there are events that bring the feelings- not just the responsibilities- of being a parent to a heightened level.
And then there are times in our lives when events let us know with clarity how connected we are to our offspring. Connected, truly connected. Part of me in them; parts of them with me.
It is amazing to me, being a mom for 46 years, how much closer and closer I am to my daughters. Closer in spirit, in presence, in character.
Both daughters have guts. They are strong women; they are survivors. At the same time, each is intensely creative and productive, compassionate and smart.
All three of us are independent thinkers and actors. Each of us respects individual dignity and personal paths.
When I was the grown daughter, I tried to protect my parents from various illnesses or difficulties I experienced. Now, as the mom, I am so grateful that both my daughters allow me in, to share in the realities of their lives.
I am lucky....being the mom of the daughters I have.