Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The warriors return

They left in the autumn of the year, a great army of legend. Flags flashed rusty red and steel grey, barred and banded. Old veterans did heed the call once again, their ranks, as with all armies, swollen with so many young. By battalions they paraded across the countryside and coastline, leaving summer behind to seek their fortunes elsewhere.

Their passage was witnessed by countless numbers at Cape May or Hawk Mountain. The thrill of the parade tempered only by thoughts of how many might never return. Then they were gone. Yes... some stayed behind; a rear guard to watch the homefront. Others, Northern Warriors, on their own epic passage, filled the void left by the other's passing. Even with these, the world seemed barren, without magic or myth.

Through the long winter how often our thoughts have drifted to how the warriors are fairing. Have they found solace in lands more plentiful? Were their enemies too strong? How many will return well or battle-scarred or not at all?

Now the first breaths of spring stir the air. Though the land still sleeps, the promise is heard in whispers... changes so subtle as to go unnoticed. The distant regiments hear those whispers. It is time once again to reclaim their birthright, their territory, their home.

Those who would witness their return climb to the mountaintops (or find a local spot close to home!) and wonder at the adventures they have known. Look to the skies and cheer the battalions on their return. Look to the skies... the hawks are returning!

The
Sandy Hook Migration Watch started March 15th! Red-shoulders are moving - I've even seen a few! There'll be Broad-wings! Come! Bring cookies for the counter!

(Or me.)

;-)

11 comments:

Beth said...

Beautiful! I wish I could leave my snowdrifts and drive south to watch the migration.

valown said...

We're very lucky that the earth wobbles. Imagine if it was tilted and we were unlucky enough to be in perpetual winter and didn't get to see these things.

Jayne said...

How exciting Laura! Soak it in, soak it all in and be sure to take lots of photos to share with us!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing picture!

Mary said...

Beautifully written. Enjoy!

I hope you don't get tired of me saying how well you write.

KGMom said...

What a grand description of the migration of raptors.
I live within fairly easy driving distance of Hawk Mountain (and financially support their work) but I have never been there. It is on my bucket list, however.

Cathy said...

Wow! You got me all excited, Laura. Wonderful writing.

Donna's a lucky ducky! Get over there girl!

Susan Gets Native said...

Laura dear, this may be my most favorite of your posts.

Here they come!!!!!!

RuthieJ said...

Cool hawk picture, Laura! Did you take it?
Enjoy watching those raptors!

dguzman said...

Oh what I wouldn't give to be there.

LauraHinNJ said...

Beth: Maine has lots of neat things... once all that snow melts.

Valown: Hi. As much as I love winter... I can't imagine it forever.

Jayne: I will!

Diva Kitty: Actually, I'm pretty sure that's an illustration (can you believe it?) - found it on google.

Mary: Aww... shucks.

;-)

KGMom: It's on my bucket list, too. One of these days...

Cathy: I agree... I'd be there!

Susan: (Smile) I enjoy their going mostly, but it's nice to know they're wandering back.

RuthieJ: No.. it's a drawing from google. Cool though!

Delia: Find your way to Hawk Mountain!