Photo: KG – Millbrook Pond
If there is ever a time throughout the year when we catch a hint of the heartbeat of Nature, this is it! (Of course, this is fanciful but nevertheless real in some undeniable way. Einstein himself acknowledged that some of his most important work began as insight.) For me one such insight came on an early morning just before the first day of summer. It was a very dewy morning but you just knew that the heat was really beginning to build. I was struck by a profound sense that Nature was throbbing. And why wouldn’t I feel this?–this is an intense and crucial time for plants and animals: Nature demands the next generation be guaranteed. Seeds, fruit and baby animals must be nurtured to full development.
When it’s hot and dry there is no better place to be than around the millpond here in Millbrook. The scent of water and the calming reflection from the pond give me the feeling that there are no worries. And along with this comforting sense there is always something of interest and beauty to experience. Read on for a smorgasbord of things you can have just by getting out and walking around the millpond.
Earlier in June the island in the millpond is awash with colour from the flowers of Dame’s Rocket. Although not native this widespread flower brightens June with its colour and with its scent. Seen from Medd’s Mountain Park the island is truly gorgeous. And if it’s calm or if the breeze is in the right direction the sweet smell fills your nostrils.
Wherever you walk at this time of year you can hear the insistent demand of baby birds as their parents feed them. Parent birds are kept busy from dawn until dusk searching for food and bringing it to their young. Even after leaving the nest the fledglings are fed by the parents. Once they’ve left the nest you can often see the young birds being fed, and chasing after the parents hoping to get an extra beakful.
One day last week the surface of the pond reflected the calm morning. But something was sticking above the surface that seemed out of place. My binoculars quickly told me that a turtle was just below the surface and had its head stuck up. I got a good glimpse and then my movement startled the turtle and the head and shell disappeared from view.
The young Canada geese are now gawky teenagers, with many of them having already developed the dark head and white “chin strap”. Canada Geese all nest very early and have their young out on the pond early in May. But Mallard Ducks do it differently. Throughout late May and all of June from time to time you will see a new batch of ducklings.
Watching an osprey fishing on the millpond is a real treat. They fly high over the water and amazingly hover on giant wing hoping to spot a fish. Once spotted they drop into the pond. If you’re lucky you will see one with a fish in its talons. Also of interest is to watch other birds trying to drive the osprey away. I often see grackles or kingbirds doing this. Why, I don’t know. The osprey has no interest in them or their young.
I could go on but I won’t because you get the picture. Enough reading! Now get out and experience the heartbeat of Nature for yourself. Get out! And enjoy!
By Glen Spurrell
