Moving Ahead (reprint)

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The Robins are here this morning - in droves. Often as many as ten or twelve together. They seem drawn to the downed crabapple fruit. A sure sign of winter moving south, pushing the wildlife a few days ahead of it.Starlings, noticing the activity, soon joined in the minor feast with their cautious,raucous natures. The slightest noise or movement from the neighborhood sends them aloft with a rushing sound. Unaffected, the Robins continue their meals in earnest. They, not quite so rushed as their speckled competitors, linger for moments soaking up the sun's warmth. Even less distracted are the Sparrows who have come to overturn leaves with hopeful curiosity. They are not so greedy as the Starlings at this time of year.They maintain smaller flocks, maybe 6 to 10 together and are less obvious to the predators from above. They maintain cover in low bushes and sheds. Through all the activity, noise and flourish, a lone Dove drowses atop a warm stone in the sunlight. Only occasionally does she peep with one eye to assure her safety.

Phil Miller