Day 158

Collaboratively, the sandhill crane pair cut off my intended path. They were getting closer and louder and I knew they wanted me out of there. They were just being protective parents and there is nothing wrong with that. I probably overstepped my bounds in excitement for seeing one of my favorite animals in my own backyard. 

As I continued back towards the house, I felt like they were coordinating together to triangulate me into a corner. It was kind of like they were sending me a message. Intended or not, I received the message loud and clear.

Get out.

Slowly but surely, I made my way back, doing a sort of stop and go dance as the birds moved around me. When I cleared the more wild space and got to the safety of my more developed backyard, the birds relented in their pursuit, though they still voiced their displeasure quite loudly and frequently until I escaped into the house. I watched them from a distance as they went back to parental duties.

Wildlife watching is meant to be exciting, not nerve-wracking. I enjoyed seeing the birds much more than they enjoyed seeing me.Though I won't stop watching wildlife wherever I go, I learned a few lessons that day.

Lesson 1. Trust your gut. If I would’ve stuck around, I don't think the outcome would have been positive.

Lesson 2. Know your place. While on “my” property, I was infringing on the habitat of a creature who has lived here long before me.

Lesson 3. Timing is everything. If the sandhill cranes weren’t protecting their offspring, the situation would have been different and probably much less problematic.

I don't ever foresee not enjoying a chance to view animals. It is a huge reason we acquired this property in the first place. However, with some tact, patience, and humility, I will be able to enjoy the animals we share the land with in a much more meaningful and appropriate manner.

Sometimes, I go out looking for wildlife. Sometimes, like in this scenario, opportunities come to you.

And sometimes, you get an opportunity you’ve always dreamed about but never thought could actually happen.

Until it did.