Springs Splash by Thomas Martin – May 2020

So, what are you up to as the plague keeps us under wraps? Staying at home may mean the opportunity for observation is limited. However, keep your eyes peeled - a myriad of observations are there to be made.

Birds and Wildlife: Not being an aviary expert my only method of identification is size, color, and behavior. Each morning many birds land in the garden to search for seeds and insects. Blue Jays, identifiable by color, stand erect with chest thrust forward and exude an attitude of superiority. Around them flit many small birds that dash about seeking foodstuffs in the trees and garden. Interestingly wild turkeys pass in procession, some of the males strutting their stuff, calling out a cacophony of clucks as they pass along.

Hummingbirds flitter among fresh spring flowers as small grey birds land and take off in unison. One day our little dog was animated by a large black bird resting on an Oak limb. It was likely a crow. The dog ran barking after the bird as it flew away. Following from behind and above a second large crow descended and swished the dog with a Darwinian move missing his backside by three to four inches.

This year a neighbor used weed poison to kill grasses on the adjacent property bordering 6-8 homes nearby. As a result the deer seldom graze on this part of the property as they used to do. That’s probably good because it’s possible the poison may cause cancer in the wild ones. Does anyone know about the impact of Round Up and other weed killers on wildlife?

The Healthy Parade: Out front the hill on the street crests as the road extends in a circular fashion to another street and forms a lengthy “U” shape walking/running/hiking path. From early in the morning through late evening hours a sporadic line of people, children, and dogs pass by there. We often note, “Here comes the parade,” when families pushing baby carriages and children holding leashes pass by resplendent in a variety of colors. Others following the path are serious joggers who check their watches at the top of the hill. Interspersed are a variety of dog walkers, some leashed, others not, depending on the dog’s behavior and the owner’s sentiment. There are dogs in multiples and singles. Dog owners exchange pleasantries and always ask the usual questions. “How old?” “What kind?” “Friendly?” “He/she’s a beauty.” “Come here, Bruiser.” While all this takes place the dogs are sniffing each other, barking and jumping around on extended leashes.

So, what’s happening in your neighborhood?

It would be great to hear or read about the things happening in your community. There must be many interesting stories that arise when neighbors have time to interact. What trials and tribulations have arisen as a result of having to stay home during this period? Send a letter to this paper. Of all the editors in Sonoma County, the editor of this paper is the most likely to print your observations.

Stay well – Make your change of pace a creative and friendly one!

Repeat Performance – Last Month’s Message:

Be certain to complete your CENSUS questionnaire!!

Most people have received an invitation in the mail to complete the 2020 U.S. Census on line or by mail. To complete the Census on line go to the website: my2020census.gov and follow the instructions.

If you do not have access to a computer, at some point, someone will knock on your door and announce he/she is your friendly local enumerator from the Census Bureau. The person will ask who lives at the address and leave a Census Questionnaire with you. It’s easy to complete and return. Return postage is free. Your answers are confidential. Be counted today!

It’s to your advantage to be certain you are counted.