The coolness of the breeze was a sharp contrast to the warmth of the sun’s shimmers as they emanated from a clear, dazzling sky. An absorbing silence momentarily nestled itself among trees and brush, birds and wildlife — so much so that nature’s mere breath could be heard. A sigh whose exhalation was just enough […]
The coolness of the breeze was a sharp contrast to the warmth of the sun’s shimmers as they emanated from a clear, dazzling sky. An absorbing silence momentarily nestled itself among trees and brush, birds and wildlife — so much so that nature’s mere breath could be heard. A sigh whose exhalation was just enough to rustle browning leaves into vacating their lodgings and flutter aimlessly airborne.
The end of touring season at Deer Haven Park seems bittersweet, as change is in the air, portending Mother Nature’s erratic winter climate. Knowingly, migratory birds are abundant as many find respite upon the nearby 60-acre pond, their chorus resounding off the crisp, cool waters.
Likewise, wild turkey bustle about, seeking sustenance and secure surroundings in which to roost during cold and snow. The whitetail deer are in rut with males seeking dominant females who, in turn, seek the strongest males to ensure survival of the fittest, regardless of coat color.
For visitors, end of season bus tours are met with anticipation of experiencing all this activity and then some. Hosting this tour was knowledgeable guide John Hunt. Some participants came from the Southern Tier, others from Western New York. Some folks who had looked forward to this journey for a couple of years excitedly shared that they had finally reached their destination!
Immediately evident was the fact that it was lunchtime inside the park. Five turkey vultures hovered in the distance, circling as they lofted effortlessly upon updrafts in team fashion, their keen sense of smell working overtime to detect any delectables far below. This sky dance was charming, the choreography hypnotic.
Further down the way, the group encountered an impressive raptor. Hawk? Osprey? The distance was too far to be sure, but what was very evident was the fact that this predator’s lunch detail had been disrupted. Its high-pitched squeal of dismay became evident as it relinquished its perch and winged its way past to stalk in another (hopefully) undisturbed sector.
Milkweed pods burst forth their seeds, sending little wisps of white feather-like down floating and bobbing, whirling and tilting as the group ventured through an original 1941 bomb shelter. It was here where profound realizations materialized regarding this locked down, highly guarded munitions facility, its purpose, and those who served here being faced with the uncertainty that WWII presented. Such generated profound thoughts — some too difficult to grasp. As such, these too were unavoidably left floating on the breeze. Relinquished, yet not forgotten.
A white doe leisurely rested amongst the browning underbrush. Always a magical site to behold. Ears alternately twitching to and fro, her gaze remained steadfast upon her observers. Seemingly too comfortable to move, she made the encounter a peaceful, respected, and awe-inspiring moment for all.
The last stop on the journey prior to returning to the Visitor Center’s Museum and Gift Shop was a short jaunt on foot to see the massive beaver dam. The amazing capabilities of these New York state mammal representatives were shared along with savory verbal tidbits about this colony — or as the park refers to them, a family. It was here where the group could share a moment of the park’s resolute peace and calm. A quiet rustle of shriveled corn stalk quivered in the distance. A lone chickadee called. Once. Again. Then all was still.
Appreciative smiles culminated into contented sighs prior to reboarding the tour bus and venturing onward. What a wonderful way to bid farewell to autumn and prepare for winter, albeit bittersweet, as time continues to tick by … beyond the fence.
