Raptors and the smell of nectar − 3 June, 2008
This evening was the fifth day in a row that I’ve hiked the B2B trail. The last part of the trail is my favorite. It winds its way through the grounds of the Leslie Science Center. Although the entire trail is very beautiful, there is something about the Leslie Science Center forest that really moves me, especially Black Pond.
Tonight I took the time to explore the Science Center’s grounds. I had already explored the garden thoroughly. However, tonight I discovered the raptor cages. I saw two kestrels, a peregrine falcon, a juvenile bald eagle, two screech owls, two red tailed hawks, a turkey vulture, and several other types of owls. I was in a state of awe. I love birds, and especially raptors. The red tailed Hawks looked at me with some concern. They could smell my dog, but I’m not sure that they could see her.
Also on the grounds of the Science Center, I saw a narrow corridor of forest with the most amazing trees, and small shelters built of branches. I suppose that they were built by science center guests, perhaps children. The visual effect of this corridor was spectacular. I will take photos soon.
On the return trip I noticed that the air smelled sweet, like nectar. I had noticed this before, but tonight I knew that I wanted to write about it because it made such a strong impression. The smell of nectar was in the air even when I couldn’t see flowers. Tonight, reading Raymond Carver on my screened in porch, I noticed the same intoxicating smell of nectar. I suppose that it is still spring, but it seems more like summer. It is the beginning of June. I don’t recall the smell of nectar being so strong so late in the season.
Any night that includes both raptors and the smell of nectar is a very fine night indeed.
Tonight I took the time to explore the Science Center’s grounds. I had already explored the garden thoroughly. However, tonight I discovered the raptor cages. I saw two kestrels, a peregrine falcon, a juvenile bald eagle, two screech owls, two red tailed hawks, a turkey vulture, and several other types of owls. I was in a state of awe. I love birds, and especially raptors. The red tailed Hawks looked at me with some concern. They could smell my dog, but I’m not sure that they could see her.
Also on the grounds of the Science Center, I saw a narrow corridor of forest with the most amazing trees, and small shelters built of branches. I suppose that they were built by science center guests, perhaps children. The visual effect of this corridor was spectacular. I will take photos soon.
On the return trip I noticed that the air smelled sweet, like nectar. I had noticed this before, but tonight I knew that I wanted to write about it because it made such a strong impression. The smell of nectar was in the air even when I couldn’t see flowers. Tonight, reading Raymond Carver on my screened in porch, I noticed the same intoxicating smell of nectar. I suppose that it is still spring, but it seems more like summer. It is the beginning of June. I don’t recall the smell of nectar being so strong so late in the season.
Any night that includes both raptors and the smell of nectar is a very fine night indeed.
