I’m not talking about Excalibur or the Knights of the Round Table. I’m talking about Merlin, the Shazam-like app for birds.
The other morning, as we checked out the previous nights’ snow, my dog and I were serenaded by a raucous cacophony of crows. The screeching was so intense, my dog glanced from me to the birds with a look that clearly asked, "What on earth is going on?" Then I saw it, a red-shouldered hawk swooping above us, fiercely holding its ground (or rather, its airspace). The crows must have stolen something from him, if not food, then perhaps just his sense of peace.
In that moment, I found myself imagining a backstory for the scene. Growing up I was always captivated by tales from Beatrix Potter or The Wind in the Willows. These vivid stories where animals are full of personality and have exciting adventures sparked my own desire to create stories for the creatures I encounter.
And that’s where Merlin comes in. This app is a gift for anyone who wants to connect with the natural world on a deeper level. I love pressing the ‘listen’ button to see who else is out there.
Of course, the cries of the red-shouldered hawk and the crows aren’t exactly what you’d call beautiful. But they add something to the peaceful backdrop of the morning. They stir curiosity, spark imagination, and remind me that there’s always more going on in nature than meets the eye. Nature has a way of reminding us we share this planet. We are never really alone! The animals around us are living through the same world. Sharing not only the weather but sometimes even our quirks, like crows with their fascination for shiny things.
So next time you’re out for a walk, listen closely. Press the 'listen' button on Merlin. You never know who might be calling out from the trees.
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