Well, the flock has found its way back home again, but those geese may hightail it out of here and head for a warmer climate after this Fall-like weather that has descended on us.

The Canada Geese likewise descended on us … “us” being a gaggle of humans who were enjoying the cooler weather and getting their steps in, while clad in light jackets and long-sleeved tops.  As several of us walkers rounded the bend of the first loop, a whole lot of honking above ensued, which was soon followed by a large flock of honkers.  We looked toward the sky, to find some geese trying to head left, and still others, that were aiming to head right.  Dissension within the ranks!  The flock circled around a few times before alighting onto the baseball field, where they quickly dispersed and joined their brethren.  There they lingered as they grazed.

I hurried on my way since my objective was to complete five miles this morning.  It was a nature-lover’s delight on the perimeter path today.  My squirrel pals must have tired of their tutti-frutti diet, as several of them waylaid me on the path and I stopped in my tracks, pulled out the Ziploc bag of peanuts and treated them.  I saw the green heron again today, woolgathering as he stood while studying the pond lilies that line the edges of the water.  The lilies are scarce now, but the round leaves are still floating lazily on the murky Ecorse Creek’s surface.  I think the green heron has claimed this corner of the cement precipice as his exclusive domain.  Even the groundhog made a cameo appearance, but he was too quick for me, and popped into his hole, taking some sprigs of purple clover “to go” as he beat a hasty retreat just as soon as I neared.  The bunnies were bopping around the perimeter path too, similarly enjoying the longish grass and clover.  I was chilly in that 59-degree temperature and tempted to pick up a bunny or two to snuggle with to take away the goosebumps that popped up on my bare arms.

On the second trip around the entire perimeter path, the geese had meandered from the baseball field and infiltrated the pavilion area and all the paths leading from it.  Our feathered friends were goose-stepping and the walkers were stepping around the geese to avoid a fractious confrontation.

Finally, five loops were done, then once again I was crossing the large expanse of the parking lot to get to the car.  As I neared the furthermost corner of the lot where my car was parked, a huge flock of geese headed into the adjacent field for a landing.  I stayed and took their photo as they milled around, then I continued on to the car, a peaceful feeling from having communed with the Park inhabitants at my favorite nature nook.

I’ll leave you with this quote:

The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with nature. ~ Joseph Campbell