by Rob Hueniken on Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Each of us have birds native to their area of the world. The two birds that I love the most are the North American Robin and the Red Tailed Hawk.
The robin is a gentle bird — happy to co-exist with people on the lawns of Eastern North America. This year, I saw my first robin in my own backyard, on March 9th, amidst the melting snow piles. It was sharing space with a black squirrel, with both of them probing the early Spring lawn for something to eat. At one point the robin and squirrel were within 2 feet of each other, and neither was troubled in the least. In fact, I have never seen a squirrel and robin interact, let alone quarrel.
By the time summer fully arrives there will be thousands of robins across our city, using their hopping motion to move around the yard in search of worms to pry up, either for themselves or their little ones. That robins also lay beautiful, light-blue eggs is another reason I like them.
Robins are independent. Unlike other "city" birds like pigeons and geese, they won’t badger you for a snack. They can get their own, thank you very much!
The robin will happily co-exist with humans. Cars don’t startle them (unless you drive onto the lawn) and walking by a robin gets you only a brief glance — you have to be closer than 10 feet to get what I would call a wary glance from a robin. This makes the robin a wonderful companion, and a great way for children to enjoy nature up close and at its most peaceful.
The joy of robins is that they are calm. In that way they are a role model for all of us.
They know there is food to be had. They know most people ignore them. They know they have few enemies, and rarely have to flee. They are good fliers, and can move to a fresh lawn any time they wish. They also have fun: flying like acrobats, standing on tree branches, and singing.
Robins are also unique in their community styles. They are often on their own, and seem quite content with that. When they find a mate they are dutiful in building a nest and finding food for the young ones. And they can also be seen in larger groups, particularly in the autumn when they are getting ready to migrate south to find warmer worms.
I love robins. They are calm, close, and beautiful singers.
Robins make me feel that nature loves me too.
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by Rob Hueniken on Monday, March 1, 2010
As the 2010 Winter Olympics come to a close, wonderful memories and a sense of encouragement remain from our shared experience of Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Athletes and administrators, volunteers and fans, families and global friends — we all came together to honour excellence and commitment.
While I enjoyed the excitement of the competitions, it was the determined spirit of the people that brought joy to my heart. While even the best teams come and go, the most beautiful and steadfast human traits remain: compassion and community.
When I see people trying hard to do something good together I feel true joy. I know that joy is shared with many, including Joyce Hunnam, a Scottish woman who has volunteered at 6 Olympics, and who is pictured with the flame above.
Photo by Dave Chidley
There are many images and moments in each Olympics, but none as primal and symbolic as the Olympic flame. From humankind’s earliest days, fire has been a symbol of our ability to tame enough of nature to help us survive. The Olympic torch, topped with flame and carried with pride by a legion of runners, represents our shared determination to overcome obstacles, weather and geographic barriers — to share the good news of global fellowship and good will.
Photo by 2010 Olympic Volunteer
Designed by the famed Canadian company, Bombardier (of Ski-Doo fame), the Olympic torch was passed from hand to hand across the country, traveling 45,000 kilometers through snow, rain, hail, wind and sub-zero temperatures.
A combination of engineering, organizing and human spirit, the carrying of the Olympic torch is one of my favourite human endeavors – working together and celebrating great achievements and community.
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by Rob Hueniken on Sunday, September 6, 2009
When we get out into nature one thing becomes clear: nature is a fantastic experience, in all its variations. Nature is reality TV in its purest form.
A friend and I went walking yesterday in a hill-top park that holds our city’s water supply, suitably called Reservoir Park. It is an inspiring combination of urban function and natural environment.
The sun was strong and the late-summer leaves were deep green and working hard. There was lichen on the tree trunks — the bumpy, mottled blue-green combination of algae and fungus — working hard in its own slow way to pull in the sun’s rays. And there were birds, somewhere — just out of sight — calling to each other.
A family walked by carrying bits of sticks. “We’re going to roast marshmallows!”, exclaimed the girl with a huge smile. The Dad smiled, and I could tell that making this effort was worth it. Another family tootled slowly by on bicycles, followed by a band of four boys, mostly on bikes. One of them was carrying a bike wheel, and another half-carried, half-pushed the bike itself. All four of them were grinning in the sunshine — together and being outside.
Not every day is a perfect sunny day, but with nature every day is real. You feel it and it touches you.
Trees only get one channel, and it’s pure reality TV. If you don’t subscribe to it these days you really should get out more.
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| Three trees line up to pull in their favorite TV channel. |
Urban candy-canes share the wind with grass and children. |
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