It's impossible to know what the world will be like in the year just beginning – how many more will die of COVID-19 before vaccines are widely distributed, what will society be like, will society really begin taking steps to protect the ecosystems on which we depend? But one thing we know, the natural world, in one form or another will go on.
Just as the pandemic of COVID-19 is changing the human system, so too have pandemics changed the natural world. The chestnut blight fungus eliminated American chestnut as a major component of the eastern forest; emerald ash borer is eliminating ash as an important tree in the same forests; the fungus causing white-nose syndrome has caused bat populations to plummet – what's next?
The natural world isn't static, it's a dynamic system. It changes constantly for many reasons. Now, as the world's climate changes, species will disappear from our local woods and waters, and new ones will arrive. That's been happening for more than 50 years and the pace of change is increasing.
But there's always beauty and fascination for the naturalist in forest and field –
COVID-19 kept this naturalist from going some of the places and doing some of the things he would have done without the pandemic, but it's not kept me indoors glued to the TV - hopefully you've also been able to get out in the natural world, and treated it with respect.
This series of posts (A Naturalist's Year) may be at its end, but this naturalist will continue to spend time in forest and field - and In Forest and Field will continue as the seasons change, birds migrate, insects emerge, and wildflowers bloom.
Stay safe and stay healthy - WEAR A MASK.
Note: click on these links to see 1st Quarter, 2nd Quarter and 3rd Quarter.
Thank you for a most enjoyable post.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful getting out in nature!
ReplyDeleteAmazing collection of nature photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteYou've outdone yourself today with beautiful photos! I love the colors of Fall and all the photos of the forest but of course the little chipmunk steals my heart. We have been fortunate to have lots of trails close by to visit these past few months. I'm glad I didn't have to stay inside ALL the time! And I didn't really miss shopping, etc. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Woody! :) Nature has been neglected by humanity and the race towards technology and instant gratification. It saddens me and I am grateful for every moment I have in Nature here. I try my best to help out the earth and the critters when I can.
ReplyDeleteYou have shared some beautiful photos, I love how you've got them dated each day. The elk buck is fantastic...the black bear profile, oh how fun! I used to have a blog eons ago where I only posted photos of faces and shapes in trees...wish I kept that one going, but it's inspiring me to look again. "Islands in the River" is so beautiful. That beaver doesn't look to happy lol...what an expression! "Alone in the Fog" -another photo worth framing. I really loved and appreciated this post! Thank you!! :)
Wow, wow and more wow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a spectacular collection of flora and fauna and fungi, all beautifully photographed. Thanks for getting out there to observe so many of the wonders that surround you, and for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images and thanks for the IDs. You often caught that bit of light in the birds'eye - stunning - the mark of a pro! Kim in PA
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