songbirds Archives - Owl Medicine: Shamanic Healing

Luna Moth Caterpillar – Photo: L. Weikel

Collective Action

It’s been a long time since I wrote about one of the simplest ways available to engage in collective action to combat the effects of climate change. Participating in the Perelandra EoP (Essence of Perelandra) Biodiversity Project is easy, simple, and – from my perspective – effective.

I’ve only reminded you of this project once in 2021! But I have to say, after the intense weather events we’ve been experiencing lately, it’s crossed my mind a number of times that this process could very well be shifting something ever so subtly so that the ravages of climate change are felt just a little bit less on our land.

Some Observations

One thing I’ve noticed since I began engaging in the EoP Biodiversity Project has to do with rainwater. Specifically, the effects of the massive rainstorms we’ve been having seem to have lessened a bit. Our cellar still gets wet, but the water doesn’t seem to reach the inordinate depths it used to. (Thank goodness.) Funny thing is, I think there’s been more rain than there used to be when the cellar would flood worse.

Another example of the possible balancing effects of engaging in the EoP Biodiversity Project on the 1^st of every month is the health of our birds. I’ve been keeping a hawk eye (ha ha) on our songbirds and so far so good. All my winged ones seem to be enjoying robust good health.

I’m also cautiously optimistic about the Spotted Lanternfly’s apparent (hopefully) dwindling population. I hope I’m not feeling too confident too early, but the signs (or lack thereof) seem auspicious.

So Easy

It occurs to me that it’s possible that the five minutes I take on the 1^st of every month to walk outside, set the intention (the exact words and steps are provided on the Perelandra website), put drops in a spoon, shift the energy to the intention, and give thanks is bringing all the elements and life forms associated with our land into better balance between each other. As balance is achieved between everything that lives here, the land as a whole has an opportunity to heal itself and make adjustments to deal with the rapidly changing climate.

A cool part of this process is that I don’t act all ‘top of the food chain’ know-it-all when it comes to dealing with the rest of the Intelligence that exists on and in this land. Nope. I simply set the intention to ask for and provide strength and support to counter and reverse climate change stress and the resulting loss and extinction of (my personal environment’s) biodiversity.

Ultimately, it seems to me that I’m basically just getting out of the way and facilitating Nature taking care of Herself. This process may very well just be ‘busy work’ to make the human feel like she’s doing something. But you know what? I appreciate that.

I want to be part of the solution instead of wasting time feeling guilty for being part of the problem. Engaging in the monthly Project is such a simple way to give back to the land that supports you every day of your life.

Give it a try! Engage with your unique Nature Spirits.

If you don’t have any Essence of Perelandra on hand, please consider investing in a small bottle now so you can join me – and those across the world who are participating – next month.

(T-118)

Something’s Wrong

Well, there’s a title that gives you absolutely no clue as to what I might be writing about tonight, eh? No, I’m not going to go all political on you, although I’m sure most of you can guess how I feel about the current state of voting rights in our country; or the prospect of Pennsylvania hosting the next absurd fraudit a la Arizona. No, the title of my post tonight is heralding my concern that something’s wrong with our birds. Something’s killing and maiming our feathered family members.

I first heard about this mysterious disease that’s killing (or blinding or attacking the neurological system of) several species of birds from Washington D.C. to Pennsylvania back around June 22^nd. At the time, and even a week later when I mentioned it in a post and linked to this article, I fervently hoped the disease wouldn’t show up in Pennsylvania.

Alas, it’s here.

But Not In My Backyard

When I say “it’s here,” I mean it’s here in Bucks County. Sadly, I believe as of yesterday the last count of the affliction reflected that it’s been discovered in 61 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. That’s not good.

I’m relieved to add that I’ve not seen any evidence of the mysterious malady in the birds here on our property. I’ve been watching my feeders and birds like a hawk (not unlike the Red-shouldered Hawk that’s been mighty talkative and hungry lately), looking for signs of it. But it worries me that all twelve species that have been known to contract the malady are part of our family. All of them have been seen at one time or another at or near our property.

I’ll admit it: I’ve felt conflicted. Everybody showing up at our feeders consistently appear in fine fettle (which gives me hope). And with the Brood X cicadas no longer around, there’s far less between-meal snacking. My babies (and their babies) are hungry. The fledges are fluttering their wings in excitement and taking their brave first flights all to land at empty feeders.

But I’ve allowed the feeders to become empty and am enduring the dirty looks and indignant chitter chatter some of my goldfinches, in particular, seem to be aiming in my direction.

Conflicting Reports

Some articles seem to indicate the disease appears to be slowing down. Others are freaked out over a dramatic increase in cases here in Pennsylvania from late last week to just after the 4^th of July holiday.

The bottom line is that I don’t want to risk playing a game of chicken with my songbirds. I’m not refilling my feeders. I’m going to wash them out over the weekend with the 1:10 bleach to water concoction recommended by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and keep an eye on the research results of the wildlife professionals.

It’s worrisome that they still haven’t figured out what caused this outbreak – or what, exactly, is the underlying issue.

In the meantime, I’m throwing some seed and peanuts across the lawn in a wide arc so they’re not congregating near any feeders. I love my babies and I don’t want anything to happen to them.

(T-141)