A Small Care Package

March 13, 2020 / The Urban Nature Enthusiast / 10 Comments

I had meant to write another crow update blog post today, but somehow it was a bit hard to focus on pulling the images and words together.

So, instead, here is a small, somewhat random bouquet of things that are helpful for my mental health at this tough time. I hope they help you too.

First, here is Norman the Nuthatch visiting the garden this morning.

It’s just 5 seconds, but I find playing him over and over again kind of restful.

Second, here is Mr. Pants, looking at me from the wires on our morning dog walk.

Crow Therapy is proving to be a lifeline for me at the moment.

Third, in exceptionally good timing we have Luke the Super Emotional Support dog staying with us for the weekend. Triple-strength dog therapy with Geordie and Nina. They take their work very seriously.

Fourth, and last, we need Edgar’s advice …

As an indoor cat he is already a master of both social distancing and extreme cleanliness.

Further advice he would like to share: stay safe, nap frequently, and be very kind to others.

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Festive Greetings and Tips

December 24, 2019 / The Urban Nature Enthusiast / 4 Comments

Wishing you all peace, joy and a reasonable amount of merriment this holiday season.

Geordie and Edgar are, as you can see, anxiously waiting for Santa. There is a rumour that the man in red is bringing them each a cosy new bed.

I am still in my cast of course, so no far-ranging adventures until the foot heals. Luckily Marvin and Mavis come by several times a day to check in and assure me that they’ve both been very good crows this year.

Marvin, the always magnificent

Mavis, the ever-marvellous

Edgar wanted me to share with you some of his top tips for the having the best sort of holiday season …

Do lots of bird watching (or whatever brings you joy)
Keep up with your napping schedule
Listen to “Drinking White Wine in the Sun” by Tim Minchin (or your favourite holiday tune) and sing along
Don’t worry about the dusting, or anything else that seems overwhelming and/or not fun. Domestic triage is key.
Once the gravy is made, you’re entitled to a drink with rum in it

. . . OK, so those last few might have been me . . .

You can actually make up your own rules. I’m pretty sure Edgar’s good with that.

Christmas Address

December 24, 2017December 24, 2017 / The Urban Nature Enthusiast / 7 Comments

It used to be just Edgar who used to offer up, Queen-like, his pithy Christmas thoughts, but this year we’ve got a bit of clamour of creatures willing to share their musings for 2017.

I’ve told them all they’ll need to be brief if we’re going to fit everyone in.

EDGAR

Naturally, my thoughts are the most important.

For maximum efficiency, combine your stretching exercises with relaxation.

Claiming the higher ground always gives you a comforting tactical advantage.

GEORDIE

As a rescue dog I am, by nature, a pessimist — but nevertheless I try to be brave and plunge into new things. Most of the time (except for the baths) it’s turns out pretty well. Also, I like it when everyone is kind to each other.

MARVIN & MAVIS

crow on a fence, photograph by June Hunter

Sometimes life can throw you challenges.

With a bit of perseverance though, you can learn new things.

Sometimes your loved ones will try to do helpful things …

… which will result in a hairdo like this. But, they love you and they mean well, so just keep your beak shut and say thanks.

THE BUSHTITS

Sometimes it’s nice to get together will a bunch of friends over the festive season.

… but sometimes it’s nice to spend a bit of quiet time on your own.

THE CHICKADEES

Be bold! Be free! Don’t miss out on the peanuts!

And that’s about it from all of us over here at The Urban Nature Enthusiast. The sparrows and juncos wanted to put their five cents in as well, but I have still got some wrapping to do!

Thank-you so much to everyone who has read the blog this year and sent me so many kind comments.

Have the very brightest holiday season, whether it’s being surrounded by friends and family, or simply enjoying the quiet of the winter season with some good books and walks outside. Much love to all of you.