Life In Our Backyard

Today I spent some time under a tree out in my back yard. I picked a spot out on the south side of my yard because there is a large tree that I wanted to sit under. When I first sat down the only thing I could think of was how chilly it felt out there. The wind was cold and unforgiving. I decided I would try to focus on my task at hand and try to ignore the temperature. What was my task? Well I was to focus on nature. What could I see? What could I hear? How did it all interact? 

As I took my spot under the tree I was greeted by Russa, my 7 year old Pit Bull. She nudged me in hopes that I was out there to play. I greeted her in return and patted her head, and as I sat down and began to take some notes she lost interest and walked away to find her favorite spot under our back porch. I focused on sounds first; closing my eyes I tried to identify them. The wind rustling through the trees, the leaves, the large palm tree in the front yard. The sounds were strong and clear; the wind found all the spots available to it and slid its way through them. Then I could hear the sparrows, the many, many sparrows all happily chirping their songs. I could hear their serenades coming from all around me. Above me in the tree I sat under, across me in the tree 10 feet away, and to the left of me in the large Eucalyptus tree. I could also begin to hear the cries of crows as they called out to each other. Pigeon coos also danced in the air, though I must admit there were other bird sounds I heard; I unfortunately could not recognize which of our feathered friends were responsible for the lovely tunes. I heard the dogs across the street barking, followed by my neighbors Chihuahuas, and then Russa responding to them. The horses in the field behind me also sent out their sounds calling out to each other. 

Next I focused on sight. I noticed all the prior birds mentioned in action, they interacted with each other and with the vegetation. Sparrows moved from one location to the next. From tree tops to the fence, from the fence to the palm tree and just seemed to chase each other from one local to another.They fluttered in midair, happily singing their tunes, or would touch the ground and peck a while before flying off. The four crows I spotted seemed to be particular to the tallest palm tree, they perched there while scoping out the area. The trees and the birds seemed to be a good example for commensalism. Through their interaction the tress themselves provided shelter for the birds, while the birds didn't seem to do much for the tress. These also drew my attention. While some trees lay bare waiting for spring to arrive; others were blooming as if it already were here. 

I looked at the ground and at first glance I could only see dead leaves and a few rocks on the moist soil. But as I took a closer look I could see hundreds of busy little ants. They were dark, the color of the dirt and seemed to camouflage perfectly with the land. They were busy all moving quickly in their own direction, knowing exactly where to go. I was struck by how strong they are. The wind came and tried to bully them in different directions but they remained steadfast, their routes would not be redirected.  I noticed many were on their way to a decomposing lemon. I also noticed what appeared to be small fruit flies trying to gain access to the same lemon and so I focused my attentions to this interspecific competition. I reasoned that these small insects might battle each other for the lemon. Well I was I wrong; the insects seemed to share their resource. Both worked away at the lemon without getting into each other’s way. 

As I sat out there today enjoying my “I am one with nature” time, I realized a few things. First, I must make time to clear out the back yard; the annual and perennial weeds are starting to take over! Second, I had a very enjoyable time. It was very nice to be out there focused on other things that can bring us peace and enjoyment. I took a moment and sat in one of my kids makeshift swings and as I looked around, I realized why they love spending so much time out there. 

Biotic (living) things I encountered:
Sparrows, crows, pigeons, horses, ants, trees, weeds & grass, fruit flies, cactus, and my dog :) 


Abiotic (non living) things I encountered: Dead leaves, dirt, rocks, neighbors old boat, fence, dead branches, water hose.