Monday, November 28, 2011

A Lonely Nuthatch

So, what kinds of things do I find out here so far from any urban area? For a fantastic everyday adventurer such as myself it's not always much different. This white-breasted nuthatch for instance. I've taken many pictures of these little guys when I was close to the city, and here they are again out in the country.

Does that mean there is really no change then? Of course it doesn't. What that means is that I was pretty good at finding nature in the city. The thing that is really different now is that I don't have to find nature. It comes right up to me.

This little nuthatch was actually in one of the big trees right out in front of my house. All I had to do was stand out there for a little while and the birds came right on over. I think for a bird a big tree is like heaven, and I have plenty of those around me.

So as I get settled here in the country have I found any drawbacks? Well, I first want to say that I do like this much better than the city, but yes, there are some negative points about being here. The main one is that I'm still much more alone than I think I would like.

I always liked being alone, but I also always knew that all I had to do was turn around and I would find plenty of people all around me. Now I can't say that. There just aren't many people around here. The people that I've met here are certainly much more friendly than rightfully suspicious city people, but I really don't know any of them very well yet.

I've never been much of a social person, so I take a little longer than most people to make friends. That can make things a bit more lonely for a person when there are so few choices and far fewer chances to make those choices.

And something I've learned from all this is that with nobody to talk to, a person begins to find less to talk about. The only other living being I see every day is my dog, and there isn't much in the way of conversation there. I talk to her, but she only answers back with a wagging tail and an enthusiastic manner.

So when I began this post I found myself with absolutely nothing to say. I had to sit here for a few moments to think of the words to get me started. Once it began though, the words began to flow. It's even been difficult for me to come up with ideas for new fiction over at Rat Tales. My current story has already been written, but future tales are hard to come by.

So after all of the episodes of "Fair" - which is an excellent story by the way - are posted, my next post there will be a little bit different. Instead of a story, I have a post full of philosophical ramblings. I like what I wrote, but it's a bit different than anything I've written there before. Maybe that can be a good thing.

So now that I'm coming to the end of my post here I find that my thoughts have flowed out better than I expected. I thought I would have a very short post, but it transformed itself into a long one. All of these words must have been wanting to burst out the whole time.

But as you all know, blogging still isn't quite the same as a real conversation. I still have to wait for your comments for a response to what I say. In a real conversation I would have been interrupted several times by now, so sometimes blogging is better.

But now I've come to the end and I've barely mentioned my little friend, the nuthatch. Poor little guy. At least he's featured in the pictures. I guess that's better than nothing, right?


Nature Center Magazine - Your starting place for nature!

14 comments:

  1. Well then, come back to Michigan! Just joking, Ratty, you will in time find the balance.

    Your photos are fantastic, and your thought flows wonderfully.

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  2. I talk to trees, I talk to monkeys, I talk to mantis, and more.

    At least, they never fight back, no matter what I say.

    I am a homo sapiens.

    I enjoy that.

    But it may become too lonely if without fighting back for a long time. Isn't that?

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  3. I often thank the animals who pose well for me.It does take some getting used to being just one in a new area.

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  4. I've never had a nuthatch sit still for a photo. Probably because I live in town; too much to distract him.
    I think it would be awesome to live where to do. I love being alone and it doesn't happen often

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  5. You've posted some great pictures of your nuthatch. You need to get better acquainted and, maybe, he'll come to visit you daily.

    Some folks are lonely in the midst of a crowd, Ratty. I've always been able to talk easily to people - even speaking in front of a room of 500 never intimidated me...but you couldn't call them intimate friends. I don't think I could really live in a rural area, though. I like all that a city has to offer - but I do like vacationing in wide open spaces for some peace and tranquility.

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  6. You will adapt well to living in the country I think. I could never live in a city again. It's very nice to live on my own terms and not at the will of the crowd.

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  7. I am a loner myself. Even though I live in this senior apartment building with twenty apartments I hardly ever talk to anyone and don't care to. Only one lady upstairs I talk to on the phone and sometimes in person. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy staying in my own corner of the world with my birds and turtle and all the outside critters. Soon you will have more critters outside that you can see and talk to and you will be content.
    The Nuthatch was nice enough to stay in one spot long enough..Ha! Nice pictures of it! I very seldom see a Nuthatch these days. Last eyar I had one that would come down close all the time.
    Take care Ratty.

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  8. I love nuthatches. I like how they are different from the other birds--working that tree upside-down while singing joyfully. I think that's the key, Ratty. You gotta do your own thing, in your own way, and learn how to live there if that is where you are going to stay.

    I'd find the local places and slowly get to talkin' to folks--I'm sure they aren't moving real fast either. Things away from the city are a lot slower. I'm sure they all know about you and want to know about you as well, so just give it time. You'll meet some new friends in no time.

    I look forward to reading about this new adventure of yours, Ratty. :)

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  9. Hang in there, Ratty . And thak you for saying what you needed to say. For a second there I thought you were talking about me 12 years ago. Not to worry about talking to the dog.

    As far as the people , all you need is a couple of good ones. You'll discover them soon enough.

    Meanwhile , please continue talking to us for we so enjoy your posts. Out of the thirty blogs or so I follow , there are a few that I always read first. I am happy to say that yours is the top of my list.
    Thank you.

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  10. Wow.. the warm colours all around the lil birdie gives off such cheerful vibes. You should cheer up Ratty! Wherever you go if nature follows you along, I'm sure you'd meet lots of good friends to keep company with.

    And friends do not always need to be 2-legged.. and homo sapiens sapiens. Cause sometimes those silent listeners are all we need to make our day. They're the nature's best stress relievers. ^__^

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  11. I love the nuthatches- they seem very friendly without being as nervous as the chickadees.

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  12. Thank you all for your comments. As always, I really enjoy reading them. I hoped to be able to write another post soon after this one, but it's been a very busy few days for me. Hopefully I'll have another one by tomorrow or soon after.

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  13. Very lovely, and I love the soft light, made the picture look friendlier and warmer

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