Distantly Watching
Yesterday, I figured out that I don’t need to remain entirely ignorant about what is happening in the world during my endeavor to avoid news about politics or the government. Reading in my online community I spotted mention of a winter weather alert in some southern states of the U.S. Curious for more detail about that, I looked in on The Weather Channel.
What I found was nonstop news about the wildfires burning around Los Angeles. Yikes! Wind gusts reached 100 mph in places. Eventually, I spotted they were showing future radar scenes for Texas in a little window that showed the potential for significant snow. Dallas, Memphis, Nashville, and on toward the east/northeast will be getting a blast of winter precipitation today and tomorrow.
Up here in our local world, it is possible we might see some snowfall this afternoon, but they are predicting little to no accumulation.
It is always strange to me when weather conditions at our home up north are calm when dramatic wildfires and winter storm warnings are raging in the west and to our south. How did we get so lucky?
For a short while in the morning yesterday, it looked as if all the birds in the area had vanished. I wondered if they knew something about the weather that we didn’t. There wasn’t a single pigeon flying around the vicinity of the paddocks and barn overhang.
There was still one quiet bird, “Plucky,” sitting all fluffed up on top of a fence post under the overhang, but that didn’t surprise me. When I took Asher out for a “sniffari” exploration just before noon, I didn’t see pigeons anywhere. For that matter, I didn’t even hear a single bird call from any type of bird.
It was eery.
Without explanation, when we showed up to feed the horses in the late afternoon, a fraction of the usual number of pigeons reappeared. As I was hauling bales of hay from the shed to the barn, I noticed a flock of smaller birds with muted coloring flittering around the big doors. Everything seemed perfectly normal.
Maybe they all knew a hawk or an eagle that I failed to notice was perched nearby, distantly watching.
My heart goes out to those impacted by the catastrophic wildfires in California and Mexico, as well as the folks who are not accustomed to navigating the hazards brought on by winter snowstorms that are coming their way.
I’ll be watching your situation from afar as things progress throughout the day and sending love to all, both citizens and responders.
.
.
Relative Something 
Bird flu might be an answer to the shortage of birds. The news has been showing the impact on some flocks of Canada geese and ducks; perhaps it impacts small flocks like your pigeons?
Anonymous
January 9, 2025 at 3:58 pm
Yes! We’ve wondered if that was a possibility but we suspected we’d see more birds suffering or showing up dead. Occasionally, we have found dead pigeons and wondered if it might be illness, but nothing appears to have run rampant on a larger scale.
johnwhays
January 9, 2025 at 4:02 pm
Good observation on alternative news sources, John! I somehow ended up on a free subscription to something called Nice News, which focuses on good news, science news, practical hacks, etc. It comes daily via email.
My stepson, Danny, and his wife and 10-yo son are (were) renting a house in Pacific Palisades while building a house, also in the Palisades. Their rental, with all their belongings, burned to the ground yesterday. So far, the new build seems to be in the opposite direction of the fires — but they’re far from out. Fortunately, Danny and family have resources, unlike many who are losing everything. But insurance won’t cover much, if anything, as wildfires are an “act of God.” We never think of things like this happening to us, do we?
Love,
Your cousin Katy
Anonymous
January 9, 2025 at 12:28 pm
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of a personal story from individuals impacted. Also, for the idea of Nice News! Truly counting our blessings for the peace we are enjoying today at our home!
johnwhays
January 9, 2025 at 1:53 pm
I recently authored an opinion piece for the local newspaper, addressing the significant limitations faced by volunteer fire departments here in Vermont. In light of the ongoing disasters in California, it raises a critical concern: if a large-scale incident were to occur in Vermont, it is highly improbable that our volunteer crews would possess the necessary training, equipment, or experience to manage the situation effectively.
Thomas Slatin 🏳️🌈
January 9, 2025 at 7:59 am
Well written, Thomas. Thanks for sharing that. I’ve not witnessed our area’s fire department in action in the 12 years we’ve lived here. You’ve got me thinking I should learn more about our situation.
johnwhays
January 9, 2025 at 10:22 am
John, Nick Shatek might have some good insights or thoughts on how prepared small volunteer fire departments are.
— Katy
Anonymous
January 10, 2025 at 1:04 am
Yes! Thanks for this thought. Wish it were easier to get together with the Shateks for many reasons, including banter about rural EMS responses.
johnwhays
January 11, 2025 at 11:40 am