by jjfaucher (c) 2024
In the quiet corners of my London, Ontario neighbourhood, small wild animals move like whispers—skunks beneath moonlight, squirrels darting through golden leaves, raccoons tracing familiar paths.
These backyard animals aren’t just part of the scenery; they’re part of the story. Each wildlife encounter invites reflection, a moment to pause and notice the everyday wonders of suburban nature.
Whether it’s the flutter of birds at dawn or the slow parade of a nocturnal visitor, urban wildlife reminds me that healing and inspiration often come from the overlooked. This blog is my nature journal, a place where poetic nature writing meets spiritual reflection—and where even the humblest creature carries grace.
Springtime feels like God’s gentle hand awakening nature from its winter slumber. I watch ducks paddle across ponds, their adorable ducklings trailing behind, and sometimes they even waddle down the neighbourhood sidewalks as if they own the place. Squirrels and chipmunks dart busily about, gathering snacks with tireless energy. Groundhogs emerge from their burrows to bask in the warm sun, while beavers diligently repair their dams. These everyday sights remind me how closely we live alongside the wild world, sharing our neighbourhoods with these fascinating creatures just outside our doorsteps.
I learned that the groundhog, known as the woodchuck, frequently emerges from its burrow to bask in the sun and forage for food just outside my window. Observing this creature is a constant source of delight as it intermittently emerges from its burrow. Witnessing how this animal steps out with such confidence, unconcerned with the world and consistently finds sustenance each time it forages, is fascinating. Groundhogs embody a deep trust in the natural order and the sustenance it offers, revealing a wisdom in their way of living that feels almost divine. Their actions demonstrate a profound trust in the world around them, one that we can all learn from.
By observing these little wild animals, I’m struck by how remarkable they are and how much they can teach us about life. They have this innate sense that guides them, an understanding that their needs will be met, echoing the natural provision established by the Creator.
These photographs in my neighbourhood reflect my love for exploring the woods, parks, and rivers nearby. We’re fortunate to live near a section of the river that’s less swampy, making it an ideal spot to watch ducks, geese, and a variety of other fascinating bird species. While I wouldn’t call myself a dedicated bird watcher, I often come across blue jays, herons, and cardinals, which add a special touch to my walks and make each outing even more enjoyable.
Last night, a skunk wandered under my balcony- quiet, deliberate, unbothered by the world’s opinion of its scent or shadow. In its slow parade, I saw more than a wild animal. I saw dignity in the overlooked, beauty in the misunderstood.
Like Heaney’s verse, the skunk reminded me that grace often wears strange garments. Sometimes it comes striped and solitary, showing up in the dark to stir something sacred in us. Not every visitor is welcome at first glance, but some carry wisdom we didn’t know we needed.
Healing through nature. (To be continued…)
by jjfaucher’ 24
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