Germany’s Wild Beasts

On my nature walks, I try to pay attention to all flora and fauna. While my antennae are always on alert for avian activity, they also register other animals. During our sojourn in Germany, I happened upon a few scaly and furry creatures, and some sat still long enough to enable me to take their … Continue reading Germany’s Wild Beasts

Birding In Germany

Last week I sang the praises of May travel. The floral profusion which so impressed us was met, if not exceeded, by the plenitude of birds, as we were in Central Europe during the same season as many migrants from Africa. Because most of my previous visits had happened in late fall, I had missed … Continue reading Birding In Germany

Springtime In Germany

I hadn’t paid a vernal visit to Germany for many years, until my husband and I arrived there in early May of this year. Living in the semi-arid climate of Colorado’s Front Range, we are accustomed to many more shades of brown than of green, but the photoreceptors responsible for numerous nuances of that latter … Continue reading Springtime In Germany

Peace On Earth

As varied as our backgrounds and beliefs, most of us undoubtedly share the hope of a peaceful future for all (wo)mankind. Despite interpersonal differences and strife, we all know individuals who exemplify the good in humanity, or recall instances when someone’s unexpected conduct stopped us in our tracks, and made us reflect how we would … Continue reading Peace On Earth

Wintry Impressions

Winter solstice is rapidly approaching, the meteorologic beginning of the fourth season. While the attendant cold, muted colors, and reduced avian activity render this time of year less attractive to many, in one respect winter’s beauty is unrivaled. Die Wintersonnenwende nähert sich mit rasenden Schritten, und mit ihr der meteorologische Beginn der vierten Jahreszeit. Auch … Continue reading Wintry Impressions