Yes at this time of household lockdown we are restricted in our nature connection but we can enjoy what we see before us however small that is. When I say small I mean a small space as well as a small flower, bee, lichen or whatever.
Each day I go into our garden which is big for some and take the time to look around it, particularly for small things such as an insect or plant and I focus on that one creature for a small amount of time and I get a joy fix.
The first day out I noticed something I don’t recall seeing in the garden before. This is probably because I hadn’t taken the time to do so. The thing or creature this time was one of our larger hoverflies. Unusually for me I didn’t rush to identify it but went for the being with it approach.
The hoverfly caught my attention as it was at eye level or just below. There’s a certain skill involved which I might need to hone in watching them. I’ll try and break it down.
The first thing is they catch your eye or come into view. Secondly you fix your gaze on them and then thirdly you follow them. That sounds simple yet not as easy as it sounds!
I noticed how I am unable to see their wings as they are beating so fast. Seconds doesn’t come into it! The wings are just a blur!
The one I was observing held its course in one position for about 20 seconds. I need to get a timer next time – but I was just enjoying the moment! I guess that’s why it’s called a hoverfly! Then it would move a short distance either up or sideways slightly. Think miniscule attack helicopter! Then it would repeat the process again and again. Every now and then it would give a sudden burst and I would loose its position. I watched it until I did lose it completely.
It is peculiar having watched it for seconds, its movement broken up into segments made time stand still. Yet at the same time, time passed and my soul was stirred.
When looking at the hoverfly not only did I notice the movement of wings and its overall movement, I observed the shape and colour. The detail comes more in to view as you take time to look. This is a challenge though with a hoverfly. Easier with a bumblebee…
Bumble-bee also bumblebee, “large, hairy type of bee,” 1520s, replacing Middle English humbul-be (altered by association with Middle English bombeln “to boom, buzz,” late 14c.), probably originally echoic.
Etymonline.com
Yesterday a bumblebee caught my attention. I dropped onto hands and knees. Being such a large fluffy insect doesn’t help get you off the ground so easily. Although when they are up I have seen them fly rapidly off.
This one was definitely bumbling! It couldn’t quite make up its mind. Isaac saw me with it and asked if they sting. I said when I was in Junior school I used to hold them and was never stung. Funny I’m more respectful of them now. I did hold my hand out to see if it would climb on but it wasn’t interested.
After a minute it discovered a purpose which still puzzles me. I asked the question why are you doing this? This refers to finding a section of long grass. Before my eyes it slowly disappeared from view in a circular fashion, spiralling down. I could only just make it out below the height of the grass before me, even at a hand span away from my face. Then after tightening its circle and having a breather the reverse took place. It was then back out in the open after 2 minutes submerged in swirled grass. Lifting off heavily it took to the air, to another part of the garden.
I shall continue going into my garden at this time. I’ve found some features I will be checking out. Going round the edges is a good place to watch. Why not if you’re able get on your hands and knees. It’s a good place to be for other reasons too!