Sun, Sky and Crow Calls
The world outside my window
“When I write I feel like I am opening windows to let the light pour in.”
Lemn Sissay
I open my eyes into the darkness, move and stretch gently, then reach for the soft, low light of my lamp, before tiptoeing down to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. I make my way slowly onto my cushion, light a candle and start my morning meditation.
Each day brings a new feeling, a new experience.
Today I gaze softly at the candle and notice that as the spark begins to fade, it no longer lights up the room. The flame shrinks to the smallest little glow of blue and yellow, which flickers gently before slowly fading into darkness. Smoke rises and all dissipates into nothing.
I sink back into a deep obsidian black, my energy as heavy as this dark morning and wonder how to find my spark again.
As I wait in this smoky darkness for the sun to rise, I wish for the light of a new day to bring hope, clarity and freedom. I call on the sun to shine a light along my path, to bring me joy and happiness, and show me a new way of being, a new way of seeing.
"How do you do it?" said night,
"How do you wake and shine?"
"I keep it simple," said light,
"One day at a time."
Lemn Sissay
I look towards the window, open the blinds, and see the dark night turning into a deep dusky blue. A cool velvety light filters up from the horizon and I can see a soft pink ribbon resting low in the sky, as the deep blue above begins to lighten.
The day has yet to start, but I can see the jackdaws awaken from their roosts, calling out in their distinctive voices, offering a cacophony of sound. Pairs who have mated for life, sit together preening, reconnecting and building their bond together.
I have been watching these birds arrive and depart throughout the day since my daughter went to University. I have been sitting at her desk, looking out of the window and seeing a whole new world appear in front of me. As I watch these sociable birds I have been wondering how to identify them, as all I can see are their black shapes silhouetted against the sky.
“In fact, of course, the crow family is famously diverse, even the black or nearly black ones on the British list: rooks, jackdaws, choughs, carrion crows and ravens differ widely in character, habits, appearance, diet and their manifold interactions with people.”
Gods of the Morning, John Lister-Kaye
By observing their activities, trying to get a closer look, and using apps and websites to help, I have been able to identify these new found friends, as jackdaws. They are a consistent and intriguing presence in my day.
As the sun appears above the horizon, its semi-circle shape brings brighter colours, yellows, oranges and pinks merge with soft light blues, offering a special kind of warmth to the morning. I watch the jackdaws swoop down and begin to search for food, they will eat most things including seeds, fruit, earthworms, slugs, snails and spiders. These clever birds will happily scavenge for food wherever they can.
What a joyful way to start my day, with observation and creating a connection to a these familiar birds, who could so easily go unnoticed.
The rise of the morning sun
Lifts me into a new day
That precious light awakens
The life that comes my way
Poem by Anne
At midday when the sun is high, and the sky feels vast and open, I enjoy the feeling of spaciousness and pause to notice how the jackdaws are flying back to their nests. It’s wonderful to see them dive and play freely as they glide through the air.
Towards spring they may cheekily, steal materials for their messy nests. Things like twigs, wool, hair and shiny objects may all be taken to create a special place for their nestlings. I admire this cheeky, playfulness and the fun they seem to have as they fly.
Later in the day, while in another room, I can see the sun starting to drop down towards the horizon, with purples, reds, and oranges painted across the sky. Returning to my desk I am keen to watch the jackdaws gather together in their communal roosts. They swoop and swish through the air, as they flock together to join their friends and sit along the rooftops. Calling out in a ‘clattering,’ as they start to prepare for the evening ahead. It’s quite a display, as these dark birds fly through the sky and fill the air with their calls.
Moments of transition
From dark to light
And back again
Into the night
Poem by Anne
Watching as the light begins to fade back towards the night and the last remnants of sunlight are filtering through the dark evening sky. I am fascinated to see the jackdaws begin to settle, their voices calm, their playfulness ends and they get ready to snuggle up together to keep warm for the night.
My heart has been warmed, my mind has settled and I am ready to relax, thanks to the jackdaws for their reassuring presence and regular routine.
The light returned to my day because I stopped to notice. Because I took my time to research, to discover and find out more about these little black corvids that visit me each day with their playful, yet noisy ways. I watched the sunrise, the sunset and noticed the changing habits of the jackdaws as the sun drifted through the sky.
All these things could have easily been missed if I hadn’t paid attention. Nature is right there waiting for us, if we just stop to notice.
What could you notice today that may just brighten your day?
What is right outside your window waiting to be discovered?
Could you become curious and discover more about nature?
About jackdaws and other birds…
RSPB - How to identify the crow family
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust - Crows and shrikes
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre - A clattering of jackdaws - poem
Useful nature apps
Merlin Bird ID - identify birds
Woodland Trust Tree ID - identify trees
PlantNet - identify plants
Volunteer in Nature
Isle of Wight Volunteer Centre
Ahh the bittersweetness of sitting at your daughter's window looking out at the birds, no doubt taking flight just as she is...
A lovely piece of writing, framing your day with the jackdaws. They are such amazing birds, so full of character - I think you really caught their movement with the rythm and pace of your words.