Fowl Afield

The corn fields along Buffalo Road have been harvested, the yellowed stalks with their full unhusked ears of corn intact, safely tucked in a silo somewhere to sustain cows over the long cold winter. All that remains of the bountiful harvest is the short stubble of the stalks and brittle strips of long skinny leaves lying along the rich brown earth. On cold days, even the snow doesn't hide the chopped-off roots poking their snouts out of the soilbed, sniffing the frigid air.

Today while driving home from work, I glanced at the naked field, missing the lush greenery of summer. Somehow the fields looked a bit different. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The hacked off ends of the corn stalks, yellowed and sharp, the strips of long leaves, the clumps of dirt showing through the snow - everything seemed normal.

The wind was driving a light smattering of snow so hard that it looked like mist streaming sideways. I glanced across the road towards the field on the opposite side of the street. Suddenly, a clump of dirt moved! Then another clump seemed to shake itself. Wait, that's not dirt! Those are geese hunkered down among the stalk ends, their bills tucked under their wings, their bodies black against the haze of flying snow.

As I looked closer, I realized fully half the field was filled with geese squatting down, being still. The corn stalk stubble must provide some protection against the driving wind and snow. THAT's why the fields look different! I wondered at the wisdom of finding shelter in an open field. I suppose it provided a place for them to stay together as a group, and if they got hungry, they could conveniently glean dropped kernels of corn and bugs and such. It also provided a clear line of vision should any predators approach, and a quick unencumbered get away.

The field itself was surrounded by stands of trees and buildings that would block the wind somewhat, and the stalk ends are taller than grass, the visible soil likely warmer than snow covered hills. Why these geese had not yet made it to warmer climates was something of a puzzle. Perhaps they were hanging around to oblige those bent on bagging a Christmas goose. Perhaps their internal clocks were not wound tightly enough.

Whatever the reason, the sight of an entire gaggle of geese blanketing the field, tucked adroitly amongst the leftovers, valiantly striving to stay warm in a mini blizzard made me appreciate my warm car with working heater, my cozy apartment with water filled heating ducts that ping merrily as they warm, the cheerful fireplaces at work that quickly thaw my frozen fingers and toes.

How fortunate I am to be comfortably warm on a snowy day! May I be mindful of those who have to be clever about how to stay warm or work hard to maintain an even temperature, and may I lend a hand where I can.