Exploring Nature: Hopes for
New
Year
A new year is now underway. Like new-fallen snow, there are few tracks and all is pristine, awaiting the accumulated happenings of passing days.
There are at least six things I am hoping for in 2025.
Number one is that my family is healthy and happy and that our nation continues to be a beacon for other people around the world, a place folks want to come to for freedom and safety. Number two, I would be pleased if the trend for wildlife extinctions could be reversed. I would be happy if an Eskimo curlew showed up on Galveston Island, the last place this rare bird was seen back in 1962. A verified sighting of an ivory-billed woodpecker would also be nice. It has been presumed extinct for over 60 years, along with the passenger pigeon, Carolina parakeet and great auk. The Labrador duck is also most likely extinct.
Number three, I am hoping St. Patrick’s Day continues to be a very fortunate day for me. That’s because for the last five years, March 17 has been the date the first hummingbird shows up at my place. I think the little bird, a black-chinned, must be Irish, since that’s the date he always shows up.
Number four, I look forward to my potted orchid plant continuing to flourish with its delicate pinkish- purple-white blossoms. It is almost 12 years old, and I am beginning to think it will outlive me.
Number five, I hope all you folks who read this column will continue to seek it out. Even when I digress and write about things like my hopes for a new year.
Finally, a sixth and final hope — I sincerely hope you have a magnificent 2025, the best year ever!
