The other morning I was leaning on my Mom’s old Art Deco hope chest, looking out the rear second story window as I often do each day. Not looking for anything in particular, just getting a feel for the day ahead in some way.
Suddenly, crossing my vision, there was a Great Blue Heron, a bird which I’ve seen in other parts of my county, but never here. I immediately felt it was a gift.
It flew from the direction of the river, over the few backyards in between, and landed in a fully leafed-out maple across the street. It was a matter of seconds and it became invisible in the tree. My breath was taken away, and I stood there minutes longer watching the unlikely hiding place the heron had chosen.
A few hours later, the heron was still very much on my mind, and I decided to look up what meaning there might be when Heron appears in one’s life. In cases such as these, I look to Ted Andrews who wrote Animal Speak. You can find his insights here. I realize not everyone believes that animals may have meaning in our lives, or messages. However, over the years I have found that, especially when animals appear in unusual places or circumstances, it has been worthwhile to look into it.
There is so much going on in our world right now. I am often overwhelmed with so many emotions. Each time I think about writing a post about any of it, I wonder what could I possibly say that hasn’t already been said before. It seems I do better to center myself as best I can and send out love and light.
I subscribe to the blog of a wonderful friend, Anysia Kiel. She reminds us that when everything seems to be breaking, it is because a transformation is happening, and something new is taking the place of what has gone before. Like the Great Blue Heron who lifts its wings in graceful flight, I realize that the one thing I can do – we can do – is to lift our hearts and hands in love and be part of the transformation.
Still A Dreamer 
Oh yes lovely. The Great Blue Heron has always been my sign of, “You’re on the right path.” I love to write about him. I used to think the same thing when I sat down to write, and maybe it has all been said before, but it hasn’t been told by you. We each have our own perspective to share, so let it pour my darling. xx
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Thank you, Barb. I guess writing about the heron IS my way of sharing my own perspective. Seeing him was such an unexpected stroke of beauty on an uncertain canvas, and the message couldn’t be more timely about being on my right path. Take care.
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That’s exactly what is is. Only you could tell of that specific moment. They seem to always show up in uncertainty. Thank you my darling. xx
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I really appreciate your saying that. More than you know. Have a peaceful, loving day. 🙂
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Beautifully stated, Jeanne! ” I realize that the one thing I can do – we can do – is to lift our hearts and hands in love and be part of the transformation.”
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Thank you, Lavinia. It’s pretty easy these days to feel rather helpless, but we always can do something. I hope you’re well. Jeanne
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How wonderful to see a heron … especially in flight. I’ve seen them from time to time in the water (South Branch of the Raritan River) next to the museum. From one animal lover to another, seeing one is a rare treat.
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They are a treat, indeed, and this one put me on a wonderful path for my day.:-)
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Glad you shared this. When something magical happens in Nature just as I happen to be there, I wonder if it’s divine, a fluke, or if these things are happening all the time but I miss them. I think we do miss a lot, so when something happens when we are able to see it, that in itself is a spark of the divine, or at least the magical.
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Totally agree. I do not believe in coincidences. But yes, we may miss some of them, too, as “focused” as we sometimes get on less consequential things.
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I sometimes see a grey heron – there is sometimes one on the pond where I go to the dene for walks. I find them very strange and beautiful in flight, the way they seem to glide slowly by.
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Aren’t they? Almost ethereal. That photo I found is almost exactly like the one that flew by my window. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen one in flight.
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I am so enamored with herons, especially great blue. We have them in our small neighborhood lake. I can sit and watch them for hours: they don’t move and I don’t move. I’ve written several essays about GBH; they’re so special to me! They are mystical, mysterious creatures. I think you received a gift with these appearance. x
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I definitely felt like it was a gift, and Cheryl, the heron in that photo – no time to get my camera while it was in flight – is exactly what the one looked like that flew by me. Sometimes I see them quite still in a brook as I drive by somewhere, but not in 13 years of living here have I ever seen one here. My guess is he was wading in one of the shallow parts of the river. The Delaware is pretty clean and we do have fish!
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So lovely. I’ll share something with you. Today I was on my birthday walk (52!) and three large red-tailed hawks swooped by my sides and landed on a branch in front of me. They stayed still for so long. We all stood still and stared at each other. It was quite a transcendent moment for me. Then they dispersed all at once. I have worked with hawk medicine before, and they appear often. But today, their appearance felt really special. What messages will they bring? I love that we share a love of animals and animal wisdom. Take care, Jeanne.
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Wow, Cheryl! That really is special! And I can’t help but think about that number 3 – has to be significant, right? Hmmm … hawk medicine. You’re familiar with Ted Andrews and Animal Speak? He has since passed away but was actually a falconer – and worked with hawks and others – “Probably best known for his work with animals, Ted held state and federal permits to work with birds of prey. He performed wildlife rescue and worked in wildlife rehabilitation and education. ” Whenever I see unusual animal appearances – like yours – his is the book I go to. Don’t know if it’s still in print. If not familiar – check out his bio on Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/67863.Animal_Speak What did you make of those 3 hawks? What were they saying to you? I see red-tails, too, but never like that. And Happy Birthday!!
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I am familiar with Andrews and have read his work. I have a couple other go-tos as well. Jamie Sams’ work on animal medicine is a favorite. I think of hawks as messengers. What messages are they bringing? That is still to be discovered. Thanks for the birthday wishes!
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Oooh – another one to know – thanks! A friend of mine just told me she had an experience with a hawk on her morning walk today. A huge hawk circling around, crossing her path three times before landing in a tree. This makes me wonder even more, no?
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Had I seen a heron fly past I too would have been awed and amazed. I have seen herons down the bank from the house by the river, fishing, but as soon as they notice me they take off, ponderously, slowly. I always beg their pardon for disturbing them.
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I would do the same, Friko. When I see them, like you, they are usually wading in a creek or the like. Many years ago, a friend who had a beautiful backyard pond with fish found them disappearing and couldn’t figure out what was happening. It was a very clever and rarely seen blue heron!
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