Do the Animals Know?

I wonder if the animals notice any change in how we humans are behaving. Do they sense something different?

I’ve been going for nature walks on the Charles River path for years and have always enjoyed observing the wildlife and the changing of the seasons. But lately, I have a heightened sense of awareness of the nature around me, because the city is quieter, and all of the normal distractions of everyday life are absent. I wonder if the animals notice any change in how we humans are behaving. Do they sense something different?

I’m sure the dogs know something is up. They must be the happiest creatures on earth right now. Their owners are home 24/7, they go for endless walks, and get lots of attention. But I wonder if they sometimes wish they had the house to themselves again. Governor Cuomo made a funny comment at one of his press conferences about living alone with his dog and said that even the dog annoys him sometimes. I wonder if the dog feels the same way!

I’ve especially been noticing the birds. They congregate in the tree in front of my balcony at home, serenading me with their beautiful melodies. It’s a song of hope, heralding the beginning of spring. One of my favorite signs of spring is the red-winged blackbird. The Audubon Society sends daily emails with positive messages reminding me of the beautiful birds and how important it is to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Their CEO, David Yarnold put it perfectly when he said,

"I often say that you are what hope looks like to a bird. That’s as true as it’s ever been. Now I urge you to listen for the life and warmth in their songs. Let them be what hope looks like—and sounds like—to you."

Lately, I find myself talking to ducks, geese and birds. Well, maybe not full conversations, but just saying hello to them as if they’re pets. Does that sound insane? I stood on the bank of the Charles the other day and two geese were paddling by. Normally, they would’ve continued on their way, but this time they got out of the water and came right up to me. Were they just looking for breadcrumbs, or do they sense something different? Recently, I saw six swans swimming by – more than I’ve ever seen together.

And a few days ago, I saw two geese with seven adorable little goslings grazing on the grass, then later swimming in the river and walking onto the shore together. They were about to cross the path, but a bike rider was about to pass by, so I held up my hand and told the geese to wait in order to protect them. They listened to me. Or did they just instinctively know to wait?