In jogging — let’s be serious, I’m not running — Priory’s campus over the past year, and continuing into the new school year, I thought I’d share about the great enjoyment of the outdoors beyond the physical benefits.
We all know that being outside, and more especially in the deeper parts of nature (parks, forests and the like), our mood improves as we take deeper breaths, our mind’s worried pace slows down, our senses adjust to a space that becomes more invisible. As I make my way down cross country trails and off-beaten tracks, the natural world comes to the forefront. A snapped stick, a rush of leaves, and I pause. Is it something, or just the sounds of a living environment?
Enclosed are some photos, taken with my iPhone, sometimes at a great distance and zoomed in (photography tip: zoom in with your feet rather than the lens). Unfortunately, some creatures you just shouldn’t get close to, or with your approaching presence, you set it escaping for cover from the intruder. While you can see all kinds of wildlife, plants, and trees on our campus (Mr. Schweain is a great help here), here are just a few I’ve been able to find on my “not really looking for anything” outings. Perhaps you may have some encounters to regale us with in the future.
See the link for other images of wildlife and wild places around Priory. https://tinyurl.com/363w7fz6
White tailed deer are prevalent – I’ve seen two or three fawns with does, but typically I just see does on their own. I found two stags among the trees next to the prairie behind Switzer.
Bruce the Goose (or other) by Soccer Fields D & E. Perhaps he’s pondering whether he can commandeer the golf cart. He let me jog past him twice – a very tame goose but they usually hiss if you get too close.
