Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Brooklyn Sunset

I like to think of these as a herd of giraffe, heading towards the last watering hole of the day across the harbor in New Jersey.Brooklyn Bridge Park, where all these pictures were taken tonight, is scarce on mammals. This rat, a creature of the docks if there ever was one, was larger than it looks here.A barge being pulled out by a tugboat stirred up these gulls, most Ring-billed. They like the big, empty, and flat expanses of the piers as places to roost at night.A Common tern, on the lookout for the last meal of the day. There were three or four of these, making more noise than you’d think three or four birds could. Some Barn Swallows were also darting overhead in wild loops and swirls, making smaller noises. The water slapped the piers. Somebody somewhere was grilling. Earlier, the unmistakable skunkiness of pot wafted along the waterfront.I’m pretty sure I saw a blue star, and to the east the Moon was a day short of being as fat as a sturgeon.

mthew

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8 responses to “Brooklyn Sunset”

  1. Elizabeth White

    Love these pictures, Matthew! Were there many people around when Ms. Rat came out? Usually they’re more wary when it’s still light out.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      This rat was on the other side of the pond from me, by the rocky edge of the salt marsh on the south end of Pier 1. Still quite light at 730ish. A woman came down the steps from the hill but neither she nor the rat were perturbed by each other. Brooklynites through and through.

      Reply
      1. Elizabeth White

        Urban chipmunks! They could probably be easily taught to eat from one’s hand (no, I did NOT say “eat one’s hand”) since they’re so fearless.

      2. mthew

        I have it on excellent authority that rats make great pets, devoted to their humans. Unfortunately, their lifespan is awfully short.

    2. Elizabeth White

      They do make good pets. But the short lifespan can be both a disadvantage and an advantage – the sadness of losing a pet so soon (my longest-lived one died at the age of three) – and an advantage: a shorter period of commitment if living circumstances might be changing in the not-too-distant future.

      The worst disadvantage is the way people react to learning that you have a rat for a pet.

      Reply
      1. mthew

        Rats are like pigeons: humans create the conditions they thrive in, and then blame them.

  2. myra hope

    Wow. Thank you for these….in Colorado now, which isn’t short on stunning skies, nor birds and mammals, for that matter….but god bless Brooklyn and all her borough neighbors…it’s home

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Yes, this Brooklyn of ours is a mighty fine place to watch the sun set.

      Reply

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