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.”

One Guess

The American Kestrel puppies are flying fast and furiously around the city. On Sunday, at least one had fledged successfully from the Park Slope cornice. He’s on the roof right above his natal cavity. There was a male in the ailanthus in the backyard as well. Not sure if it was the same one. Yes, another ailanthus. This is the fabled tree that grows in Brooklyn (backyards). Very convenient for the fledglings at this nest and for the ones on our corner (which is approximately 1.75 miles to the south of this nest).Now, back to that first guy, who hopped down to the end of the roofline and perched awhile on the cornice of the building next door.

***

Also in America: the fascists, taking their cue from their leader Trump, are propagandizing an “invasion” at the borders. This is abject nonsense and racist hysteria. Also, contrary to Il Douche’s twitter-ravings, due process is guaranteed to everyone within our borders. The man’s contempt for the Constitution is boundless, and it’s shared by his supporters. That’s the terrifying thing today: a fanatical base that would clearly welcome a police state. The enemies of democracy have never made themselves more visible, and, having captured the Republican Party, never more dangerous. Call them out. Shun them. Don’t shop there. Say no, goddamn it, no!

mthew

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4 responses to “One Guess”

  1. Array

    These kestrels are so gorgeous to see!
    Can’t wait for this illegal farce to end. Omg, I am tired of this show. It really reminds ne historically of the days before the French Revolution. Or is that my wishful thinking?
    I read today that the foreign money received by his businesses that he said he would donate has hit a snag as it is too much work to track it in the hospitaliy industry and would be an invasion of privacy of the guests! It is too much trouble to follow the Constitution, says Mr. Cheato Head!

    Reply
  2. Paul Lamb

    Is the ailanthus considered a non-native invasive?

    Reply
    1. mthew

      It is, but there’s no stopping it. It will grow out of the roof of an abandoned building (there are, however, less and less abandoned buildings now that every international gangster wants to park their money in NYC real estate). The one near me is gigantic, made every larger-looking by a near neighbor.

      Reply
      1. Paul Lamb

        metaphor for your coda?

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