Laurie welcomes a familiar stirring. Spring is coming.

By Laurie Stone

The other day I stood in my yard when I heard that lovely sound. Against the blue sky was the familiar V-formation of a dozen geese, trumpeting their arrival like noisy house guests. I watched, feeling that familiar stirring. Spring is coming.

I’ve grown to love these animals. I follow their trail in the sky and wonder if other humans stop and watch their passing, paying homage to creatures that make an incredible journey without maps, planes, or radar.

Yes, they can be pests with their droppings and loud, squawking presence, but they’re also endearing with smooth gray, feathery bodies, and white chinstraps. Apparently, they fly around 3000 feet up, but have been spotted as high as 29,000.

In my youth I barely noticed them, too intent on playing with Barbie or later, flirting with the new neighborhood boy.

Now in my later years I stop and savor the rhythms of nature. Compared to the frenetic human world, there’s something unhurried and soothing about the cycles of animals.

I made a quick search on Wikipedia. During their time here, geese will mate in freshwater lakes and ponds. Both parents will raise their goslings although the female spends more time at the nest. From time to time, I see geese families crossing the road with one parent leading and one at the end, fluffy yellow goslings in the middle, all in a straight line.

Most will stay for six months and then head south. The babies must be strong enough to make the journey. In October I’ll watch them leave, honking their noisy goodbyes. The sight always leaves me sad. Another warm season has ended. Another winter is coming.

But that’s in the future. For now, the geese have arrived, bellowing out their hellos. Spring is coming! And I’m happy.

Laurie Stone writes from the woods of Easton, Conn. Her blog, “Musings, Rants &Scribbles,” shares thoughts on growing up, older and (hopefully) wiser. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.