American Golden Plovers are undoubtedly flashy birds. Throw that black, gold and white critter into a field of spring wildflowers on a bright and sunny evening in Alaska’s Arctic, and…wow. Keep in mind that this is the same tundra that many members of congress would have you believe is a barren wasteland suitable only for exploitation. This wildflower and wildlife filled garden in no way meets that description. Still, it isn’t a landscape that can be appreciated from afar. It’s best seen from the ground, on foot, or knees, or even, from flat on your stomach. The lovely details are small, the flowers bright and delicate. And everything about the arctic summer is ephemeral. The presence of the birds, the blooms, even the sun itself, is passing, and quickly.
I think the tundra has a lot to teach us.
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