Lockdown Diaries: Day 43 - In our absence

In our absence, the birds fly without caution. The mammals quickly remember what it's like to own the land, the birds the sky, and the insects continue as they always did, but more: for there's no one spraying pesticide, or cutting the wild growing hedges. Our withdrawal into our homes gives the land a chance to heal.

One such example, a beautiful example, shows what can happen when we go. An abandoned vehicle, left who knows how many years ago, becomes a perfect place for a pair to raise their young.

Within the confines of the pick-up, where once the dog would have stood as the crofter drove over the land towards the livestock, the buzzards seized an opportunity. Where once was full of hay, baler's twine, wellies and waterproofs, the birds have claimed as their own. With an old piece of rubber to insulate against the hard metal floor, with straw and other debris added chaotically on top, the buzzard makes enough of a hollow to keep secrets in place and there, lays two perfect eggs.

The adult incubating will be able to keep a keen eye out of the expanse around her: she'll be able to see disturbance coming from a while away. Hunkered down, the sides of the structure will protect her and the chicks from the worst of the weather. But this spring we've been blessed with sunshine, and she'll feel the warmth on her back as she sits tight and keeps her precious young warm. And, with patience and determination the chicks will soon break their way into the world and the cycle will start again.

There is so much going on in the world outside our vision. There's hope around every corner, if you know where to look. To peek over the edge here and see the wild building it's story, is to realise that we're okay. Through the midst of hardship and fear, life goes on. ​