Today marked the first time in 17 months I have been able to walk around the Naval Academy – a walk I’ve enjoyed for 20 years. Not only was it a pleasure to return to the trees and waterway views I’ve enjoyed for many years, but I had the added bonus of sharing the delights with Larry. We had a leisurely walk, and I tried not to be too anxious about my old friends, the ospreys Opal & Oscar, who’ve nested at the Academy for many years.
My heart stopped as we approached the outer perimeter of the “Yard” where we could see the field-light pole and the sturdy nest perched on top. One of my old friends – Oscar or Opal, was on the adjacent pole. I will look forward to keeping a look out for both old friends over the coming weeks.
I also observed over the soccer field a second nest, perhaps one of Oscar & Opal’s progeny. I didn’t see the birds or get close enough to see the nest’s construction. I’ll keep you updated.
Opening Lines 
I always wondered why you focused on these birds every year. You gave them names, you reported on their comings and goings. You wrote essays about them. It seemed silly. I was wrong.
Like Tess of the D’Ubervilles, when you walk in that hour between night and day, you connect with the universe. The awakening world becomes an extension of yourself. It’s as if, like Tess D., you feel your soul leaving your body and communing with the life around you – almost pagan in it’s primal simplicity. You become the congregation in a dawn cathedral, without dogma, or liturgy.
I’m so glad the Naval Academy is back open. One by one, things are returning to normal.
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We’ll hope so. 🤞😊