The family tree

At some point or another, the majority of us have survived or encountered “that family member or event,” that is born out of the ever growing Family Tree. The older we get, the more expansive our families become, developing a delicate tapestry woven by a variety of experiences, personalities, preferences, traditions and backgrounds.

As we meander along the shores of the Shuswap in our boat, I watch as a menagerie of feathered friends flutter about, and it dawns on me how often we look at birds from a singular species aspect. Their various attributes piquing everyone’s interest in a different way; the majestic soaring presence of the bald eagle, the cunning hunt of an osprey, the undulating flight of a flicker, and the distinct call of a loon, just to name a few.

In the boughs of a single pine tree, a plethora of sounds ring out; sharp notes from bohemian waxwings, soft musical lyrics of flycatchers and rhythmic cheeps from nuthatches and chickadees. Along the shore, a lone solitary sandpiper bobs, while a cohort of common mergansers work to corral fish as a pair of loons look on.

In this tiny stretch of wilderness, at least a dozen different birds intermingle and why shouldn’t they, after all they are family! Despite all their differences, at the heart of who they are is a bird! Their goals and objectives are still the same. They work alongside each other respectfully minding each other’s business with the odd spat breaking out. As we sit and watch their everyday life, I often find myself wondering if they appreciate and adapt to each other’s unique qualities. Do those who are habitually in each other’s environment show inherent behaviours of the other?

If we stop and analyze those who make up our family tree, will we find that the irritating behaviour of one and the admirable quality of another is what actually lends its mark to our own uniqueness.

I encourage you all to take a moment and watch the life one single tree supports. How different aspects of the tree provide for different species and in turn how the tree requires those differences to survive; Ones that eat flies off the leaves and bugs from within. Perhaps we all need to take a moment and appreciate our irritating “family tree qualities” as much as our admirable ones!

Stay curious Kamloops!

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