Twilight has an essence all its own. Have you noticed?
Encompassed within this daily theater is a sense of timelessness. Earth sighs. Lingering daylight wanes as the eastern horizon extends an escorting hand toward this serene entity. Skyward artistry unfolds as rich hues of deepening complexity paint a glimmering masterpiece. Lush, musky scents blanket cooling air. Sounds of nature, once hidden by the rush of day, effortlessly arise, their clarity akin to tuning a radio dial. Seeking attention, adoration, pause.
A quest to indulge in such incomparable essence is embarked upon by visitors to Deer Haven Park. A solo seasonal, open wagon event marking the first full moon of autumn’s equinox. With much of the park’s wildlife favoring dawn and dusk for their primary daily activity, the group’s anticipation of what adventure awaits is palpable.
Turkey vultures gather as early guests arrive. Circling, lofting, performing an aerial display worthy of the stage. Nearly two dozen settle, one by one, balancing atop nearby fence posts. A chorus line, as if in practiced repertoire, wings spread, eyes forward — a welcoming committee inspiring awe. They will soon migrate, but their presence for now is much appreciated.
Loaded and ready to go, the wagon’s wheels ease toward the entrance gate as the evening sun glistens upon freshly cut grasses. A cucumber-melon scent wafts upon an occasional breeze. Talk of wildlife ensues as all eyes are captivated by two white, whitetail grazing straight ahead. Could such a marvelous introduction have been better scripted?
A silent sneaking toward the resident beaver area is inadvertently announced by crickets, whose medley permeates the still air. The surprise pop-in defies hope, however, as the shy creatures seem as still as Reeder Creek’s ponding waters. Created by the beaver’s dam, these pools render appreciated homes to turtles, amphibians, and are favored nesting for waterfowl.
Discussion ensues as the adventure continues, highlighting the Great Blue Heron. Resident raptors also are noted as playing an important role in the park’s ecosystem, such as the red tail hawk, bald eagle, and osprey. The wagon soon rolls to a stop as several white and brown whitetail appear. Curious eyes rise from grazing, ears rotating to hone in. A whitetail’s eyesight sharpens at dusk while its hearing remains consistently acute.
Wild turkeys seem well camouflaged, even as their story is shared. These highly intelligent creatures host upwards of 6,000 feathers, enabling adult flights up to 50 mph. Quite the feat for such large birds. As if on cue, a pair that are tree-roosting take flight, one directly above surprised onlookers. What an amazing encounter!
The variety of species within the park seems endless, their benefits to the ecosystem fascinating. From monarch butterflies to birds, waterfowl, and mammals, the tour covers numerous. A flock of geese is heard, their honking intensifying. Wagon wheels pause, and guests quietly observe with eyes heavenward. Inevitably a V-shaped formation boisterously drifts directly overhead.
A stunning full moon rises as bats zip to and fro, keeping the insect numbers within reason by consuming up to half their body weight nightly. In the distance, a coyote howls. Nighttime foragers these, often negatively viewed upon as predators, but they play an important ecosystem role via their consumption of known disease carrying moles, mice, rats, and other small mammals.
Soon the park wraps its cooling arms around its guests as the susurrus of the trees lulls the group back to the Visitor Center. An unparalleled adventure and education encompassing some of the park’s numerous residents, many of which were kind enough to make their presence known. Alas, another day succumbs to twilight, which then welcomes the cloak of darkness, as the unassuming lives of nature contentedly persevere, at home, beyond the fence.
Dee Calvasina, www.deecalvasina.com, is the author of “Beyond the Fence, The Amazing World of Deer Haven Park,” a writer, speaker, and monthly columnist for the Finger Lakes Times who supports the conservation of military history, nature, and wildlife at DHP.