OPEN LINK

Hello, poet friends, today I thought I'd share some images from my beloved Clayoquot Sound. These beautiful wolves were filmed this spring by Park officials, who monitor the state of wildlife constantly through the year, to make sure we are being good neighbours to our fellow creatures. Some beaches had to be closed to allow the wolves to pass through the area without any unfortunate encounters. Black bears are wandering through the forest trails, looking for berries.

Visual Communications photo

Each spring between three and a half and four MILLION seabirds stop here, to  rest and gain weight before continuing their migration. Locals and tourists (and especially dogs) are encouraged to give them space, as they are so exhausted that, without resting, some of them will not make it to their destination. Grey whales also make their passage along the coast from the birthing grounds in Baja to the feeding grounds in the Arctic. Some of them stay here for the season. But sadly, this year, 30 greys have washed ashore along the west coast, dead from starvation. The climate crisis and the heating up of the ocean has reduced their food sources and the population has been reduced by 6000 migrating whales since 2016. That is an alarming amount of deaths. 

I hope we don't see the loss of whales in our lifetime. It is so painful. They are intelligent mystical creatures. When one rolled on its side and cast her enormous eye on me, it was like looking into the eye of God.

Mike Nulty photo

Beaches are dog heaven for local and visiting dogs. Happiness is a big stick!

This week we thought we'd offer an open link. Times are busy; folks are tired. Let's polish off and share a poem, old or new, for some good reading through the week.

The link is active until 8 p.m. Sunday evening Detroit time. I am looking forward to your poetic offerings.