PIPING PLOVER
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Humans and piping plovers share 60% of the same DNA. Only 8,000 still remain.
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The small, sand-colored piping plover is named for its melodic, plaintive whistle and best known for their “foot trembling” dance: Dashing along the beach, the bird suddenly stops to extend one foot to rapidly pat the sand. The resulting vibrations bring worms to the surface or startle insects into moving, making them easier to catch.
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As ground-nesting birds, piping plovers are especially susceptible to human disturbance, making their homes on the same beaches valued for residential and commercial development.
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Breeding and rearing success is threatened by off-road vehicles, which tear up habitat and crush eggs and chicks; foot traffic; increased predator populations attracted to human refuse; and unmonitored pets.
Three Movements of Prayer
Reflect
Linger awhile to cast your loving gaze and curious mind on the photos above or below of our more-than-human kinfolk.
Allow yourself to become aware of and experience your mutual connectedness in the unfolding mystery of life.
Express gratitude for this other being’s existence and their vital place in Earth’s balanced biosphere.
Lament
Consider the specific challenges and threats this creature now faces. Allow yourself to feel your feelings.
Feel what some call "the great sadness." Open to the grief this creature faces, and imagine a time when this, your kinfolk, is extinct. Lament their absence and acknowledge any contribution you may have knowingly or unknowingly made.
Risk becoming emotionally engaged as you now send your prayers and your compassionate protection to the individuals and communities of this fellow-creature.
Respond
Hold up your fellow humans and the organizations that are serving these dear and vulnerable populations.
Name any further responses or actions that may be surfacing from this time of contemplation and prayer.
As you finish, take a final look at one of the photos of this dear one for whom you’ve prayed. Carry the image in your heart as you return to our shared life in our shared home.
As I pictured this cute little bird running up and down sandy shores, with sun warming the air and water, I smiled. There was joy at watching the small bird busy at work, gathering food for itself and its young. But then, I was aware of all the high-rise condos. Self-absorbed people carrying the day's trappings for a noisy, rowdy day at the beach. I've been that unaware human. I've supported those vacation spots, all the while unaware of the intrusion (invasion?) I was funding. I know these birds must adapt to our presence. But how can it adapt if there's nothing/no place left for them? Life is hard enough for these little ones, without us multiplying the odds of survival to null. I am truly sorry for my ignorant and thoughtless ways. May these little ones thrive both with our help and in spite of it. Protect their chicks. Broaden their nesting grounds and bring them an abundance of safe food. And may their be humans who serve them and help insure their future well-being. Amen.