Swan Song

Today's front page story in the Syracuse Post-Standard is abysmally shocking and depressing for a everyone, but especially for a Wiccan. After yesterday's Earth Day celebration, to read this news this morning made me want to cry and then rant and rave. To read the story here is the link to Syracuse.com Swan story
Two beautiful swans named Manny and Faye, in the town of Manlius, near Syracuse, have been tending to a nest of 8 eggs in their little swan pond. This swan pond is a lovely spot, and much-beloved by the townsfolk, and by many others in the area.
Some person or persons, during the night, destroyed all the eggs. Broken shells were found up and down the street. The swan parents are now in a period of mourning. The callous, heartless, senseless act by these reprobates is very painful. There are many good people in the world who care so much for the planet and all upon it. This carnage is a visible representation of the other people who occupy space on earth who continue to cause the blight, the pollution, litter, and general lack of even the slightest concern for our Mother.
According to a spokesman for the town of Manlius, there is still time for this lovely pair of swans to re-nest. Efforts are being taken this week to construct a floating nest area on the pond itself for the parents to safely hatch their eggs.

We can hope for a happy ending to this sad story.
 

Soaring Eagles

Nicholas Lisi/The Post-Standard

 
An incredible sight here in the Syracuse NY area.  20 eagles have been seen soaring over our Onondaga Lake. They settle into trees surrounding the lake, providing wonderful photographic opportunities. Our Sunday newspaper (The Post-Standard)  had beautiful pictures and a story that tells of the return of the eagles after decades. The eagle was on the endangered species across the United States, but has been removed. This magnificent bird is flourishing around the country. It is remarkable to have them settled in here for the winter, in such an urban environment. There is concern though. Onondaga Lake, up until recently, was considered one of the most polluted lakes in the US. Years of chemical dumping before the 1970s by industries surrounding the lake, left it damaged almost beyond repair. Efforts in recent years to clean the lake up have been successful, but the lake bed is the repository of mercury and other toxic chemicals. The eagles taking fish out of this lake could face, among other effects, fertility issues.

Nicholas Lisi/The Post-Standard

Onondaga Lake has a place of importance for the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, now referred to in their own language as the Haudenosaunee. The eagle is a revered symbol; of peace, of spirituality. Seeing the eagles return is a reason to celebrate, but also, a reason to heed the mistakes of the past and continue to restore the lake.

The Tree of Peace
by John Kahionhes Fadden

For more information on the Haudenosaunee, click here

February Fairies: What is this about? On my sidebar, you can click on the button, and be whisked away to the Whimsical Cottage blog. Danni is hosting a month of guest blogs, art, stories and more, all about the Fae. Her goal is to bring some lively posts to help us all get through these long winter days. I am going to be a guest blogger there on February 12th.

Also, note that the fundraiser is still going on for the Syracuse University students who are flying to Great Britain in March to attend Spring Solstice observances at Stonehenge. Every little bit helps. Click the button on my sidebar (Pagan Students) for all the info.