There’s Still A Lot To Be Thankful For

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This has been a rough year in many ways.  Several species are even more endangered than they already were due to bushfires.  We still don’t know how many Western Ground Parrots survived the Esperance bushfires.  But we can at least be thankful that there are some in a breeding program so the species won’t be lost altogether.  Logging has been temporarily stopped on Bruny Island but we need it to permanently stop so Swift Parrots can continue to nest there.  We are still hoping and praying that more Orange-bellied Parrots show up at Melaleuca for breeding.

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IMG_7384aThe miles and points game (aka The Hobby) also took a major beating with huge devaluations by Club Carlson & American Airlines and the potential loss of the SPG to airline transfer which will make airlines tickets much more difficult to get for free using normal household spending.

At the traditional time when Americans count their blessings (a tradition that really needs to be world wide), let’s remind ourselves of what we can be thankful for.

  • I am thankful that I have the opportunity to travel and see the world.  If miles and points went away tomorrow and I couldn’t travel any more then I have still had an amazing run!
  • I am thankful that there are beautiful nature reserves all over the world that protect so many endangered and not-endangered species.  Please get out there and see them!
  • I am thankful that there are birds in the world whose beauty enchants us and charm delights us.  Protect them and treasure them!
  • I am thankful that there are organizations such as the World Parrot Trust, Birdlife and many others who have research biologists out there trying to save  endangered parrots so we don’t lose them from the planet.  Help them as best you can.
  • I am thankful for the local people who gave up poaching wild birds and are now working as guides and other occupations because of ecotourism and that they are able to share their local wildlife with us.  Support them by employing them when you visit their localities.
  • I am thankful for the social media that allows us to be more aware and informed and teaches us to respect, cherish and protect nature. Share, share, share!
  • Wild turkeys in Australia are probably thankful that Thanksgiving ISN’T an Australian holiday!  This is as close as they get to being on one of our tables!

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!